Consumer household survey on food waste in 8 European countries (2023)

This survey was conducted in Austria, Denmark, Greece, France, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, and Slovenia (countries relatively high vs. low in food waste in the north, south, east and west regions of Europe). The aim was to examine which demographic characteristics, attitudes, skills, judgements, and behaviour related to food waste were most predictive of the self-reported frequency of throwing away food. Across the countries, younger adults, males, and households with more people tended to waste more food, as well as those who ate dinner out more.

Those who prioritise food safety less frequently throw out food, particularly in Austria and Slovenia. Those who think that unblemished produce is important more frequently throw out food, particularly in France. Those who would rather buy and prepare too much food than just enough also more frequently threw out food, particularly in Slovenia.

Those who waste less are better at planning their grocery shopping, preparing food, and knowing if food is still edible.

People more frequently threw out food because they bought (esp. In Austria, Hungary Denmark), prepared (France) or served (Denmark) more than was needed, because they only eat food that is fresh/freshly prepared (Ireland and Hungary), because they did not want to eat the remaining food (Poland, Slovenia), or did not know what to do with it (Denmark, Greece, Ireland).

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Want to know more? Contact betty.chang@eufic.org

Co-funded by the European Union’s EU4Health programme under grant agreement No 101124527