As the Christmas holidays approach, Spanish families are facing a significant rise in the prices of foods that traditionally appear on their tables during this season. This year, the average increase is 10.3%, which, although lower than last year’s spike, has still taken a noticeable toll on household budgets. Shoppers were particularly shocked by the prices of seafood and meat, which in some cases have hit historic highs.
Price analysis was carried out in the country’s largest cities, including Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia, Bilbao, and Albacete. Special attention was given to 16 staple foods most commonly bought for the holiday table. The findings revealed that in the final month before Christmas, delicacies such as percebes (percebes) and almejas (almejas), as well as poultry and fish, saw the sharpest price increases.
Record prices
Some items this year are more expensive than ever before. For example, a kilogram of jamón ibérico de cebo now costs over €71, while lamb has climbed to nearly €24 per kilogram. Other meats, such as beef and turkey, along with everyday fruits for Spaniards like pomegranate and pineapple, have also gone up in price. Contrary to expectations, it is meat—not fish or seafood—that has shown the highest cost growth.
At the same time, some products have become more affordable. Oysters have dropped in price by 16%, pineapples by 13%, and red cabbage by 4%. However, these decreases have not offset the overall increase, which has continued for several consecutive years.
Impact on household budgets
The continuous rise in the holiday basket cost is already having a noticeable impact on family budgets. Over the past ten years, prices for traditional items have increased by 57%. In just the past year alone, they have gone up by 5.1%. This is forcing many families to reconsider their habits and look for more affordable alternatives for their holiday meals.
The price increase for poultry has been especially sharp, which experts attribute to the aftermath of avian influenza. As a result, turkey and chicken have become more expensive than usual, and demand for frozen products has risen significantly. Many shoppers now prefer to buy food in advance and keep it in the freezer to avoid last-minute price hikes before the holidays.
Tips for Shoppers
Amid ongoing inflation, experts recommend planning your purchases early and keeping an eye on store promotions. Frozen foods are often cheaper than fresh ones, and some seasonal fruits and vegetables can be a great alternative to expensive delicacies. Despite rising prices, poultry remains the most budget-friendly meat option.
The 2025 holiday basket has once again become more expensive, and this trend appears to be continuing. Spaniards are having to adapt to the new reality, weighing traditions against cost savings. Nevertheless, the holiday table in Spain still stands as a symbol of comfort and joy for families, despite financial challenges.