Three reasons why we waste food*
34% of households (equivalent to 8 million homes) have ‘no idea’ what’s in their freezer.
39% of households (equivalent to 9.5 million homes) throw food away because they couldn’t remember when it was frozen.
85% of households (equivalent to 21 million homes) significantly underestimate the length of time that frozen food can be stored safely, and throw perfectly good food away as a result.
Fact:
*Based on survey data drawn from a representative sample of 1,064 UK households, taken between 26 September and 1 October 2008 and commissioned by Birds Eye.
We teamed up with celebrity chef James Tanner and celebrity mum Melanie Sykes to tell us their top freezer tips on how to make the most of our food.
“Frozen food is a great, convenient way for families to reduce waste because it can be stored safely for a long time, and eaten whenever you want. Freezing locks in nutrients and taste, so frozen food is nutritious and tasty. Just follow a few simple tips, and you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals without the waste.”
- James Tanner, celebrity chef
Ready-frozen food keeps its taste and texture longer than food frozen at home because it’s been frozen very quickly and deeply, and when the food was fresher.
When you plan a meal, make a list of what you’ve got in your freezer. There’s loads of great recipes you can make with Birds Eye frozen food, from fish fingers with lemon and pea potatoes to soya bean crostini with pan seared mackerel.
Once you’ve defrosted food, always use it within 24 hours.
“As a busy mum I use my freezer all the time. When you’re short of time, it’s not easy to cook from scratch, so I rely on frozen food. It’s nutritious, I don’t throw away as much food and I can eat with the kids.”
- Melanie Sykes, celebrity mum
Keep a good selection of frozen vegetables in your freezer. I always keep some Birds Eye Garden Peas and Mixed Veg – they’re quick and easy to cook and healthy for my kids.
To keep track of what’s in the freezer I stick a list on the door to record and date each item I’ve frozen. Once you run out of something, just add it to your shopping list.
If your kids can’t agree on what they want to eat, Birds Eye ready frozen food is a great crowd pleaser because they can all eat different meals – it’s simple to cook Fish Fingers for one and Chicken Grills for another.
For more frozen food ideas, including weekly planners, recipes and top tips, visit:
All Birds Eye food is fast-frozen while the product is absolutely fresh – this locks in nutrients as well as taste.
Fresh food can be frozen at any point up to its use by date and remain safe.
All fresh food can be frozen safely without a time limit. As long as the food is consistently frozen at -18°C or below, it will stay perfectly safe.
The optimum freezer temperature for preserving food quality is -18°C or below – cold enough to ensure food stays properly frozen and maintains quality.
Find out how we’ve perfected frozen food to lock in great tastes, freshness and goodness. Visit:
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