Price of celebrity: what we pay for famous foodies
Woolworths
Australians looking to entertain on a budget this Christmas should be aware of mark-ups on celebrity chef food products, which can be twice as expensive as regular items according to new research.
A study by comparison site Mozo found a basket of Jamie Oliver Woolworths products, including a Christmas pudding and turkey, cost $122 compared to $45 for similar Woolworths Select products.
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A Heston Blumenthal for Coles Christmas pudding was $18, while a Coles-brand matured Christmas pudding was $8.
Jamie Oliver wants you to buy his Christmas pudding but it comes with a price. Photo: Woolworths
Jamie Oliver’s Christmas pudding was twice as expensive as Heston Blumenthal’s, at $3 per 100 grams.
While Heston Blumenthal’s Coles bundle was $16 cheaper than Jamie Oliver’s range, his products were still $58 more expensive than the Coles home brand options.
A basket of pudding, mince pies, turkey, sausages and chicken was most expensive at the David Jones Foodhall, coming in at $184, compared to $69 at ALDI.
Mozo director Kirsty Lamont said to think twice before choosing a product based on name rather than price, and be aware of marketing tricks.
“We compared a basket of five typical Christmas items and were surprised by just how much prices increased when choosing items backed by a celebrity chef,” Ms Lamont said.
“It’s very easy to be seduced by the marketing associated with well-known chefs, which has ramped up in the lead up to the silly season, but it could have a big impact on your Christmas spending.”
Prices compared
Christmas pudding
Jamie Oliver Christmas spiced sponge pudding – $36/1.2kg
Heston Blumenthal hidden orange Christmas pudding – $18/1.2kg
Coles matured Christmas pudding – $13.60/1.2kg
Woolworths Select fruit and cognac pudding – $13.50/1.2kg
Turkey
Jamie Oliver turkey with fresh herbs and lemon – $64.40/2kg
Heston Blumenthal Hunter Valley free range turkey – $60/2kg
Woolworths Select whole frozen turkey – $21.5/2kg
Coles Steggles frozen turkey – $16.70/2kg
Minced pie
Heston Blumenthal spiced shortcrust fruit mince pie – $7/six pack
Woolworths Select fruit minced pie – $2.20/six pack
Coles fruit mince pies – $1.50/six pack