Most shoppers don’t know what they already have in their kitchens before heading to the supermarket, according to a new study by Tesco. Despite 65% of shoppers acknowledging that a store cupboard stock take would help them reduce food waste, the majority (80%) don’t always do this, and instead hit the aisles or order in a takeaway without checking what they already have.
This leads to increased spending, duplicate purchases, incomplete meals and ultimately, food ending up in the bin as ingredients are overlooked and left to spoil.
The research, commissioned by Tesco via YouGov, revealed that three quarters of UK households have thrown away forgotten items lurking in cupboards, fridges and freezers that they never got around to eating. The amount of edible food an average UK household wastes each year equates to approximately £800.
As the cost of living increases and many households are seeking ways to be savvier with their budgets and their food, Tesco is encouraging shoppers to make a shopping list and take stock before they shop, order in a takeaway or even go out for dinner.
Tesco is encouraging the nation to implement a Use Up Day where once a week, people cook a meal using up food already in their kitchen, without needing to go out to buy more. By adopting this simple food hack, the average family could reduce the amount of food thrown away at home by a third, which equates to a potential financial saving of £260 per year.
This weekly kitchen clear out helps shoppers to take stock to see what food they already have, making it easier to write a list of what is needed before going out to buy more food.
Tony McElroy, Tesco Head of Campaigns said: “At Tesco, we want our customers to be able to get more out of their food shop whilst keeping delicious meals on the table. That’s why we’re encouraging shoppers to implement a weekly Use Up Day, take stock of what they have in their kitchens and make a shopping list before going out to shop. A little planning can help to spend less and reduce food waste, helping both our pockets and the planet.”
To provide inspiration, chefs at Tesco have compiled their top 5 budget and waste-friendly recipes to help everyone make the most of the most forgotten about items, all costing less than £1.50 per serving.
Tasty recipes from Chefs at Tesco to inspire Use Up Day:
- Chilli bean soup with cheesy garlic bread– perfect for using up bread, tinned beans, onions and chopped tomatoes
- Tomato and pesto spaghetti – perfect for using up tomatoes, pasta, pesto and lemons
- Slow-cooker sausage and butter bean casserole – perfect for using up any sausages, peppers, pitta breads and cheese
- Banoffee pie – perfect for using up bananas, milk and biscuits
Visit the Tesco food waste hub for more recipes and resources: https://realfood.tesco.com/reduce-food-waste.html
