Roughly 4.4 million potatoes are wasted every day in the UK, according to food waste expert Kate Hall, who shared the figure in collaboration with Aldi. Research by Aldi in 2025 found that the average Brit throws away around £387 worth of food a year, with seven in 10 admitting to buying food knowing it will likely be thrown away.
Why potatoes and onions should be kept apart
Potatoes can be stored at room temperature for three weeks to two months, but storing them next to onions significantly speeds up sprouting and rotting. Onions emit large amounts of ethylene, a natural gas that accelerates ripening. When stored together, especially in plastic bags, the gas encourages sprouting and softening in potatoes. Moisture from potatoes can also make onions go mouldy.
Aldi-approved advice from Hall states: “Just store potatoes away from your onions, as these encourage our spuds to sprout faster, and moisture released from spuds can actually make onions go mouldy too.”
Best storage methods for potatoes
Potatoes should be kept in dry, dark, cool conditions. The kitchen counter is one of the worst places due to heat, humidity, and light from stoves and dishwashers. Hall notes that advice changed a few years ago: keeping potatoes in the fridge can help them last up to three times longer. If fridge space is limited, store them in a cool, dark place away from onions.
Freezing is another option. Hall explains: “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.” She adds that they can be reheated straight from frozen until piping hot.
Aldi’s research shows 31% of Brits would be more likely to freeze food if they knew the rules. With proper storage and freezing guidance, potato waste can be reduced.
