Christmas ham wars: How Coles' $1.50 per serve offering stacks up for your festive feast

The festive season is approaching, and if you're like many Australian families, a succulent Christmas ham will likely take pride of place on your holiday table.

With household budgets feeling the pinch this year, Coles has thrown down the gauntlet with an impressive value proposition—Christmas ham for just $1.50 per serving.

Coles' flagship offering, the Single Smoked Beechwood Half-Leg Ham, maintains its $8 per kilogram price point from last year—a welcome relief when so many grocery prices have been climbing. At an average weight of five kilograms, you're looking at roughly $40 for a ham that can comfortably serve 26 people.

For many Australian families, this represents excellent value, particularly when you consider the cost of feeding a large gathering. At $1.50 per serving, it's significantly more affordable than most restaurant options or even many home-cooked alternatives.

The centrepiece that won't break the bank

Coles recently revealed their Christmas ham range, with General Manager Dairy, Deli & Convenience Karen O'Connor emphasising their commitment to affordability. 'We know many families are working with tighter budgets this year,' she stated, highlighting the maintained pricing on their core offering.

Beyond the basics: Coles' premium options

For those wanting to elevate their Christmas spread, Coles offers several premium alternatives. The Beechwood Double Smoked Half-Leg Ham comes in at $2.50 per serve ($13 per kilo), actually 50 cents cheaper than last year's price.

At the top end sits the Coles Finest Free-Range Triple Smoked Half-Leg Ham at $3.20 per serve. This premium option recently earned gold at the 2025 Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards, promising a rich, smoky-savoury flavour for special occasions.

Quality versus price: What the experts say

While Coles offers competitive pricing, it's worth noting that value doesn't always mean the best quality. Consumer advocacy group CHOICE conducts annual blind taste tests of Christmas hams, and last year's results weren't particularly flattering for Coles.

The Coles Finest Free-Range Triple Smoked Leg Ham scored just 58 per cent, ranking last among 10 different hams tested. Even their mid-range Beechwood Smoked Half Leg Ham managed only 66 per cent.

Interestingly, the winning ham came from IGA—their Seven Mile Premium Double Smoked Leg Ham at $12 per kilo, proving that premium pricing doesn't always guarantee premium taste.

What this means for savvy shoppers

This insight is particularly valuable for budget-conscious seniors who want to maximise both value and enjoyment. When planning your Christmas ham purchase, it's essential to balance price, quality, and your family's preferences.

The competition heats up

Aldi, Australia's discount supermarket darling, isn't sitting idle in this festive food fight. Their Specially Selected Premium Triple Smoked Half Leg Ham came second in last year's CHOICE taste test, offering serious competition to the major supermarkets.

Aldi's Christmas range includes premium seafood options like lobster tails ($34.99) and innovative items such as Prawn Bao Buns ($4.99), appealing to those wanting to break from tradition.

Smart shopping strategies for seniors

When planning your Christmas ham purchase, consider these practical tips:

Timing is everything: Shopping in early November gives you the best selection and allows you to take advantage of any early-bird specials. Plus, those extended use-by dates mean you can buy with confidence.

Calculate carefully: A good rule of thumb is 200-250 grams per person for a main course serving, or 100-150 grams if the ham is part of a larger spread with multiple protein options.

Think beyond Christmas Day: A quality ham provides excellent value across the holiday period. Factor in Boxing Day sandwiches, New Year's Eve platters, and those precious leftovers that can stretch your grocery budget into January.

Storage and serving wisdom

If you're buying early, proper storage is crucial. Keep your ham refrigerated and follow the use-by date guidelines. For serving, allow the ham to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before carving for the best flavour and texture.

Making your decision

With 190 new Christmas products hitting Coles shelves this year, including innovative options like their Boneless Chicken Prosciutto Wrapped Fromager d'Affinois ($5.60 per serve), there's no shortage of festive choices.

However, for many Australian families, the traditional Christmas ham remains the hero of the holiday table. At $1.50 per serve, Coles' entry-level option makes this tradition accessible even in challenging economic times.[/p>

The verdict for value-conscious shoppers

The Christmas ham market is more competitive than ever, and that's good news for consumers. Whether you opt for Coles' budget-friendly option, splurge on a premium choice, or explore alternatives at Aldi and IGA, the key is making an informed decision that balances your budget, guest numbers, and taste preferences.