New research has revealed that 88% of Brits have accidentally bought duplicate groceries, while 66% have been forced to throw away food that is no longer edible. The findings, from Hisense, highlight a common kitchen problem where leftovers get pushed behind newer purchases and people pick up replacements for items they already own.
How Food Waste Affects Households
Food waste can put pressure on household budgets and disrupt weekly meal plans, with small mistakes adding up over the course of a year. Matthew Glynn, senior product marketing manager at Hisense, said the key was to keep groceries visible and organised, including when they are stored 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.
Expert Advice on Reducing Waste
“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,” Glynn said.
“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.”
Six Ways to Make Your Fridge Work Harder
Give everything a designated place: Organising your fridge by food type makes it easier to see what you already have before heading to the shops.
Keep soon-to-expire food front and centre: You can avoid forgetting about food hidden at the back of the fridge by moving products with shorter use-by dates to the front. The Hisense PureView refrigerator is designed to help households see and organise their groceries more easily. With a see-through door which illuminates when it senses motion, it offers a clearer view of the ingredients available, supporting meal planning and helping you check what you already have before the next weekly shop.
Take a quick fridge inventory before shopping: Don’t write your list until you’ve checked your fridge, freezer and cupboards, particularly for everyday staples that are easy to buy twice.
Store leftovers where you can see them: It’s easy to forget leftover food that’s tucked behind larger items. Transfer them into clear, airtight containers, label them with the date and keep them together on a dedicated shelf.
Avoid overfilling your fridge: Leave enough space between items for air to circulate and avoid stacking products in a way that hides what’s behind them.
Use technology to keep track of your food: If your fridge has smart features, check how they could help you manage your groceries. Hisense’s ConnectLife feature helps you check what’s inside when you’re away from home. This can be particularly useful when you’re at the supermarket and can’t remember whether you need to buy another carton of milk.
