Irish households are wasting up to €700 worth of food each year while also paying more than necessary on their energy bills. However, with small changes households can use kitchen hacks to cut down on households bills, according to surplus food app Too Good To Go.
With energy prices continuing to put pressure on families, Too Good To Go says simple changes in how we cook and plan meals could deliver immediate savings in homes across Ireland.
The scale of the food waste problem in Ireland continues to be an issue, highlighted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stating that the average Irish household waste €700 a year on food. This food waste represents a significant and often overlooked drain on household budgets.
At the same time, everyday cooking habits, such as overusing ovens or boiling excess water, are quietly adding to energy costs.
Small shifts in the kitchen can make a real difference. One of the most effective is the ‘residual heat’ method, switching off ovens or hobs a few minutes early. The retained heat continues cooking without using extra energy. Keeping the oven door closed is equally as important, as each time you open the door it can reduce the oven temperature by up to 25⁰C and increase cooking time as it builds the heat back up, which all increases the ovens energy usage.
Some other key tips from Too Good To Go:
Cooking with a lid on pots is another simple way to reduce energy use. It traps heat, speeds up cooking, and allows food to simmer at lower temperatures.
Using smaller appliances can also help cut costs. Air fryers and microwaves typically use less energy than conventional ovens, making them ideal for everyday meals and reheating leftovers.
Reducing food waste is just as important by planning meals, storing food properly, and using leftovers creatively helps ensure groceries, and the energy used to cook them, are not wasted.
Simple preparation techniques such as chopping ingredients into smaller pieces or using flat-bottomed pans, can also reduce cooking time and improve efficiency.
Machaela O’Leary, Key Accounts Manager with Too Good To Go said: “Families across Ireland are looking for simple ways to make their money go further, and small changes in the kitchen can really add up. By making the most of the food we buy and cooking more efficiently, it’s possible to reduce waste and lower energy use at the same time.”
As the cost of living remains front of mind, Too Good To Go is encouraging households to take a fresh look at their kitchen habits, where small changes can lead to meaningful savings.
