Become a Leftover Legend This March!

We all mean to eat our leftovers — but let’s be honest, we’ve all lost a few to the back of the fridge or left them a bit too long before we get a chance to eat them.

Don’t let your leftovers go to waste! Join love food hate waste nz’s leftover legends challenge this March and make eating your leftovers an intentional part of your weekly routine.

Whether it’s half a casserole or a few spoonfuls of curry, leftovers don’t belong in the bin; they belong on your plate! Check out Love Food Hate Waste NZ’s 10 top tips to help you become a true Leftover Legend!

1. Follow the 2-2-2 Rule

This simple rule is your golden ticket to safe and delicious leftovers. Cool, cover, and refrigerate within two hours of cooking, eat within two days or freeze for up to two months for best quality. Reheat until piping hot — or enjoy cold if it’s meant to be!

2. If in Doubt, Freeze It

Can’t eat it in time? Freeze it! Almost everything can be frozen — from soups and stews to pasta and rice. Label and date your meals so you can grab a quick dinner when life gets busy.

3. Label Like a Pro

Avoid “UFOs” (Unidentified Frozen Objects) by clearly labelling your containers with what’s inside and when it was cooked. Your future self will thank you!

4. Create an Eat Me First Zone

Keep a special space in your fridge for food that needs to be eaten first. An “Eat Me First” sticker or shelf makes it easy for everyone in the house to know what’s up for grabs — and stops good food from going bad.

5. Make It a Mix-and-Match Meal

Once a week, raid the fridge and make a leftovers feast. Combine dishes, add some wraps or eggs, and voilà — dinner’s sorted with zero waste and minimal effort.

6. Stretch Small Serves

Even the tiniest portion can shine again. Turn that spoonful of curry into a pie filling, add last night’s roast veggies to a frittata, or use leftover chicken curry on a pizza. A little can go a long way.

7. Serve Smart

Let people serve themselves to avoid uneaten food going to waste. Store leftovers from the serving dish — not the plate — and you’ll save tomorrow’s lunch from today’s dinner.

8. Learn the Art of Reinvention

Transforming leftovers doesn’t need to be fancy. Master a few simple skills — like making soups, stir-fries, or frittatas — and you’ll never get bored of eating the same meal twice.

9. Eat Leftovers Anytime

Who says leftovers are just for lunch? Try a slice of last night’s pizza for breakfast or enjoy leftover roast potatoes as an afternoon snack. Any time is leftovers time!

10. Keep Salads Fresh

To avoid soggy lettuce, don’t add dressing until you’re ready to eat. Keep it on the side in a jar so leftover greens stay crisp and ready for round two.

Ready to Be a Legend?

This March, take the Leftover legends challenge and show your fridge who’s boss! Join thousands of Kiwis cutting waste, saving money, and giving good food the second chance it deserves.

Log your leftovers today and go in the draw to win a year’s worth of groceries thanks to the legends at Love Food Hate Waste NZ!