As grocery prices rise, people are looking for ways to save on food costs. Before you cut out your favorite snacks and fresh produce, consider looking for savings in your refrigerator. These tips help reduce the food you throw out, which can cut down your grocery spending.
The problem with food waste
Food waste is a costly problem for many households. Families may buy more than they eat, forcing them to throw out expired food.
Edward Jaenicke, a professor of agricultural economics at Penn State, completed a study in 2020 on food waste at the household level. “Based on our estimation,” Jaenicke reported, “the average American household wastes 31.9% of the food it acquires. More than two-thirds of households in our study have food-waste estimates of between 20% and 50%.”
According to the EPA, this can translate into over $1,500 annually for a family of four. But this is also an opportunity for cost savings. Taking steps to reduce food waste in your household lets you keep buying the food your family likes and cut costs at the same time.
How to cut down on household food waste
To reduce food waste, start by observing your family’s purchasing and eating habits. Assess your current waste situation and identify which foods you’re throwing away. Then, try out some of these tips to use more of what you buy and throw out less.
Know when food is safe to eat
You never want to eat food that is beginning to go bad. Food that is rotted or molded can make you extremely sick, and you should always throw out any food you think might be bad rather than risk your health.
But just because the date printed on the package has passed does not mean the item is bad, according to the USDA. Manufacturers put dates on their products to help stores and consumers know when the food will be at its best. Manufacturers may use these labels:
“Use by,” “Best if Used By,” or “Best By”
These terms indicate the date by which the manufacturer suggests consuming the product for the best flavor, texture, and overall quality. After this date, the food’s quality will likely decline noticeably. In some cases, it may even become unsafe to eat if spoilage has occurred. While the food might still be edible shortly after the date, it’s best to inspect it carefully and use your judgment.
“Sell By”
The “sell by” date is intended for retailers rather than consumers. It tells stores how long to display the product for sale to ensure peak quality. Food is usually still safe to eat after the “sell by” date, but it may not taste as fresh or have the same texture. For products like dairy or packaged goods, the food can often be consumed for several days or even weeks after the “sell by” date if stored properly. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating.
Check for signs of spoiled food instead of relying solely on expiration dates. Look for unusual smells, flavors and signs of rot or mold that could indicate they are bad.
You can also use expiration dates to help you decide what to buy at the grocery store. Consider buying long shelf-life foods. If you purchase dairy, eggs and other perishables, choosing items with a date label that is further out will likely mean they will last longer.
Practice FIFO: First in, first out
A standard in restaurants, FIFO means that the first item that you put in needs to be the first item that you take out. If you have two of the same item, use the one that will expire sooner first.
When putting away groceries, try putting new items towards the back of your fridge or pantry. A few moments of rearranging now will make it easier to grab the right item later.
Maximize Food Storage to Reduce Waste
Storing food correctly can significantly extend its shelf life and help reduce waste. Improper storage, however, can cause food to spoil well before its “use by” date. Follow these tips to keep your food fresh for longer:
Maintain the Right Fridge Temperature
To keep food fresh and safe, set your refrigerator temperature to 40°F or lower. However, the sweet spot for preserving dairy and vegetables is between 35°F and 38°F. Keeping it in this range helps prevent premature spoilage and keeps your food tasting its best.
Put Groceries Away Promptly
Leaving perishable items at room temperature shortens their lifespan. Unload and store groceries as soon as you get home. If you have a long trip from the store, consider using a cooler to keep cold items at a safe temperature during the drive.
Store Food in Airtight Containers
Use airtight containers to prevent moisture and bacteria from spoiling your food. Transfer pantry staples like rice, flour, and snacks into glass or plastic containers with tight seals. For leftovers, avoid leaving food in opened cans—store them in airtight containers instead. Keeping fruits, vegetables, and herbs in sealed containers can also help retain freshness. For example, properly stored strawberries can stay fresh for up to ten days.
Freeze Extra Food
Freezing is one of the best ways to extend the life of food. Many items can stay good for up to six months or longer in the freezer. Make a habit of freezing any surplus food or leftovers to avoid waste and have easy meal options later.
Be Smart About Buying Perishables
While buying in bulk can save money, it only works if you actually use what you buy. Spoiled food equals wasted money, so try to be strategic when purchasing perishable items.
Prioritize Non-Perishables for Bulk Buying
Stick to buying non-perishable items like grains, cereals, frozen vegetables, and canned goods in bulk. For fresh produce and other perishables, aim to buy only what you can realistically use before it spoils.
Opt for Smaller Sizes
Take advantage of products available in multiple sizes. Dairy products like milk and yogurt often come in pint, quart, and gallon options. Buying smaller portions helps reduce waste if you can’t finish larger quantities before they expire.
Buy Produce by the Piece
Instead of grabbing pre-packaged produce, buy single items to get exactly what you need. Some stores even let you buy individual stalks of celery or half a watermelon, helping you avoid waste.
Split Bulk Purchases with Others
If you find a great deal on a bulk item, consider sharing it with friends or family. That way, you can save money without risking spoilage from having too much food on hand.
Find recipes for odds and ends
Once you’ve figured out what kinds of foods you always seem to have extra of, find some recipes that can use them up. Dishes like stir-fries, omelets and soups are great for using up extra vegetables and homemade broth. Fruit smoothies can help you go through fruit, milk and yogurt quickly.
Start reducing household food waste
If you are a home cook looking to save money, try a few of these tips to reduce food waste in your kitchen. Experiment with how you shop, store your food and cook to see what works best for your family.
Jere Cassidy is the writer and recipe developer behind the blog One Hot Oven. A passion for all things food-related led her to culinary school to expand on her baking skills and now to sharing easy recipes for all home cooks and bakers of all skill levels. When not in the kitchen, Jere’ likes to travel far and wide to find delicious food.