Celebrating More, Wasting Less: Simple Solutions to Save Food and Cut Costs this Holiday Season

The holiday season, a time of joy and celebration, is also marked by increased waste generation. Canadian families generate 25 to 45% more waste during this time compared to the rest of the year, and much of it comes from uneaten food. To shed light on this issue, Too Good To Go partnered with Léger to survey Canadians on their holiday meal habits and strategies to combat food waste.

Steady Spending Amid the Festivities

Canadians plan to spend an average of $148 on holiday meals this year. For 70% of respondents, this is consistent with last year’s expenses, indicating stable spending patterns despite current economic challenges.

Food Waste: Still on the Table

Despite growing awareness, 74% of Canadians say they typically throw out food after a big holiday meal. This statistic, unchanged from last year, highlights the persistent challenge of food waste, even with more solutions available to reduce it.

A Promising Trend: Adopting Solutions

Encouragingly, 90% of Canadians are committed to taking steps to reduce food waste this year. This widespread intent reflects a positive shift toward sustainable practices and a collective effort to mitigate the environmental impact of the festive season.

Simple Actions to Make a Difference

Reducing food waste doesn’t require dramatic changes—small, thoughtful actions can go a long way. Here are the top strategies Canadians plan to use this holiday season:

• Remixing leftovers (46%): Transforming leftover dishes into new creations, like soups, casseroles, or stir-fries, is a popular way to give uneaten food a second life. It allows families to enjoy variety while cutting down on waste.
• Sharing leftovers with my guests (44%): Inviting guests to take home a portion of leftover food ensures it doesn't go to waste. It's a thoughtful gesture that extends the festive spirit beyond the celebration.
• Making room in my freezer (42%): Storing surplus food in the freezer preserves it for future meals. This strategy reduces immediate waste and provides a convenient solution for busy days ahead.
• Serving smaller portions (18%): Reducing portion sizes helps minimize uneaten food and allows guests to serve themselves according to their appetite. This approach balances abundance with sustainability.
• Hosting a potluck (13%): Potluck meals distribute the responsibility of meal preparation among guests, often leading to less surplus food overall. It’s also a fun way to diversify the holiday table with contributions from everyone.

Too Good To Go: Fighting Food Waste Year-Round

Using the Too Good To Go marketplace app is also a solution to save surplus seasonal products like chocolates, pastries, cakes, or panettone from local food businesses, at a reduced price. During the holiday season, it’s a convenient way to save food, save money, and support local businesses, all while contributing to a more sustainable future.