Britain’s latest spell of hot weather is expected to increase food waste, but Albert Bartlett says one simple storage change could help families save money. Keeping potatoes in the fridge allows them to last much longer while reducing unnecessary waste, making them one of the season’s most cost-effective foods.
Although potatoes have traditionally been stored in cupboards, updated scientific guidance now recommends refrigeration. Stored this way, they can remain fresh for up to three times longer. Despite this, four in five consumers are still unaware of the advice*.
Fresh food often spoils more quickly in warm weather, leading to significantly higher levels of waste during the summer. Refrigerating potatoes properly could save households an average of £25 over the season.
Experts also advise checking fridge temperatures, recommending settings between 3°C and 5°C to maximise freshness and minimise bacterial growth. Many homes are currently operating outside this range.
Molly Borys from Albert Bartlett said: “Potatoes are one of the most practical foods families can keep at home. Correct storage means less waste, greater value and plenty of ways to use them throughout the summer.”
Consumer expert Kate Hardcastle MBE said: “Families looking to reduce grocery bills should not overlook simple everyday habits. Getting more from affordable foods like potatoes is one of the easiest ways to make household budgets go further.”
Alongside their nutritional value, potatoes have several surprising household uses. They can soothe sunburn, refresh the skin around the eyes, polish leather shoes, stop eyewear from steaming up, act as reusable ice packs when frozen and support plant propagation.
