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CRANBERRY CHAOS! BRITS REVEAL THE MOST-FORGOTTEN CHRISTMAS DINNER ESSENTIALS

18 December, 2025

Cranberry sauce has been named the UK’s most commonly forgotten Christmas dinner item – followed by cream and stuffing.

New research commissioned by Aldi shows nearly a quarter (23%) of those who cook Christmas dinner have forgotten a key item before. Among those who’ve been caught out, 44% realised on Christmas morning – and 31% only noticed once cooking was already underway.

It seems many are also cutting it fine with festive prep, with more than half (55%) aiming to finish their Christmas dinner food shop a few days before, while 27% try to get it all done by Christmas Eve.

With so much to remember at this time of year, Aldi has revealed the definitive Christmas Dinner Missed List featuring the items most likely to slip off the shopping list, in a bid to help shoppers avoid making the same mistakes this year

The top 10 most-forgotten Christmas dinner items are:

• Cranberry sauce
• Cream
• Stuffing
• Christmas crackers for the table
• Gravy granules
• Carrots
• Cheese
• After-dinner mints
• Wine
• Custard

Festive overwhelm plays a big part in the nation’s forgetfulness, with 36% claiming there are too many things to remember and 29% not writing a clear list or setting out with a plan.

Rachel Geary, Communications Director at Aldi, said: “Christmas dinner is the most hyped meal of the year.

“While people sometimes miss an item when there’s so much to think about, there’s nothing worse than getting to Christmas Day and realising you’ve forgotten something.

“That’s why we’d urge shoppers to take a tip from Santa and check their lists twice, just to make sure they don’t miss anything off their Christmas shop.

“If you’re hosting, the best trick is to start early and build your shop around the staples, then add the finishing touches. Write a clear list and keep a couple of freezer back-ups – it can really take the stress out of the big day.”

When something is missing, a third of people (33%) say they’ll improvise with a replacement – with creative swaps like using mayonnaise instead of butter or crushed biscuits in place of breadcrumbs. Meanwhile, more than a quarter (26%) admit they simply hope no one notices, and one in 10 households have even argued over a forgotten item.

The research also revealed the nation’s must-have Christmas dinner components. Roast potatoes took the top spot (79%), followed by turkey (66%), carrots (62%) and pigs in blankets (61%). In a surprising festive twist, Brussels sprouts (59%) were deemed more essential than gravy granules (51%).

With many shoppers already planning their festive food shop, the research comes as Aldi unveils its 2025 Christmas range, including Specially Selected Ultimate Slow Cooked Wagyu Shin, Lamb Guard of Honour and Ultimate Salmon Wellington, alongside showstopping desserts such as the Centrepiece Pistachio Tiramisu.

The supermarket recently announced a pledge to offer the UK’s lowest-priced Christmas dinner, reinforcing its commitment to affordability at a time when many households are watching their budgets closely.