Christmas alternatives: from venison to fish

Forget turkey and mince pies, here are some of the top-selling alternative Christmas foods.

Christmas is nearly here and most of us have now decided what we’ll be serving up on the big day. But we know that turkey isn’t going to feature on everyone’s plate.

So we thought we’d ask some of the big retailers what alternative Christmas items have been selling like hot mince pies in the run-up to the 25th.

Venison instead of turkey
Orders for venison have doubled at Waitrose, while sales of dressed crab and lobster have also increased. And we all know about the sell-out success of Heston’s Hidden Christmas puddings – two batches delivered and selling for up to £50 on eBay.

Venison is also flying off the shelves at M&S. And there’s been a big resurgence in ginger drinks with both ginger beer and ginger wine sales on the up.

Tesco has seen demand for speciality meat increase by 100% in the past six months. It says that sales of game peak in Christmas week as people seek alternatives to turkey.

It’s also forecasting big sales of ‘luxury fish’. Last year, both sea bream and sea bass sales shot up in the week before Christmas.

And on the cheeseboard
When it comes to fromage, it’s not just Stilton on our Christmas cheeseboards. Asda’s Chosen by you Shirevale White Stilton blended with fudge and butterscotch has seen a 33% sales uplift in the last week alone.

And Morrisons says that its UK-produced Camembert and Brie are selling strongly, along with English’s goat cheese.

What will you be eating this Christmas Day? Traditional or alternative? Share your menu with us via the Comments box below.

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