Households across the UK are throwing away hundreds of pounds annually due to improper food storage, but a simple change—like moving certain items to the fridge—can make a significant difference. Food waste expert Kate Hall has identified 20 surprising foods that benefit from refrigeration, including crisps, nuts, and even wholemeal flour, helping them stay fresher for longer and reducing waste.
Why Food Storage Matters
In the UK alone, households discard roughly 6 million tonnes of food and drink every year, with 73% of that being perfectly edible, according to WRAP, a global environmental action NGO. This inefficiency costs households hundreds of pounds annually, drains vital natural resources like water, and contributes to approximately 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
As Birmingham rolls out new food waste bins, Hall’s advice comes at a crucial time. She emphasizes that many people store everyday ingredients incorrectly, especially during hot weather, leading to premature spoilage and unnecessary waste.
Britain's Confusion Over Food Storage
New research of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by premium biscuit maker Bahlsen, reveals widespread confusion about what belongs in the fridge. More than three-quarters (78%) admit they are unsure where at least some foods should be stored for optimal taste and freshness, with 41% turning to online advice. Two-thirds (63%) have even argued with a partner or family member over storage decisions.
The poll highlights that bananas (21%), potatoes (21%), and avocados (17%) are among the most contentious items, along with bread (17%), jam (15%), lemons (13%), and honey (12%).
Expert Insight on Food Storage
Kate Hall said: "Food storage isn't as straightforward as many people think. We often make decisions based on habit or what our parents did, but factors such as temperature, humidity and exposure to light all affect quality. Some foods that people instinctively leave in the cupboard actually benefit from refrigeration, while others lose flavour, texture or quality if they're kept too cold."
20 Foods That Should Be Stored in the Fridge (or Freezer)
- Apples – They continue to ripen after picking, becoming softer and less juicy. The crisper drawer slows this process, keeping them crisp longer.
- Nuts – Rich in unsaturated fats prone to oxidation; refrigeration slows rancidity, especially for bulk purchases.
- Seeds – Ground seeds like flaxseed oxidize faster; refrigeration extends their shelf life.
- Wholemeal flour – Contains oils in bran and germ that go rancid; freezing also kills pantry pests like weevils.
- Citrus fruits – Cooler temperatures slow moisture loss and preserve vitamin C; zest and juice can be frozen.
- Potatoes – Updated FSA advice in 2022 says refrigeration can make them last up to three times longer, slowing sprouting.
- Peppers and chillies – Crisper in the fridge; can be frozen for longer preservation.
- Fresh herbs (except basil) – Most herbs last longer in the fridge; freeze them for cooking straight from frozen.
- Berries – Refrigeration slows mould growth, keeping them fresh longer.
- Cucumber – Retains moisture and lasts longer in the fridge; cover cut ends.
- Cut melon & tropical fruit – Refrigeration slows bacterial growth, especially important for melon.
- Condiments & sauces (once opened) – Refrigeration preserves flavour, colour, and quality.
- Jams & marmalades (once opened) – Refrigeration slows mould and yeast growth.
- Chutneys & pickles (once opened) – Refrigeration actively slows mould growth.
- Pure maple syrup (once opened) – Contains water and yeasts; refrigeration prevents mould.
- Soy sauce (once opened) – Refrigeration preserves colour and flavour, especially if used infrequently.
- Eggs – Consistent temperatures below 20°C keep them fresher; the fridge is ideal in summer.
- Butter – In hot weather, refrigeration prevents it from becoming rancid and unusably soft.
- Chocolate-covered biscuits and cakes – Refrigeration gives a firmer snap and slows melting.
- Crisps and tortilla chips – Cold crisps are delicious, and freezing open bags extends their crunch.
Impact on Households and the Environment
By making simple changes like refrigerating these items, households can significantly reduce food waste, saving money and lessening environmental impact. As Birmingham's food waste bin rollout continues, adopting these storage tips can make a real difference.
Kate Hall's advice, backed by WRAP's statistics, offers a practical solution to a costly problem. With the average household wasting hundreds of pounds annually, these small adjustments could lead to substantial savings and a positive environmental impact.
