To keep or not to keep? Sorting out leftovers from a refrigerator

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Food Science
• Consumer Behavior

Background:

• Most food waste literature focuses on edibility, overlooking the decision-making process for leftovers.
• Understanding domestic food waste requires examining perceptions of leftover food's worth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the factors influencing decisions about keeping or discarding refrigerated leftovers.
• To provide a deeper understanding of domestic food waste generation through a pluridisciplinary lens.

Main Methods:

• Combined sensory analysis in a controlled kitchen setting with in-depth interviews.
• 50 participants sorted refrigerated leftovers; 25 were interviewed about food habits and leftover management.
• Utilized practice theory as the theoretical framework.

Main Results:

• Sorting leftovers involves embodied knowledge and domestic waste-avoidance practices like storing and reusing.
• Decisions on discarding food are influenced by provisioning, cooking, meal organization, and taste judgments.
• Heterogeneity in sorting outcomes stems from weak regulation of the practice.

Conclusions:

• Leftover sorting is a complex practice influenced by individual engagement modes (waste prevention, health, family meals).
• Findings offer insights into domestic refrigeration, food storage, and food assessment practices.
• Policy recommendations are suggested to mitigate domestic food waste.