Brits underestimate food waste costs by 10 times: survey

A survey from Too Good To Go has revealed that despite 60.4 per cent of adults claiming to be aware of the financial impact of food waste on their budgets, many underestimate the true cost.

The research uncovers a startling misconception among Brits, with 41.8 per cent believing they only waste £100-£200 worth of food annually. The reality is very different and in fact ten times higher, with UK households wasting on average, £1,000 every single year [WRAP, 2023].

With a long January ahead and Britons starting to think about the rest of the year, the surplus food marketplace noted that an additional £1,000 could provide some much-needed relief for the household budgets.

The main food items falling victim to waste are fresh produce (30.1 per cent), bread and bakery items (27.8 per cent) and leftovers (27.4 per cent). In fact, the equivalent of 1.3 million loaves of bread are thrown away every day in the UK, often due to incorrect storage.

Reducing food waste is not just a smart financial move; it’s an opportunity to be more sustainable. Food waste plays a huge part in the climate crisis – responsible for a massive 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions globally. By reducing food waste, households can also significantly cut their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.

When asked if willing to alter shopping and cooking habits on realising they were wasting such significant amounts, a staggering 87.6 per cent confirmed they would. This willingness is driven primarily by a desire to save money (67.4 per cent), followed by a want to be more sustainable (33.1 per cent) and contributing to broader food waste reduction efforts (31.6 per cent).

Findings show that nearly half of respondents (45.8 per cent) already seek discounts as a cost-cutting measure.

Too Good To Go said its app provides the perfect opportunity for those looking to purchase food at a reduced cost. Users can purchase and pick up Surprise Bags of quality food from their favourite local spots that would otherwise have gone to waste, at a discounted price.

Too Good To Go shares some tips and tricks to help reduce household waste:

• When in doubt, freeze those leftovers. Virtually anything can be frozen if you don’t think you’re going to be able to eat it in time.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with adapting a simple dish. For example, you can change a classic bolognese sauce into a chilli con carne, meat pie or even a lasagne.
• Don’t forget storage. Cloth bags are ideal for storing bread as they help maintain its properties and prevent it from drying out, especially if you add a piece of potato to the bag.
• Freshly made bread should not be stored in airtight bags to allow it to breathe and stay as fresh as possible; instead use a bread basket or cloth bag to cool it at room temperature.
• For sliced bread, store it in the fridge to extend its shelf life, and always check its condition before eating.