Rising Christmas Food Prices in Spain: Tips for Expats to Save Money

As the holiday season approaches, many expats in Spain are facing a significant challenge: soaring prices for traditional Christmas foods. According to the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU), the prices of key Christmas foods have increased by an average of 6.1% compared to last year, making this year's festive meals more expensive than ever.

Price Increases for Christmas Foods

The OCU has been monitoring the prices of 16 typical holiday foods at various markets and supermarkets across Spain since 2015. This year's analysis reveals some startling price hikes. Here are some of the most notable increases:

Elvers (Angulas): Up by 19%, with prices reaching as high as €1,369.38 per kilogram.
Galician Barnacles (Percebes): Increased by 30%, costing around €80.39 per kilogram.
Sliced Hake: Up by 19%, priced at €15.51 per kilogram.
Clams: Despite a decrease in some reports, clams have seen a 12% increase in other areas, costing €25.99 per kilogram.
Veal Round: Increased by 6%, priced at €18.11 per kilogram.
Whole Turkey: Up by 5%, though some reports indicate a slight decrease in price[2][3].

Other items like oysters, sea bass, Iberian ham, and sea bream have also seen significant price increases, ranging from 4% to 19%[1][2][3].

Tips for Saving Money

Given these price hikes, the OCU has offered several practical tips to help expats and locals alike manage their Christmas food budgets:

Plan Ahead

Planning Christmas dinners in advance can help avoid last-minute price increases. Stock up on non-perishable items early to ensure availability and better prices.

Look for Deals

Supermarkets are already offering discounts on holiday items. Keeping an eye out for these deals can significantly reduce costs.

Substitute Expensive Products

Replacing costly options like oysters or lamb with more affordable alternatives such as turkey or poultry can make a big difference. For example, opting for a classic British roast dinner with turkey and seasonal vegetables could be both comforting and more affordable[2][3].

Buy in Bulk

For items like Iberian ham, buying a whole piece and having it sliced can sometimes be more cost-effective, especially if the ham weighs at least 5 kilos. However, this requires proper equipment and skills to cut and slice the ham effectively[4].

General Food Price Trends

The overall food price situation in Spain is grim, with prices 35.5% higher than they were three years ago. The OCU advocates for reducing the VAT rate on meat and fish from 10% to 2% to alleviate some of this financial strain on consumers[1][2].

As Christmas approaches, it's clear that careful planning and smart shopping strategies will be crucial for enjoying traditional holiday meals without breaking the bank. By being informed and proactive, expats in Spain can navigate these price increases and still celebrate the holiday season with their loved ones.