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:

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