With such an array of different foods left behind, 49 per cent would be more likely to cook with their leftovers if they had more inspiration in the kitchen.

The research found potatoes, carrots and pigs in blankets are the most popular foods households have on Christmas Day, followed by sprouts and turkey. That’s why we’ve come up with some simple and exciting ways to give people the impetus to work up something special with what may typically have been thrown away.” “It’s encouraging to learn that so many are taking care to reduce what they waste, particularly at Christmas and we want to help where we can. But both of these factors can cause people to buy much more food at Christmas than they actually need – and inevitably, a proportion of this unfortunately finds its way into the bin.

Zoe Simons, senior brand development chef at Waitrose, said: “Getting ready for the big day can be a stressful and exciting time, especially now we’re able to host family and friends once again after the pandemic. The research was commissioned by Waitrose as part of its campaign to help halve UK household food waste by 2030, and to help customers saving money and taking care in their meal planning this Christmas, chefs from the supermarket have come up with their top tips to make the most of festive leftovers. With sandwiches being the most popular leftover dish, 39 per cent like to spice things up on Boxing Day with a curry, 36 per cent turn to the traditional bubble and squeak, and 31 per cent chuck their leftovers into a hearty soup. While 38 per cent will be giving leftovers for their guests to take away with them, 41 per cent will try to get creative in the kitchen to use up their leftovers.

Sandwiches were voted the most popular leftover dish, followed by a curry, bubble and squeak and soupĪ poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas found nearly one in three (31 per cent) admit to wasting more food than usual at this time of year – as 61 per cent overbuy to make sure they don’t run out.Īnd 16 per cent find it difficult to judge just how much they need to see them through.īut in a bid to curb the amount of food which gets chucked away, 35 per cent are going to force down foods they don’t particularly like.

41% said they would be more creative with their leftovers if they had some inspiration.

A recent survey by Waitrose showed that many of us waste more food than usual during the festive season.

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