How Much Food to Buy at Christmas

There’s a fine line between festively full and bursting at the seams.

If you’re trying to nail that balance this year, you’ve come to the right place. After asking the experts (chefs at Gousto and my mum) we’ve come up with a guide for how much you need for The Big Day, including turkey, gravy and even the Christmas pud.

So if you want some leftovers, but don’t want to be eating Christmas food till February, read on.

Main Centerpiece

Turkey

When it comes to a turkey Christmas dinner, size matters.

Typically, a 1.5kg turkey joint that’s off the bone will feed around five to seven people. A whole bird that’s around 3-5kg will feed six to 10 people, depending on the size.

And that’s including the leftovers for sandwiches, pies or turkey nuggets the next day. Just remember: it’s all about timings and a recipe you can truss – I mean trust.

Turkey Alternatives

Not everyone goes traditional. In fact, our Festive Feasting 2025 study found that 64% of UK households plan to serve an alternative main alongside or instead of turkey this year.

For alternative centrepieces, consider buying:

• Beef rib: 250–300g per person
• Gammon: 200–250g per person
• Nut roast or plant-based roast: 150–200g per person

If you’re in need of some plant-based inspiration, we’ve got a great recipe for a vegan Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Side Dishes and All the Trimmings

Vegetables

Whether it’s parsnips, sprouts, braised cabbage or carrots, 80g of each per person will do the trick. Clear your cupboards and fridge before writing your shopping list, it’ll stop you from overbuying at the shop.

Prepping and freezing beforehand is always a good shout. Top and tail your sprouts, then chuck them in the freezer – alongside sage-buttered parsnips (still raw), and if you want to hit the ground running on the 25th, you could even freeze parboiled potatoes.

Gravy

Is it even Christmas if your dinner isn’t doused in the good stuff? To satisfy everyone, you’ll need around 150ml per person. Need a recipe? This one’s our favourite: see how to make the ultimate gravy.

Roast Potatoes

Some people are turkey people. Some are about the bread sauce (you know who you are). Us? It’s roast potatoes.

So, how many roast potatoes should you provide per person? 200g per person is perfect, or if your family are roasties fiends, bump it to 250g.

And if there are any leftovers, you can chuck ‘em in a bubble and squeak, hash, or just grab a cold roastie right out of the fridge. This is a no-judgement zone.

Stuffing

Stuff it, it’s Christmas!

If you don’t have a go-to recipe, this stuffing how-to is a stonker, and 100g per person will be plenty. The ingredients are pretty basic, too, so you probably already have them in the cupboard.

Pigs In Blankets

Pre-wrapping and freezing your pigs in blankets is a success story waiting to happen. We’d say three per person is enough, but we’d be lying. Portion for four each, in case hungry fingers pinch any before they reach the table.

Desserts and Extras

Christmas Pudding

Room for pudding? Christmas pudding isn’t quite as controversial as Marmite, but it’s pretty close. If you and yours are pro-pud, go for around 100-125g per person.

You’ll only need around 2-3 tbsp each max for the brandy butter or double cream (whichever you prefer), and if you have any leftover, this post-Christmas chocolate yule log has your name all over it.

Mince Pies

Mince pies are one of those festive treats that tend to disappear quickly, especially if you’ve got grazers in the house.

As a rule of thumb, allow one mince pie per person, and then add a couple of extras for good measure. They’re perfect with a cup of tea while you’re waiting for the main event, or as an easy pudding for anyone too full for Christmas pudding.

If you’re serving brandy butter or cream on the side, have a little extra on hand; someone always comes back for seconds.

Christmas Leftover Ideas

Our Festive Feasting 2025 study found that half of Brits (49%) who celebrate Christmas admit to throwing away at least one item of food or drink during the festive period. The biggest culprit? Christmas dinner leftovers.

With a little bit of planning, you can reduce your Christmas food waste and make some delicious meals with your leftovers, such as:

• Turkey curry
• Bubble and squeak
• Next-day roasties hash
• Veg-packed winter soup
• Festive sandwiches

Chaos-Free Cooking with Gousto 

Christmas dinner, but not as you know it. Our big red recipe boxes will help you whip up wholesome, impressive meals no matter your skill level, with all of the flavour and none of the fuss.

From everyday favourites and speedy 10-minute meals, to global cuisines and healthy choices, you’ll have over 75 recipes to choose from each week from our menu. We’ll send you step-by-step recipes and all the fresh ingredients you need, too. Just pick what you fancy for dinner, and leave the planning to us.

Still looking for festive inspiration? Feast your eyes on our Christmas hub or find your next Christmas recipe to add to the list this year.