EAST SUSSEX, UK, June 25, 2026 – With temperatures climbing across the UK once again, households are being encouraged to look at one everyday kitchen staple as a simple way to cut spending during the warmer months. Experts say potatoes can help families reduce food waste and stretch grocery budgets throughout the summer.
The humble potato is a seasonal multitasker that can help lower food bills, enhance picnics, support beauty hacks and even soothe sunburn. The key, according to experts, is making sure spuds are stored correctly.
Rather than following traditional advice to keep potatoes in a dark cupboard, current scientific recommendations suggest storing them in the fridge. Research shows this can extend freshness by up to three times, helping households reduce waste. Despite this, around 80% of consumers remain unaware of the updated guidance*.
Hot weather causes fresh produce to spoil more quickly, and the average family throws away around 30% more food during summer than in winter. By keeping potatoes refrigerated, households could save approximately £25 over the course of the season.
Consumers are also advised to ensure fridges are operating between 3°C and 5°C, which is considered the ideal range for maintaining freshness and limiting bacterial growth. Many household fridges are believed to be set roughly two degrees warmer than recommended.
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 added: “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 highlighted several non-food uses for potatoes. Experts say they can help soothe sunburn, brighten under-eye areas, shine shoes and stop glasses or goggles from misting up.
Potatoes can also be frozen and used as cooling packs for lunchboxes. In the garden, they can be used to support root cuttings and encourage plant growth.
