Aldi has shared a simple method to keep potatoes from sprouting: cook them first, then store in the freezer. The advice comes from food waste storage expert Kate Hall, who partnered with the supermarket to help customers reduce food waste.
Why Freeze Potatoes?
According to Hall, roughly 4.4 million potatoes are wasted every day in the UK. She explained that storing potatoes in the fridge can help them last up to three times longer, but if fridge space is limited, a cool, dark place works too—just keep them away from onions, which cause faster sprouting.
For potatoes you know you won't use in time, Hall recommends freezing them after cooking. “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,” she said. “You don’t even need to defrost them when you want them, just reheat straight from frozen until they’re piping hot!”
Impact on Food Waste
The tip comes as research by Aldi found that the average British person throws away £387 of food every year, and seven out of 10 admit they buy food knowing they’ll likely throw it in the bin. Aldi, which was named the cheapest supermarket in April, aims to help customers save money and reduce waste.
Luke Emery, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “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 at the same time.”
More Freezing Tips
Hall emphasized that freezing is an underused tool: “Using your freezer is such a simple way to press pause on your food so it doesn’t end up in the bin. Freezing food can help our budgets stretch further, and you can actually freeze a lot more than people realise.”
Aldi has also issued similar advice for bananas, suggesting storing them in the fridge to prevent browning.
