Millions of Brits are wasting money buying duplicate groceries and binning food they have forgotten about in their fridge, with new research revealing that 88% have accidentally doubled up on products and 66% have been forced to throw away food that is no longer edible.
The findings from Hisense expose a blind spot in the majority of kitchens where leftovers are pushed behind newer purchases and people pick up replacements for things they already own. Food waste can hit both household budgets and weekly meal plans, with small mistakes stacking up across the year.
Expert Tips to Cut Food Waste
Matthew Glynn, senior product marketing manager at Hisense, said the key was to keep groceries visible and organised, including when they are in the fridge. He also recommended developing simple habits such as checking existing ingredients before heading to the supermarket and keeping soon-to-expire foods within easy reach.
“By making the most of the space available in the fridge and developing simple habits, such as checking existing ingredients before heading to the supermarket and keeping soon-to-expire foods within easy reach, households can take small steps towards reducing avoidable food waste,” he said.
Practical Steps for Better Fridge Organisation
“While a little organisation can go a long way, the research suggests that many people could benefit from a better way to keep tabs on their groceries – helping them make the most of every shop and avoid buying more than they need,” Glynn added.
Hisense suggests giving everything a designated place, organising the fridge by food type to make it easier to see what you already have before heading to the shops. Keeping soon-to-expire food front and centre can also help, by moving products with shorter use-by dates to the front so they are not forgotten at the back of the fridge.
Taking a quick fridge inventory before shopping is another recommendation, advising people not to write their list until they have checked the fridge, freezer and cupboards, particularly for everyday staples that are easy to buy twice. Storing leftovers in clear, airtight containers, labelled with the date and kept together on a dedicated shelf, can also prevent them from being forgotten.
Avoiding overfilling the fridge leaves enough space for air to circulate and prevents stacking products in a way that hides what is behind them. Smart features can also help track food, with Hisense's ConnectLife feature allowing users to check what is inside the fridge when away from home, which can be useful at the supermarket when unsure whether another carton of milk is needed.
