WaterAid has released The Driest Christmas Dinner Ever, a dehydrated version of a traditional festive meal, to highlight the importance of clean water and show what life without it could feel like.
The meal includes dried turkey, sprouts, stuffing and Yorkshire pudding. It has been created to raise awareness that almost one in ten people worldwide still do not have clean water close to home.
WaterAid research shows that the average Christmas dinner for four people in the UK has a water footprint of over 15,000 litres, the equivalent of filling 125 bathtubs. More than half of respondents said they were surprised by the figure, which is around three times higher than the public estimated.
A small number of dehydrated meals will be available to win through WaterAid’s Instagram. Supporters can also buy a virtual meal for £11 on the charity’s website. The cost represents the average price of a Christmas dinner and could help fund a tap stand for a family in Madagascar. The initiative forms part of WaterAid’s ‘Everything starts with water’ appeal.
According to the research, roast potatoes are considered the key part of the Christmas meal for 80% of respondents. Potatoes also have one of the lowest water footprints, requiring 60 litres of water per serving. Turkey followed in importance, with 69% saying it must be included, despite each serving requiring around 271 litres of water.
Interest in Brussels sprouts has increased, with 71% saying they like or love them. Only 18% dislike them, although many people said they still eat them “because it’s tradition”. One serving of sprouts requires 76 litres of water[iv]. Sprouts were more popular than pigs in blankets, which 56% said were essential.
Opinions about Yorkshire pudding remain divided, with 47% saying it belongs on the Christmas table. One in five people in London also consider ketchup essential. Eating habits vary, with 20% starting Christmas Day with a full English breakfast, while 17% choose to wait for the main meal.
Behind these habits sits a wider issue: every part of the meal depends on access to clean water.
Almost 400,000 children under five die each year from diseases linked to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene. That means more than 1,000 children die every day.
Comedian and actor Eshaan Akbar, one of several public figures supporting the campaign, said:
“Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year, and in my family, the festive feast is at the heart of our celebrations. What I’d never considered, though, is just how essential water is to making that meal truly special. Trying the driest Christmas dinner ever was an interesting experience; one I hope I never have to experience again. The flavours were there, but it just wasn’t the same delicious feast without the all-important ingredient – water.”
Tim Wainwright, Chief Executive at WaterAid, said:
“This Christmas, we’re asking people to look beyond the festive table and recognise the ingredient that makes it all possible – water. Our driest Christmas dinner ever presents a fun take on our festive favourites, but it comes with a serious message – one in ten people around the world have no clean water close to home, affecting their health, education and livelihoods. For the cost of a Christmas meal, you can help a family get clean water, so children can stay healthy and in school, women have the time to work, and communities can thrive. Change starts with water.”
People can support the appeal at wateraid.org.