Irish households waste an average of €374 worth of food per year

James Cox

A new survey commissioned by Too Good To Go, the world's largest marketplace for surplus food, has revealed the true cost of food waste in Irish households.

The research, conducted ahead of National Stop Food Waste Day on Saturday, March 1st, reveals that over a third of Irish consumers regularly throw food away, with significant financial and environmental consequences.

Ireland generates approximately 750,000 tonnes of food waste annually across primary production, manufacturing, retail, food services, and households, "contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions".

Up to 10 per cent of global emissions are linked to food waste, showcasing how avoiding food waste is a critical climate action.

National Stop Food Waste Day, led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), takes place on March 1st, with a week-long campaign running until March 7th.

The campaign is part of Ireland’s commitment to halving food waste by 2030 under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The findings demonstrate the financial and environmental impact of food waste and the growing demand for solutions to help households waste less and save more. See below:

• Financial Impact: Food waste is costing Irish households dearly. The average person throws away up to €19 worth of food per month, adding up to €374 per year. Over a quarter (25.2 per cent) estimate their food waste costs between €501 and €1,000 annually. While 73 per cent of Irish adults are aware of their food waste, the challenge remains in translating awareness into action.
• Financial Motivation: The top reason Irish adults want to reduce food waste is down to how it can save money, cited by 75.3 per cent of respondents. Additionally, 36 per cent are motivated by the broader environmental impact of reducing food waste.
• Frequency of Waste: 30 per cent of Irish households throw away food every week, while 15 per cent discard food every two to three days.
• Most Commonly Wasted Foods: Bread and bakery items top the list at 42.4 per cent, proving that while many stock up on loaves before a storm, a significant portion still ends up in the bin. Fresh food produce like fruits and vegetables (40.2 per cent) are also among the most wasted items.
• Reasons for Waste: The biggest culprit? Forgetting about food in the fridge or cupboard (31 per cent). Other reasons include impulse buying (27 per cent) and not checking cupboards before shopping (23.6 per cent).
• Demand for Solutions: 68 per cent of respondents expressed interest in resources to help reduce food waste, including meal planning tips, food storage guidance, and clearer date labelling.

This year’s National Stop Food Waste Day campaign encourages the public to use the Stop Food Waste Pocket Guide, a resource offering practical tips on planning, shopping, storage, and cooking to reduce food waste.

"By making conscious choices, consumers can reduce food waste, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable Ireland. At the same time, policymakers and retailers have a crucial role to play in driving systemic change by supporting food waste reduction initiatives and making surplus food more accessible through innovative solutions like Too Good To Go."

Machaela O’Leary, sales manager for Too Good To Go, said: “Food waste is not just bad for our wallets - it’s bad for the planet. This research shows that many Irish households are unintentionally throwing away hundreds of euros worth of food each year.

"The good news is that small changes can make a big difference. Simple actions like checking expiry labels properly, storing food correctly or using our app to rescue surplus food can significantly reduce waste and save money. We urge policymakers and retailers to collaborate with us in their local areas, making surplus food more accessible and driving meaningful change that benefits both consumers and the environment.”

For more tips on reducing food waste, visit: More info: www.toogoodtogo.com