Seven simple hacks for a kinder, higher-welfare Christmas dinner

It’s my favourite time of year, but it’s also the busiest. More than ever, I need quick, easy ways to check that the food on my table comes from animals reared to higher welfare standards.

Over the years, I’ve found simple swaps that make my Christmas dinner kinder to animals – without blowing the budget.

There’s still a myth floating around that higher-welfare meat, fish, eggs and dairy are hard to find or come with a hefty price tag. Thankfully, that just isn’t true.

Higher-welfare options are now stocked right across the high street – for example, our eggs are readily available online and can be delivered directly to your door.

I simply look out for the RSPCA Assured label. When I spot that logo, I know the food in my basket comes from animals raised to hundreds of higher welfare standards.

It’s the only UK food label dedicated solely to animal welfare, which gives me real confidence when I’m doing the Christmas shop.

If you choose to eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy – or are cooking for others that do – and want to be kinder to animals this Christmas, that’s the single most important thing I’d recommend.

Want to go a step further? Once you’ve got the basics covered, here are my seven go-to tips for making your festive feast even kinder.

1. Make your mince pies matter

Did you know that hens kept in cages have less space to move around than the average chocolate advent calendar?

So when you’re buying ingredients for mince pies, Christmas cake or festive bakes, make sure you choose cage-free eggs like the ones my lovely hens lay.

If in doubt, look for the RSPCA Assured label so you know you’re supporting better welfare.

2. Get creative with leftovers

Using every bit of your higher welfare purchase is both ethical and economical.

There’s always the Boxing Day turkey sandwich, but my family gets bored with them pretty quickly.

These days, I branch out into hearty soups and quick stir-fries.

With good quality leftovers, it’s amazing what you can throw together – and it feels like a more respectful use of the animals that have fed us.

3. Ask your supermarket for more choice

If you’d like your supermarket to stock more higher-welfare options, tell them!

RSPCA Assured has a handy online form you can fill in.

It takes all of two minutes – genuinely quicker than writing a letter to Santa – and it’s a simple but effective way to show retailers that animal welfare matters to shoppers.

4. Level up your charcuterie board

Charcuterie boards are everywhere at Christmas, and for good reason – they’re easy, sociable and feel indulgent.

If I’m adding meat to mine, I choose one or two higher-welfare options and then make the rest of the board shine with fruits, nuts, crackers, chutneys and cheeses.

A sprinkling of figs and pomegranate seeds instantly makes it look like you’ve gone to much more effort than you actually have.

5. Get the family involved

If you’re cooking for a crowd, why not share the load?

When I’m hosting, I often ask everyone to bring one part of the meal and gently point them towards the higher-welfare options, including those listed on the RSPCA Assured website.

It keeps costs down, spreads the responsibility and makes the whole festive spread feel like a team effort.

6. Say no to foie gras

Some festive foods raise particularly serious welfare concerns, and foie gras is one of them.

It’s made by force-feeding ducks or geese until their liver expands to around ten times its normal size.

Production is banned in the UK for welfare reasons, but it can still be imported, so I always make sure it doesn’t accidentally end up in my trolley.

7. Swap one thing for welfare

If it all feels overwhelming – especially at this time of year – start small. One simple swap can really make a difference.

Could you replace just one regular ingredient with a higher-welfare version?

Every time you do, you’re helping more animals live better lives – and sending a clear message to retailers that shoppers care.

However your festive table ends up looking this year, I hope it’s full of good food, good company and the small choices that help make Christmas that little bit kinder.

Phil Twizell from The Good Egg Fellas is a laying hen farmer and RSPCA Assured member.