Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 9th, 2026
•New research has highlighted a troubling trend in Yorkshire, where residents are wasting more food due to it spoiling than anywhere else in the UK. The study, conducted by AEG, shows that a staggering 60% of people in the region say that food going off too quickly is their main reason for throwing food away. This figure is the highest reported across the country, reflecting a significant issue that many households face.
Understanding Food Waste in Yorkshire
The findings from this research are part of AEG's campaign called "Food for Thought: The Waste Less Index," which aims to uncover the everyday habits and misconceptions that lead to unnecessary food waste. The survey included responses from 4,000 adults across the UK and was designed to be representative of the population in terms of age, gender, and region. Key insights from the Yorkshire survey include:
60% of residents cite food going off too quickly as the biggest cause of food waste.
24% of people refuse to eat items after their 'best-before' date.
17% admit they waste more food than they would like.
83% feel confident in understanding the differences between 'best-before', 'use-by', and 'sell-by' dates.
24% acknowledge they buy more food than they actually need.
6% avoid eating leftovers, and another 6% point to incorrect storage as a reason for waste.
These statistics reveal a complex relationship with food safety and consumption in Yorkshire, which could be improved with better habits and understanding.
The Importance of Food Labels
Many people may not fully grasp the significance of different food labels, which can lead to unnecessary waste. The survey found that while 83% of Yorkshire residents are confident in their understanding of food labels, there is still some confusion. For example, many mix up 'best-before' dates with 'use-by' dates, which have very different meanings.
Best-before dates indicate when food is likely to be at its best quality. Foods can still be safe to eat after this date, although they may not taste as fresh.
Use-by dates are crucial for food safety. Items should not be eaten after this date, especially perishable items like dairy and meat.
AEG emphasises the importance of using sensory cues—like smell and appearance—to judge if food is still good to eat after its best-before date. Understanding these differences is essential for reducing food waste.
Common Reasons for Food Waste
The survey also explored other reasons for food waste in Yorkshire. Aside from food spoiling too quickly, the following behaviours contribute to waste:
- Buying more than needed (24%): Many people tend to purchase excess food, leading to waste when they cannot consume it all. - Avoiding leftovers (6%): Some residents do not eat leftovers, which could otherwise reduce waste significantly.
- Incorrect storage (6%): Failing to store food correctly can lead to quicker spoilage, contributing to the waste problem.
- Date label confusion (4%): Misunderstanding food labels leads to unnecessary discarding of perfectly good items.
Nationally, the trend of food going off before it can be used is a common issue, but it is particularly pronounced in Yorkshire and the Humber.
Improving Food Storage Habits
AEG's product training manager, Michael Forbes, suggests several simple habits to help maintain food freshness for longer. These tips can make a real difference in reducing waste:
Cover wet items: Properly covering foods that are wet or liquid-based can help prevent cross-contamination in the fridge.
Use paper towels: Placing a paper towel in bags of salad can absorb excess moisture, keeping them fresh longer.
Store bread in the freezer: This can help prevent it from going stale.
Keep vegetables in the fridge drawer: This can extend the freshness of certain types of produce, depending on storage conditions.
Additionally, ensuring that the fridge is set to the correct temperature (between 3°C and 5°C, with 4°C being optimal) is crucial. Overcrowding the fridge can also lead to uneven cooling, which might cause food to spoil faster. With nearly half of Brits acknowledging they waste too much food, addressing these misconceptions and improving food storage practices could significantly reduce avoidable waste. Yorkshire residents, in particular, have the opportunity to lead the way in changing attitudes towards food waste, making a positive impact on both their households and the environment. For more information on food waste habits and tips, AEG’s website offers valuable resources to help consumers waste less and save more.