Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert has revealed that there are four foods that should never be kept in the fridge. The financial experts shared a list of items that should and shouldn’t be stored in the fridge to help keep them fresh for longer and reduce unnecessary trips to the supermarket. While many of us fill our fridges without much thought, reconsidering our food storage habits could not only save money but also reduce food waste, which amounts to a shocking 9.5 million tonnes annually according to Business Waste.
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) charity, known for its expertise in food waste, suggests that items like eggs, oranges, potatoes, and nearly every other fruit and vegetable should be refrigerated to prolong freshness. For instance, oranges can last up to four weeks in the fridge compared to just one week at room temperature. On the other hand, refrigerating eggs is advised in some countries to lower the risk of illness as it limits bacteria growth and penetration through the eggshell.
WRAP also advises against storing onions, whole pineapples, bread, and bananas in the fridge. Instead, these items should be kept in a cool, dry place. Freezing bread is considered acceptable to prevent staleness, with the suggestion to freeze it on the day of purchase and take out a few slices at a time for consumption.
The guidance from Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert and WRAP aims to help households save money, reduce food waste, and contribute to minimising greenhouse gas emissions. By making simple adjustments to how we store our food, we can make a positive impact on our wallets and the environment.