Understanding household food waste in Northern Ireland: The Household Food Management Survey 2025

Key Findings

• Cost-of-living pressures have eased: Two in five respondents in Northern Ireland report they are “keeping without any difficulty” – the highest level recorded since tracking began in 2022. Concern about food prices has consistently declined from 69% in 2023 to 66% in 2024, to finally 62% in 2025.
• Food management competencies have improved: The food management competencies have improved from 2024. Those who rate themselves as weaker at judging and buying the right amount has remained similar to its 2024 levels.
• Self-reported food waste across the four key products (bread, potatoes, milk and chicken) has declined in 2025: All four items are at their lowest levels since tracking began in May 2018. The average waste level across these products has decreased from 25% in 2024 to 19% in 2025, almost at par with the UK average of 18.8%.
• Attitudinal tolerance of food waste has increased: Fifteen per cent now report they are comfortable not using up all the food they buy, up from 11% in 2024.
• Displaced meals (meals eaten outside the home) are increasing In Northern Ireland: 30% of Northern Ireland citizens report to have a high number of meals eaten outside the home (up from 26% in 2024).
• High food wasters have reduced: High food wasters have fallen from 35% to 28% (UK: 27%), concentrated among consumers of more displaced meals, those with lower confidence in judging and buying the right amounts and weaker food management skills.
• Food waste ‘denial’ persists: Three in four believe they waste less food than the average household, and many accept that some food waste is inevitable. This reduces motivation to change and can limit the impact of information-led campaigns.
• Pack sizes and pricing: Buying near expiry is most common; smaller packs are less popular. Nearly two-thirds choose smaller packs for household size, 86% buy larger packs for value. Support is strongest for fairer/proportional pricing and more loose fruit and vegetables. Unit pricing is inconsistently used, especially by those who would benefit most.
• Recall of food waste communications has declined, particularly awareness of the amount of food thrown away. Recognition of the Love Food Hate Waste logo remains above the UK average (40% vs 33%).

Read the full findings and insights on household food waste and management in our latest report below.