When it comes to Christmas hams, David has well and truly defeated Goliath.
For the second year running, IGA has taken the crown for Australia's best Christmas ham, leaving the retail giants Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI trailing in its wake.
Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has named IGA's Seven Mile Premium Double Smoked Leg Ham as the top pick for 2024, after the same ham claimed victory in 2023. It's a remarkable achievement for the smaller supermarket chain, proving that when it comes to quality, bigger isn't always better.
IGA's Award Winning Naturally Smoked Bone In Leg Ham has been on supermarket shelves since October 8, giving savvy shoppers a significant head start on their Christmas preparations.
While ALDI won't stock their Christmas hams until November and Coles and Woolworths are likely to follow suit, IGA is already helping families spread the cost of their festive celebrations.
In this article
According to IGA, this is one of the earliest festive rollouts in recent memory, with the brand leading the charge well before December officially begins.
Early birds catch the Christmas savings
This early availability couldn't come at a better time. While cost of living pressures eased somewhat in 2024, many Australians are still struggling to make ends meet, with rental affordability at record lows and millions experiencing food insecurity.
A survey of over 1,500 Australians revealed that more than half (65 per cent) are not planning to make any major purchases this holiday season, highlighting a growing trend of cost-consciousness.
'We've held the price the same as last year at $8 per kg as we know that this is such an important item that Aussies have as part of their Christmas spread'
Beyond its hams, IGA’s early festive range has also expanded this year to include a wide array of seasonal favourites.
The supermarket’s shelves are already stocked with Yarrows Espresso Martini Fruit Mince Pies ($9.50 for six), Mini Lemon Tarts ($7.50 for nine), and the beloved Community Co range featuring the Classic Christmas Pudding (700g for $10.50), Traditional Mince Pies ($8 for six), and nostalgic Iced Fruit Cake (500g from $10.50).
These items, much like the hams, can be purchased well ahead of the festive rush and enjoyed at any time before January with proper storage—a convenient way for families to spread costs over several weeks rather than all at once.
The taste test that matters
What sets IGA apart isn't just timing or price—it's quality. CHOICE experts blind taste tested 10 supermarket-brand Christmas hams, assessing them on flavour, texture, appearance and smell, with IGA's Seven Mile ham praised for its smoky aroma, moist texture and pleasant flavour.
The results were telling. CHOICE's taste test revealed that price isn't necessarily an indicator of quality, with the winning IGA ham costing $12.50 per kilo while coming in cheaper than several of the lowest scorers.
Christmas ham price comparison
IGA Naturally Smoked Leg Ham: $8.00/kg
IGA Seven Mile Premium Double Smoked: $12.50/kg
ALDI Festive Selection Half Leg: $7.99/kg
ALDI Triple Smoked Boneless: $12.99/kg
Costco Double Smoked Full Leg: $9.99/kg
Coles Finest Free-Range Triple Smoked: $15.50/kg (scored lowest in taste tests)
Woolworths Gold Triple Smoked: $15.50/kg
Meanwhile, the competition struggled to impress. Coles' Finest Free-Range Triple Smoked Leg Ham Portion took last place with a rating of just 58 per cent, costing $17 a kilogram, with judges describing its flavour as 'unpleasant', 'unusual' or 'lacking', noting a 'sour aftertaste' and 'strange aroma'.
Smart Christmas shopping in tough times
The early Christmas ham launch reflects a broader trend towards strategic holiday shopping. More than two-thirds of Australians (69 per cent) are slashing their spending to get the most out of their festive dollar, with over one in four planning to shop during Black Friday sales and 25 per cent starting to buy food and presents early.
Smart Christmas shopping strategies for 2025
- Buy Christmas hams early while prices are frozen and quality is guaranteed
- Use proper storage to keep hams fresh until January
- Compare price per kilogram, not just total price
- Consider taste test results—premium pricing doesn't guarantee quality
- Spread major purchases over several months to ease budget pressure
The average Australian is expected to spend $1,479 this Christmas on presents, food, alcohol, eating out and travel, with travel topping the list at $533 per person, followed by presents ($373) and food ($249). For many on fixed incomes, every dollar saved on essentials like the Christmas ham means more flexibility for other festive treats.
Aldi and Costco join the festive race
While IGA’s early rollout has given it a head start, the competition is close behind. Aldi released its Curated Christmas Collection on October 22, offering affordable luxuries like Specially Selected Lobster Tails with Garlic Butter Glaze ($36.99), Rock Lobsters ($29.99), and festive desserts such as the Luxury 30-Month Matured Christmas Pudding ($19.99) and rich Christmas Fruit Cake ($13.99). The range also includes crowd favourites like fudge assortments ($4.99) and Deluxe Pudding Bombes in Speculoos and Chocolate Caramel flavours.
Costco, meanwhile, has rolled out its Central Highlands Pork Double Smoked Ham on the Bone Full Leg for $9.99—almost $2 more than IGA’s offering, but still a strong contender for large families seeking value in bulk buys.
Why quality matters more than ever
While Australia's annual headline inflation was 2.8 per cent in September 2024 (down from 3.8 per cent in June), mainly due to government energy rebates and lower petrol prices, underlying inflation remains at 3.5 per cent. This means that while some costs have stabilised, food prices continue to challenge household budgets.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Seniors are expected to spend the most on Christmas purchases at an average of $1,042.50, compared to millennials at $801.70 and Gen Z at just $571.10. This makes finding quality at reasonable prices especially important for older Australians managing retirement incomes.
IGA's consistency in both quality and pricing offers reassurance during uncertain times. The Seven Mile Premium Double Smoked Leg Ham scored an impressive 79 per cent on CHOICE's rating scale, proving that at $12.50 per kilo, price is not always a direct reflection of quality—a welcome revelation for those watching their wallets without wanting to compromise on festive fare.
Making your ham investment count
The beauty of buying your Christmas ham early isn't just the price stability—it's the peace of mind. These IGA Christmas hams can be used any time before January with correct storage, meaning you can tick one major item off your Christmas list while focusing your December budget on fresh items and last-minute gifts.
For proper storage, keep your ham in its original packaging in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Once opened, wrap tightly in clean cloth or paper, changing the wrapping every few days, and it'll stay fresh for weeks.
The bigger picture
IGA's success story extends beyond just having the best-tasting ham. It represents a different approach to retail—one that prioritises quality and customer value over market dominance. In a year when many Australians are tightening their belts, finding a retailer that offers both excellence and affordability feels like discovering a genuine Christmas miracle.
As Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged, while the economic situation is improving with good progress against inflation, many Australians remain under 'substantial' financial pressure, and positive economic indicators don't always translate into how people are feeling in the economy.
What This Means For You
This Christmas, while the big supermarkets battle over market share and promotional strategies, IGA has quietly positioned itself as the champion of both taste and value. For Australian families planning their festive celebrations, that's a gift that keeps on giving.
What's your experience been with Christmas ham shopping this year? Have you tried IGA's award-winning ham, or do you have your own secret source for the perfect Christmas centrepiece? Share your festive food finds and money-saving tips in the comments below—your fellow readers would love to hear how you're making Christmas both delicious and affordable.
Primary Source
https://kitchen.nine.com.au/latest/...-shelves/15c6cabf-3bd8-42b5-93a1-4bdcd66fedc3
What’s the best-tasting Christmas ham? | CHOICE
Cited text: · 'The Seven Mile ham, a brand available at IGA, took first place this year, scoring 79 per cent.
Excerpt: Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has named IGA's Seven Mile Premium Double Smoked Leg Ham as the top pick for 2024, after the same ham claimed victory in 2023
https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/...december/whats-the-best-tasting-christmas-ham
'It impressed': Choice names its top ham for the festive table
Cited text: IGA has again fended off its bigger supermarket rivals to take out the coveted title of Australia’s best Christmas ham. Consumer group Choice named th...
Excerpt: Consumer advocacy group CHOICE has named IGA's Seven Mile Premium Double Smoked Leg Ham as the top pick for 2024, after the same ham claimed victory in 2023
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/eat-drink/2024/12/03/best-christmas-ham-2024
Measures of Consumer Price Inflation | RBA
Cited text: The ABS also publishes a monthly CPI indicator, which is more timely and includes updated prices for around two-thirds of the CPI basket each month · ...
Excerpt: IGA's Award Winning Naturally Smoked Bone In Leg Ham has been on supermarket shelves since October 8
https://www.rba.gov.au/inflation/measures-cpi.html
Interest rates, inflation, and an election: Will Australia's cost of living get cheaper in 2025?
Cited text: While cost of living pressures eased somewhat in 2024, many Australians are still struggling to make ends meet.
Excerpt: While cost of living pressures eased somewhat in 2024, many Australians are still struggling to make ends meet, with rental affordability at record lows and millions experiencing food insecurity
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-could-happen-to-australias-cost-of-living-in-2025/nhyr5pg10
Interest rates, inflation, and an election: Will Australia's cost of living get cheaper in 2025?
Cited text: Millions of Australians struggled with the cost of living in 2024. Source: SBS News · Many Australians have grappled with financial challenges this ye...
Excerpt: While cost of living pressures eased somewhat in 2024, many Australians are still struggling to make ends meet, with rental affordability at record lows and millions experiencing food insecurity
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-could-happen-to-australias-cost-of-living-in-2025/nhyr5pg10
How Australians are spending their money this Christmas
Cited text: A survey conducted by comparison site iSelect in November 2024 of over 1,500 Australians revealed that more than half (65 per cent) of Australians are not pla...
Excerpt: A survey of over 1,500 Australians revealed that more than half (65 per cent) are not planning to make any major purchases this holiday season, highlighting a growing trend of cost-consciousness
https://www.iselect.com.au/insights/christmas-spending-2024/
What’s the best-tasting Christmas ham? | CHOICE
Cited text: CHOICE experts blind taste tested 10 supermarket-brand Christmas hams from Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and IGA, assessing them on several criteria, includ...
Excerpt: CHOICE experts blind taste tested 10 supermarket-brand Christmas hams, assessing them on flavour, texture, appearance and smell, with IGA's Seven Mile ham praised for its smoky aroma, moist texture and pleasant flavour
https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/...december/whats-the-best-tasting-christmas-ham
What’s the best-tasting Christmas ham? | CHOICE
Cited text: Our experts praised the Seven Mile ham for its smoky aroma, moist texture and pleasant flavour. If you're looking for the best Christmas ham to add to...
Excerpt: CHOICE experts blind taste tested 10 supermarket-brand Christmas hams, assessing them on flavour, texture, appearance and smell, with IGA's Seven Mile ham praised for its smoky aroma, moist texture and pleasant flavour
https://www.choice.com.au/about-us/...december/whats-the-best-tasting-christmas-ham
'It impressed': Choice names its top ham for the festive table
Cited text: “Our taste test also revealed that price isn’t necessarily an indicator of quality. The winning IGA ham only cost $12 per kilo, coming in cheaper than...
Excerpt: CHOICE's taste test revealed that price isn't necessarily an indicator of quality, with the winning IGA ham costing $12.50 per kilo while coming in cheaper than several of the lowest scorers
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/eat-drink/2024/12/03/best-christmas-ham-2024
'It impressed': Choice names its top ham for the festive table
Cited text: Taking out the official last place was the supermarket’s Finest Free-Range Triple Smoked Leg Ham Portion, with a rating of just 58 per cent. It costs ...
Excerpt: Coles' Finest Free-Range Triple Smoked Leg Ham Portion took last place with a rating of just 58 per cent, costing $17 a kilogram, with judges describing its flavour as 'unpleasant', 'unusual' or 'lacking', noting a 'sour aftertaste' and 'strange…
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/eat-drink/2024/12/03/best-christmas-ham-2024
'It impressed': Choice names its top ham for the festive table
Cited text: “We almost felt bad asking our experts to eat this ham: Its flavour was described by every single judge as either ‘unpleasant’, ‘unusual’ or ‘lacking’...
Excerpt: Coles' Finest Free-Range Triple Smoked Leg Ham Portion took last place with a rating of just 58 per cent, costing $17 a kilogram, with judges describing its flavour as 'unpleasant', 'unusual' or 'lacking', noting a 'sour aftertaste' and 'strange…
https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/eat-drink/2024/12/03/best-christmas-ham-2024
Australia's Christmas spending statistics 2024 | findershopping.com.au
Cited text: More than two thirds of Australians (69 per cent) are slashing their spending to get the most out of their festive dollar. More than 1 in 4 (26 per cent) plan to shop...
Excerpt: More than two-thirds of Australians (69 per cent) are slashing their spending to get the most out of their festive dollar, with over one in four planning to shop during Black Friday sales and 25 per cent starting to buy food and presents early
https://www.findershopping.com.au/australias-christmas-spending-statistics
Australia's Christmas spending statistics 2024 | findershopping.com.au
Cited text: The average Aussie is expected to spend $1,479 this Christmas on presents, food, alcohol, eating out and travel.
Excerpt: The average Australian is expected to spend $1,479 this Christmas on presents, food, alcohol, eating out and travel, with travel topping the list at $533 per person, followed by presents ($373) and food ($249)
https://www.findershopping.com.au/australias-christmas-spending-statistics
Australia's Christmas spending statistics 2024 | findershopping.com.au
Cited text: Travel comes at the top of the Christmas list this year, with an estimated $533 spend per person. This is closely followed by presents ($373) and food...
Excerpt: The average Australian is expected to spend $1,479 this Christmas on presents, food, alcohol, eating out and travel, with travel topping the list at $533 per person, followed by presents ($373) and food ($249)
https://www.findershopping.com.au/australias-christmas-spending-statistics
Interest rates, inflation, and an election: Will Australia's cost of living get cheaper in 2025?
Cited text: Annual headline inflation was 2.8 per cent in the September quarter of 2024, a significant drop from the June figure of 3.8 per cent.The main reason c...
Excerpt: While Australia's annual headline inflation was 2.8 per cent in September 2024 (down from 3.8 per cent in June), mainly due to government energy rebates and lower petrol prices, underlying inflation remains at 3.5 per cent
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-could-happen-to-australias-cost-of-living-in-2025/nhyr5pg10
How Australians are spending their money this Christmas
Cited text: Of those surveyed who are planning big purchases, baby boomers are expected to spend an average of $1,042.50, the highest of any age group. In contras...
Excerpt: Baby boomers are expected to spend the most on Christmas purchases at an average of $1,042.50, compared to millennials at $801.70 and Gen Z at just $571.10
https://www.iselect.com.au/insights/christmas-spending-2024/
Which supermarket offers the best Christmas ham? A taste test comparison of IGA, Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: IGA has taken the crown for the second year running with its Seven Mile Premium Double Smoked Leg Ham, which boasts a smoky aroma, moist texture, and ...
Excerpt: The Seven Mile Premium Double Smoked Leg Ham scored an impressive 79 per cent on CHOICE's rating scale, proving that at $12…
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...-comparison-of-iga-coles-woolworths-and-aldi/
Which supermarket offers the best Christmas ham? A taste test comparison of IGA, Coles, Woolworths, and Aldi | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: At just $12 per kilo, the IGA ham proves that price is not always a direct reflection of quality. This is a welcome revelation for those of us who are...
Excerpt: The Seven Mile Premium Double Smoked Leg Ham scored an impressive 79 per cent on CHOICE's rating scale, proving that at $12…
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/...-comparison-of-iga-coles-woolworths-and-aldi/
Interest rates, inflation, and an election: Will Australia's cost of living get cheaper in 2025?
Cited text: Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged earlier this month that while the economic situation was improving, many Australians were still under 'substantial...
Excerpt: As Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged, while the economic situation is improving with good progress against inflation, many Australians remain under 'substantial' financial pressure, and positive economic indicators don't always translate…
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-could-happen-to-australias-cost-of-living-in-2025/nhyr5pg10
Seniors Discount Club
Latest Articles
-
Rumours resurfacing: Fleetwood Mac announces major career milestone... and more?
- Started by Danielle F.
- Replies: 0
-
Think you know speed cameras? This $2,500 fine might shock you
- Started by Michelle Engbino
- Replies: 0
-
-
As Christmas nears, the ATO encourages Aussies to stay smart with their holiday spend
- Started by Danielle F.
- Replies: 0
-
One sweet treat, two different prices: Why are Aussie-made goods cheaper across the sea?
- Started by Danielle F.
- Replies: 0
