Enjoying a classic German Christmas Eve dinner of potato salad with sausages will cost more this year, with an average price tag of €6.97 for four people. That's a 4.7% increase from last year's price, which had already risen by nearly 24% compared to the year prior. This inflation-driven price hike is based on data from the German Economic Institute (IW) and supermarket chain Rewe.
Regional variances in pricing are evident, with December 2023 prices for mayo-based potato salad and sausages being highest in two Rhineland-Palatinate districts, Rhein-Hunsrück and Cochem-Zell, at €7.80 and €7.75 respectively. On the other hand, in eastern Germany, particularly Gera and Weimar in Thuringia, the same ingredients cost just €6.62. While eastern German incomes may be lower, wages and costs are also less, resulting in slightly cheaper Christmas dinners.
Inflation has significantly impacted food prices in recent years. According to the NRW consumer advice center, typical festive dish ingredients were on average approximately 27% more expensive in October 2023 compared to two years prior. This inflation trend is also reflected in the price increase of 'bockwurst' sausages, which has risen by 19.5% in Frankfurt this year.
As a response to inflation, many Germans have opted for cost-saving alternatives. For instance, some favor cheaper sausage options like Frankfurter würstchen or choose to travel to Vienna for cheaper ingredients. To mitigate inflation's impact, the German government has urged retailers like Rewe to reduce prices on essentials like sausages and potato salad during the holiday season.
Nonetheless, potato salad with sausages remains a traditional staple in German Christmas Eve celebrations. Home cooking using local ingredients, like sausages and potatoes, has become increasingly popular to enjoy a festive meal within budget.
