Leftovers don’t have to be a problem—they can be part of the solution.
We get it—eating the same thing every day can feel uninspiring, and no one wants to feel like they're stuck with second-rate meals. But leftovers don’t have to be dull. Whether it’s turning last night’s dinner into a delicious new meal or freezing extra portions for later, we’ve got practical tips to help you make the most of every meal.
Start today and see how small adjustments can make a big difference!
In New Zealand, uneaten leftovers are the third most wasted item behind vegetables and fruit. Amounting to over a whopping 12,000 tonnes!
By creatively reinventing and enjoying our leftovers, we can reduce waste, save money, and lessen our environmental impact.
4000
Tones of oranges wasted per year.
1200
Tones of vegetables wasted per year
3900
Tones of Leftovers wasted per year
TOP 5 TIPS FOR LEFTOVERS
Eating leftovers can be more than just re-heating what you made the night before. Check out our top 5 tips for making the most of your leftovers below!
Tip One: Cook Just Enough
To avoid leftover waste, plan and cook only what you need. This helps minimise waste and ensures you don’t end up with too much food. Learn more about perfecting your portions here.
Label your leftovers with Eat Me First stickers (including the date and contents to avoid UFOs – and follow the 2-2-2 rule: refrigerate within 2 hours, consume within 2 days, freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Store leftovers in airtight containers, beeswax wraps, or reusable freezer bags to make them go further. Your freezer is your pause button—use it! Freezing in freezer bags saves space and extends shelf life. Give it a try today!
Don’t toss those last spoonfuls—small bits can build a full meal. Start a “pizza box” container in your freezer for odds and ends like cheese, veg, or meat. Use them later in toasties, frittatas, or DIY pizzas!
Love your leftovers today! Start small by freezing a meal or try reinventing your leftovers with one of the recipes above.
You’ve got this!
Looking for creative ways to use up leftovers?
Swipe through these delicious recipe ideas that turn yesterday’s meals into today’s tasty dishes!
Turn yesterday's rice into today's feast with this quick and tasty recipe.