As the nation rushes to enjoy the last of the summer days in August, Too Good To Go is raising the alarm on the hidden cost of outdoor dining. New research*, conducted by One Poll on behalf of Too Good to Go, has found that Irish families are wasting an average of €21.16 worth of food after every BBQ or picnic.
The new research reveals that over half of Irish households (52%) identify summer as the peak season for food waste. The main culprit? Overbuying fresh ingredients that often go unused, according to 51% of respondents. Nearly one third of people (32%) admit to throwing away food before heading off on holiday, with 58% discarding at least a small amount.
Al-fresco dining sees food waste continue. 34% report tossing leftovers from BBQs or picnics, with salad topping the list of the most commonly wasted items at 50%. Overestimating how much food is needed is cited by 61% as the primary cause of this waste.
With summer holidays in full swing, Too Good To Go helps you save money on top quality ingredients like premium meats, sauces and salads from trusted partners including James Whelan Butchers, SuperValu, Aldi and FX Buckley. Whether you are firing up the BBQ or packing a picnic, the app offers delicious options from local favourites like Chopped, Il Valentino and Offbeat Donuts - perfect for enjoying meals outdoors without overspending or wasting food.
Machaela O’Leary, Sales Manager at Too Good To Go Ireland, said: “Summer is a time to enjoy great food and company, but it’s also when many households unknowingly waste food and money. With an average of over €20 being thrown away after each BBQ or picnic, there’s a real need to plan smarter. Using tools like Too Good To Go to rescue surplus food can help families enjoy summer meals without the guilt.”
Jackie Beecher from Cork, a Too Good To Go avid user who regularly collects Surprise Bags, shared her experience: "Too Good To Go has often inspired how I shop and plan meals. Since I started using the app, I’m saving at least €20 a month on groceries all thanks to Surprise Bags from local award-winning Cork stores like Cameron Bakery, Davidsons Craft Butcher, Pana Bread and Ruairi's Kitchen. Beyond saving money, there’s a great feel-good factor in reducing food waste and shopping sustainably. Whether it’s planning a Sunday roast from a Butchers’ Surprise Bag or discovering new spots while on holiday, the app is a key part of my routine."
Jackie’s Top Tips for Using Too Good To Go:
- Set your catchment area to postcode plus 25 kilometres
- Favourite everything first then narrow down your choices
- Freeze leftovers from bakery or butcher Surprise Bags
- Plan meals around what’s in your Surprise Bag
- Ask yourself do I need it or is it just a great deal?
- Check the app when travelling to find great local spots abroad
It should be said that food waste is something Irish consumers are concerned about, with 65% saying they worry about how much food their household wastes.
Too Good To Go’s Tips to Cut Summer Food Waste:
- Shop with realistic portion sizes to avoid overbuying
- Use the Too Good To Go app to rescue quality surplus food at a discount
- Store leftovers properly and freeze what you won’t eat soon
- Get creative with leftovers to stretch your meals
- Track what gets eaten to improve future shopping and cooking
Download the Too Good To Go app today and help fight food waste - one Surprise Bag, one BBQ, one Picnic at a time.
More info at www.toogoodtogo.com/en-ie
