Aldi has issued vital advice to shoppers on how to prevent potatoes from sprouting and deteriorating, revealing that the freezer is the ideal appliance for long-term storage. The discount supermarket, which was named the cheapest supermarket in April, partnered with food waste storage expert Kate Hall to help customers keep staple foods fresher for longer.
The Freezer Method for Potatoes
According to Kate Hall, cooking potatoes before freezing them is the key to extending their shelf life without sprouting. She explains that roughly 4.4 million potatoes are wasted every day in the UK. While storing potatoes in the fridge can help them last up to three times longer, freezing offers an even more effective solution for those who cannot finish their batch in time.
Hall advises: "If you know you won't get through all your potatoes, why not consider freezing them? You can't freeze them raw, but you can absolutely cook a batch of baked potatoes, prep your roasties, or some mash and pop into the freezer once cooled. You don't even need to defrost them when you want them, just reheat straight from frozen until they're piping hot!"
Why Freezing Helps Reduce Waste
Hall emphasizes that using the freezer is a simple way to "press pause" on food, preventing it from ending up in the bin. Freezing can help budgets stretch further, and many people are unaware of how much can be frozen. The trick lies in knowing the best methods for freezing and reheating.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, added: "At Aldi, we're committed to reducing food waste wherever we can across our supply chain. Now we're on a mission to help shoppers minimise their food waste too, while getting even more value from their Aldi groceries. It seems simple, but research shows that freezing items still isn't something many do - so we want to showcase just how easy that can be."
Additional Storage Tips
For those who prefer not to freeze, Hall notes that storing potatoes in a cool, dark place away from onions is effective, as onions encourage sprouting and moisture from potatoes can cause onions to go mouldy. However, freezing remains the most reliable method for long-term preservation.
This advice comes as research reveals the average British person throws away £387 worth of food annually, with 70% admitting they buy food expecting to bin it. Aldi's initiative aims to combat this trend by providing practical, money-saving storage solutions.
