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Online printing specialists instantprint today reveal the results of a nationwide survey of 2,000 UK adults conducted in November 2025, which uncovers surprising shifts in Britain’s Christmas dinner preferences.
While classic staples such as roast potatoes remain firmly in place, the findings show increasing appetite for playful, non‑traditional additions — from ketchup to chicken nuggets.
Roast potatoes top the list at 69 %, followed by turkey at 51 %, stuffing at 48 %, pigs in blankets at 46 % and gravy at 44 %.
Yorkshire puddings (41 %), carrots (38 %) and parsnips (36 %) all make the cut, while cranberry sauce (29 %) and Brussels sprouts (27 %) bring up the rear.
Most notably, this year’s data reveals a growing trend towards comfort‑heavy sides and condiment creativity.
Only 20 % of under‑30s prioritise turkey as their main dish, with many opting for pigs in blankets, mash or Yorkshire puddings.
Among Gen Z, 19 % say they would skip meat altogether if the side dishes were strong enough.
Ketchup has earned a controversial new role as a festive condiment, with 11 % of UK respondents saying it deserves a place at dinner – and in London that jumps to 17 %, surpassing cranberry sauce among under‑25s in the capital.
Other unorthodox sauces mentioned include sweet chilli (6 %), garlic mayonnaise (4 %) and BBQ dip (2 %).
Meanwhile, side dish wildcards are on the rise: 14 % of Londoners say chicken nuggets belong on their Christmas plate, 9 % of men admit adding chips as a key component, 7 % of UK households say a slice of toast features on their plate, and 4 % nationwide warn that baked beans have made an appearance.
Regionally there are further quirks: Leeds leads with 61 % voting Yorkshire puddings essential, Glasgow backs Brussels sprouts (35 %) ahead of parsnips, while Bristol and Brighton show the most plant‑based leaning with one in four opting for nut roast as their main.
Despite concerns over food inflation, only 29 % of Brits plan to spend more on their Christmas dinner compared to 2024. The majority are aiming to keep the meal under £35 for a table of four. Pricing analysis from instantprint shows that it is still possible to build the UK’s “Ultimate Christmas Dinner” (including turkey, trimmings and pudding) for under £30 at some major supermarkets.
Craig Wassell, Marketing Manager at instantprint, said: “This year’s results show that Christmas dinner is no longer one‑size‑fits‑all. While roast potatoes still lead the charge, we’re seeing more personality and playfulness on people’s plates. From ketchup to chicken nuggets, the festive meal is becoming more about comfort and custom than tradition.”
With consumers showing greater willingness to personalise festive meals, brands and retailers have an opportunity to rethink how they serve Christmas food categories. Whether it’s offering innovative condiments, side‑dish bundles or flexitarian mains, the evolving preferences open up merchandising and marketing possibilities. For households, the data suggests it’s less about sticking rigidly to tradition and more about creating a dinner that reflects the company around the table.
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