The holiday season often brings joy, laughter, and gatherings around the dining table, but it can also place significant financial strain on families and individuals. Amidst the flurry of festive decorations and gift buying, Russians are now eyeing their holiday meals with greater attention to budgeting, particularly when it concerns traditional salads. The leading grocery chain Пятёрочка has identified the most cost-effective salads for the New Year, offering helpful insights to those preparing for feasts.
Analysis provided by Пятёрочка reveals the salad 'Селедка под шубой' (Herring under fur coat) as the most budget-friendly option for many families. The average cost for 1 kilogram of this dish is approximately 138 rubles, making it more than twice as affordable compared to other holiday favorites like 'Крабовый салат' (Crab salad) and the beloved 'Оливье'. According to Пятёрочка analysts, "Селедка под шубой стала наиболее выгодным блюдом новогоднего стола".
When it came to 'Оливье', which typically requires around 2 kilograms of ingredients, the cost soars to about 451 rubles when using popular brands. Fortunately, purchasing Pятёрочка's private label products can significantly reduce this expense to just 330 rubles—a savings of 27%. The analysts recommend choosing these private label items to maximize savings during holiday meal planning. "При выборе продукции собственных торговых марок «Пятёрочки», самый бюджетный «Оливье» можно приготовить в Восточном федеральном округе — его стоимость составит всего 311 рублей," they noted.
An underlying factor leading to these savings is the high price of 'вареная колбаса' (boiled sausage), which, when sourced from mainstream brands, can drive costs up by as much as 70%. By opting for Пятёрочка's private labels, shoppers can also benefit from lower prices on other ingredients, such as potatoes, which provide additional savings of 19%.
Another holiday favorite, 'Крабовый салат', typically requires crab sticks, which are also available under Пятёрочка’s private label. Availing of these options could offer customers savings of approximately 40%, resulting in costs dropping from 284 rubles to just 202 rubles per kilogram. The analysis highlights the economics behind choosing store brands: items labeled as Пятёрочка's own line can offer significant reductions not just on popular salads but across various components one might include on their festive table.
Interestingly, the tier of popularity among these dishes reveals interesting regional differences. Residents of the Приволжья and southern regions of Russia find the least expensive prices for 'Оливье' at 423 and 436 rubles respectively using popular brands. Where Пятёрочка's products are preferred, those living in the Eastern federal district can prepare this culinary delight for as low as 311 rubles, marking significant savings.
While the holiday season traditionally sees families spending more on elaborate meals, analysts caution against excessive expenditures. With time often running short during the holidays, many opt for ready-made options. From the selection of popular salads available at Пятёрочка, the prepared 'Оливье' emerges as the best compromise—pricing it 6% lower than 'Селедка под шубой' and 11% lower than 'Крабовый салат', which may be particularly appealing for those rushing to finalize holiday plans.
For those planning to host holiday gatherings, now is the time to intelligently strategize food expenses to keep them manageable. Comments from Пятёрочка suggest shoppers prioritize store-brand products to make the most of their culinary budgets. The festive spirit can remain bright without contributing to financial worries. With proper planning, your holiday table can still shine, filled with traditional favorites without breaking the bank.
