As the UK prepares for Easter celebrations, Too Good To Go – the global social impact company behind the world’s largest marketplace app for surplus food – is encouraging consumers to consider a hidden consequence of our holiday indulgence: food waste.
Easter weekend is a highlight for families and chocoholics alike. Yet despite our love for chocolate and seasonal treats, new research from Too Good To Go reveals some startling statistics about what happens to these beloved goodies.
In the UK, a staggering 12.7 million Easter Eggs are wasted alongside 10.5 million uneaten Hot Cross Buns and Chocolate Bunnies that hop straight into the bin – and it’s not just the sweets! Over two-thirds (67%) of UK adults find themselves with leftover meat after their Easter Sunday feast, and a whopping 7.7 million roast potatoes are wasted.
In times when households across the UK tighten their purse strings, this level of food waste represents a significant – and needless – cost. However, reducing food waste is not just a smart financial move; it’s an opportunity to be more sustainable. Food waste plays a huge part in the climate crisis – responsible for a massive 10 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions globally1. By reducing food waste, households can significantly cut their carbon footprint, save money and contribute to a healthier planet.
So why do Easter goodies end up in the bin? The main reasons include overestimating portion sizes (34%), food expiring or spoiling (26%), and running out of storage space (19%).
The silver lining is that awareness around this issue is growing. Many people are becoming more conscious of their consumption habits – 32% feel guilty about wasting food, while 30% feel motivated to reduce food waste in the future. Additionally, 28% recognise the financial implications associated with waste.
To help curb this waste in ways that benefit both wallets and the planet, Too Good To Go’s country director, Sophie Trueman, offers some practical tips:
- Correct storage:Chocolate can be frozen for later use. Store it inyour freezer in an airtight container to enjoy over several months – perfect for melting into hot milk.
- Get creative: Get creative with leftovers by repurposing them into new recipes like chocolate bark or sweet trail mixes. Hot cross buns can be smothered with custard and baked into a warm bread and butter pudding. Leftover meat? Why not make a delicious sandwich or comforting casserole?
- Look, Smell, Taste: Trust your senses! Chocolate tends to have a long shelf life, beyond its ‘best before’ date.
Instead of purchasing the latest chocolate egg this Easter, why not save some surplus chocolate via the Too Good To Go app? Too Good To Go Parcels offer a Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Parcel and a Chocolate Lovers Parcel with irresistible chocolate treats at a reduced price.
More recipes and tips to upcycle hot cross buns and Easter chocolate are available on request.
