Many believe they rarely throw away food, but the facts tell a different story. A recent study shows nearly 40% of Hungarian households waste food at least every two weeks — yet with some attention, they could save $90–140 monthly. That’s the price of a satisfying dinner every day.
Waste Starts at the Store
A joint Ipsos and Munch survey of 1,000 respondents found the main reason food ends up in the trash is a lack of intentional planning. In most Hungarian homes, one or two people do the shopping, and without checking what’s already at home or what’s truly needed, it’s easy to buy more than necessary.
Not making a shopping list or deciding what to buy only at the store is a common mistake — it greatly increases the chance of overbuying, which leads to waste.
Most Food Waste Comes from Cooked Meals
More than half of respondents said the food most often wasted is cooked meals that weren’t eaten. This not only wastes money but also the time and energy spent cooking.
The second biggest cause is overbuying, which leads to food spoiling before it’s eaten. This is especially common among urban, educated shoppers who often buy in bulk due to busy schedules.
Many Underestimate How Often They Waste Food
While many say they rarely throw away food, the numbers say otherwise. Nearly 40% of households waste food at least every two weeks, with even higher rates in the capital.
The monthly value of wasted food often seems small — over half of households estimate it under $9 — but over a year and across households, it adds up to a significant amount. This is especially tough for families with tighter budgets.
Older Generations Are Much More Mindful
Among those over 60, food waste is much lower: 76% say the value of their wasted food is under $9 per month. In contrast, only 35% of younger people aged 18–29 say the same.
Several factors likely contribute to older people’s mindful habits — decades of routine and a frugal mindset play a big role.
You Could Save Hundreds Every Month
The study suggests the average Hungarian household could save $90–140 monthly by planning shopping and cooking better and using leftovers creatively. Over time, this can noticeably improve the family budget — or fund other goals like savings, vacations, or home improvements.
And it’s not just about money. Cutting food waste also helps the environment: less trash, lower carbon emissions, and fewer wasted resources.
5 Tips to Cut Food Waste
- Plan your weekly menu!
Make your shopping list based on it to buy only what you’ll actually use. - Check what you have at home before shopping!
This helps avoid buying duplicates of items already in your fridge or pantry. - Create new meals from leftovers!
Yesterday’s stew with rice can become today’s pasta topping; leftover roasted veggies can turn into a quick creamy soup. - Organize your fridge and pantry!
Put foods that need to be used soon at the front to reduce spoilage from being forgotten in the back. - Explore food-saving options outside your home
More stores offer discounted fruits and veggies that aren’t perfect-looking but are perfectly good. Buying these helps reduce food waste and saves money.
There are also apps and platforms that let you buy discounted meals from restaurants or stores that would otherwise be thrown away.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Reducing food waste is about more than smart shopping — it’s a mindset shift. When every family member pitches in, real change happens. Even small habit tweaks can lead to big savings, which really matters with today’s prices.
