Food Waste Starts in the Store, New Research Reveals
OSLO, Norway – A surprising amount of food waste begins not in the kitchen, but during the initial shopping trip, according too recent findings. Norwegians are discarding significant amounts of unopened and partially used food, frequently enough due to misinterpreting date labels or purchasing more than needed. The issue impacts households across demographics, with families with children and individuals living alone exhibiting distinct patterns of waste.
The problem is ample. A report by Matvett,the Norwegian food waste organization,indicates that many consumers are prematurely discarding perfectly edible items. Some forget purchases and miss expiration dates, while others dispose of leftovers or partially used ingredients.Families with children tend to waste more leftovers, whereas those living alone primarily discard partially used food. A 2025 consumer survey detailed in a Matvett report reveals that older adults (60+) are more inclined to utilize food nearing spoilage, even removing undesirable portions to salvage the rest, compared to younger age groups.
“many people throw away leftovers and expired food because they are afraid of getting sick,” explains researcher Sigrid Møyner Hohle. “More facts on packaging about what a product’s normal appearance is, and how to assess whether it is still safe to eat, would be useful for many.”
The research highlights a need for clearer guidance on food safety and storage, possibly reducing household waste and associated economic and environmental costs. The oldest are the best in the class.
