Half of Germans buy food close to expiry, but much food still ends up in the bin

By: Tisza Andrea Date: 2024. 10. 01. 09:50

According to a recent Kaufland survey, 50% of Germans regularly buy food that is close to its expiry date. Still, one in two households throws food in the trash every month. Food waste is less common among older people than among younger generations.

According to a survey carried out as part of the national campaign “Too good for the bin!”, supported by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), 25% of respondents regularly buy aesthetically defective fruit and vegetables. 22% of respondents reported that they used to choose pastries and fresh produce that are sold out before closing time and 18.5% buy pastries from the day before.

Despite an increasing number of shoppers opting for food with a short shelf-life, half of German households still throw a lot of food in the bin. 80% of those surveyed feel guilty about this.

The most common reason why shoppers throw out products is that they no longer seem edible because of their smell. A third throw food in the garbage because of its appearance or expiry date.

The study also found a generational difference in wasting food. Half of those aged 65 and over throw food in the trash less often than once a month, while more than 70% of 30-39 year olds throw food in the bin at least once a month. Among 18-29 year olds, this proportion is just over 60%.

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