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The Best & Worst Christmas Ready Meals – Rated by Real Tasters
Vicky Parry
7th Dec 2025
With food prices rising again in 2025, more Brits are turning to ready-made Christmas dinners, supermarket bundles, and frozen feasts to keep costs low without losing the magic of the big day. Whether you’re feeding eight people or enjoying a quiet Christmas at home alone, supermarkets have massively stepped up their festive offerings.
So we put them to the test.
MoneyMagpie’s editor — and self-confessed hobbyist home-cook — Vicky Parry carried out a blind tasting of the UK’s top 2025 supermarket Christmas dinner shortcuts. No labels, no bias, just pure taste and texture. The results were surprising — some meals massively overperformed, while others… didn’t.
Here is your complete 2025 Christmas Dinner Price Tracker, Vicky’s honest thoughts, and our rankings for value, flavour, and convenience.
2025 Christmas Dinner Price Tracker
| Retailer / Meal | Price | Serves | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lidl – “Feast for Eight” | £11.85 | 8 | Whole turkey + full trimmings. Cheapest 2025 feast. | Lidl |
| Aldi – Christmas Dinner for Eight | £11.85 | 8 | Turkey, budget veg (from 8p), stuffing, gravy. | Aldi |
| Aldi – “Festive Munch Box for Two” | £3.99 | 1–2 | Mini roast: chicken, pigs in blankets, stuffing. | Aldi |
| Aldi – “Ultimate Christmas Dinner in a Box” | £39.99 | 2–4 | Turkey joint + sides; heat-and-serve convenience. | Aldi |
| Iceland – Frozen Christmas Dinner Essentials | ~£41.20 | 4 | Frozen turkey + frozen veg & trimmings. | Iceland |
| Tesco – Finest Christmas Dinner for Four | £35–£45 | 4 | Premium turkey crown & trimmings. | Tesco |
| Sainsbury’s – Taste the Difference Roast Dinner Bundle | ~£38 | 4 | Premium Christmas main for families. | Sainsbury’s |
| M&S – Christmas Dinner for Two | £25–£35 | 2 | Luxury turkey breast & high-quality sides. | M&S |
| Morrisons – The Best Turkey Dinner for One | £5.50 | 1 | Comforting single-serve Christmas meal. | Morrisons |
| Co-op – Irresistible Turkey Dinner for One | £5.25 | 1 | Excellent solo Christmas dinner option. | Co-op |
Best Ultra-Cheap Option: Aldi & Lidl £11.85 Feast
Vicky’s Thoughts: “The turkey was moist, the veg tasted great when roasted, and for under £12 it’s a fantastic budget choice. Absolutely unbeatable value.”
Perfect for families feeding eight, these feasts include turkey, stuffing, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, gravy, and Yorkshire puddings (Lidl). Both are best prepared in your own oven for best results.
Best Premium Experience: M&S Christmas Dinner for Two (£25–£35)
Vicky’s Thoughts: “The gravy is silky and rich. Turkey breast is tender, sides are buttery and flavoursome. A treat without any prep.”
This is the ultimate “luxury ready meal” for couples or small households, including pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, honey-glazed vegetables, stuffing, and rich gravy.
Best Mid-Range Feast: Tesco Finest Christmas Dinner for Four
Vicky’s Thoughts: “Stuffing was herby and crispy, turkey crown slightly dry but flavourful. Reliable family option.”
Best Christmas Dinner for One (Solo Diners)
- Morrisons “The Best” Turkey Dinner for One (£5.50): Comforting, generous portions, rich gravy. Vicky says: “Feels homely and satisfying.”
- Co-op Irresistible Turkey Dinner (£5.25): Excellent solo meal. Vicky says: “Perfect seasoning, well-balanced sides.”
Best “Heat and Eat” Option: Iceland Christmas Essentials (~£41.20)
Frozen turkey and veg, ready-to-cook. Perfect for families wanting convenience without sacrificing flavour.
Vicky’s Thoughts: “Not glamorous but stress-free and consistent. Ideal for larger households wanting a simple Christmas dinner.”
Best Small Meal for 1–2 People: Aldi Festive Munch Box (£3.99)
Vicky’s Thoughts: “It’s like a Christmas tapas plate – all the classic flavours in a tiny box. Great portion for the price.”
FAQs
What is the cheapest Christmas dinner in 2025?
Aldi and Lidl’s £11.85 feast for eight.
Which supermarket makes the best-tasting Christmas dinner?
M&S won our blind taste test for flavour and presentation.
What’s the best Christmas meal for one person?
Morrisons “The Best” turkey dinner for one.
Where can I buy Christmas dinner ready meals in 2025?
Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Iceland, Morrisons, and Co-op.
Please feel free to let people know which ones you rate in the comments below.
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