EAST SUSSEX, UK, June 25, 2026 – As another spell of hot weather sweeps the country, families are being told that a common cupboard staple could help save money and reduce unnecessary food waste. Experts believe potatoes offer one of the easiest ways to make grocery budgets go further this summer.
The everyday potato can do much more than provide affordable meals. It can help save money, improve picnic planning, support beauty routines and even provide relief from sunburn. Getting the storage right is the first step.
Recent scientific advice recommends storing potatoes in the fridge rather than a dark cupboard. Refrigeration can keep potatoes fresh for up to three times longer, helping consumers avoid waste. Yet 80% of people are still unaware of the updated guidance*.
The warmer weather sees fresh foods spoil faster, with the typical family throwing away 30 per cent more in summer than during the winter months. This means that keeping your potatoes properly chilled can save an average of £25 over the summer months alone.
Consumers are also being urged to check that their fridge is at the right temperature, with settings between 3°C and 5°C the optimum for prolonging food shelf life and preventing bacterial growth. Most fridges it seems are set at around two degrees too high.
Molly Borys, from the UK’s number one fresh potato brand
Albert Bartlett said: “The potato isn’t just a wonder food, it’s the answer to plenty of summer’s dilemmas. Store it right and you’ve got an instant helper on hand to get you through the hottest days.
“It’s vital that shoppers know about the new expert storage advice so they can prolong the life of their potatoes and save money and food wastage.”
Consumer expert, Kate Hardcastle MBE, adds: “ When household budgets are under pressure, consumers often assume saving money means making big sacrifices. In reality, some of the most effective savings come from getting more value out of the everyday essentials already in our homes.
“Potatoes are one of the UK’s most affordable and versatile foods, yet millions are still thrown away unnecessarily. A simple change in how we store and use them can help families waste less, spend less and make their food budgets work harder during the summer months.”
Albert Bartlett has also come up with alternative ways that potatoes can be useful for families, other than nutritionally. The experts have said that the vegetable can be used to salve sunburn, brighten undereyes, polish shoes and prevent glasses and goggles from fogging.
Potatoes can also be frozen to be used as ice packs, and then used to keep pack lunches fresh. Lastly, they can be used to pot root cuttings to encourage plants to grow.
