In the UK, food waste is a significant and costly issue for many households.
The frustration of binning unused fresh produce at the end of the week is all too familiar, especially when looking to save money amidst the climbing cost of living.
Making good use of every cupboard item is essential nowadays, and even the way tinned foods are stored can play a role in this. Scott Evans, a storage specialist from Pink Storage, has suggested a tip that could be a game-changer for getting the most out of your food.
Typically, when tins are placed upright, gravity draws the contents to the base. This is particularly problematic for dense items like baked beans, soups, or fruit in syrup; they settle, and a layer often remains in the tin upon opening, reports the Express.
While you could use a spoon like most people do to scoop the rest out, most of the time we are all guilty of throwing whatever is left in the tin in the bin.
Scott said: “When you store tins upside down, the food inside shifts and settles closer to the lid. This simple flip means that when you open the tin, the contents are more evenly distributed, making it easier to pour or scoop everything out without leaving anything stuck behind.”
Over time, tinned food with a high sugar or starch content can thicken and stick to the bottom. This is a natural occurrence, particularly in cooler storage spaces.
Storing tins upside down prevents the contents from settling in one place for too long, reducing the amount of food that sticks when you finally open it.
“It’s such an easy trick, but it works,” Scott explained. “You’ll notice it most with foods like condensed soup or tinned fruit, where the syrup or sauce often pools at the bottom. Flipping the tin redistributes everything evenly.”
Besides making tins easier to empty, this hack also helps reduce food waste. If you’ve ever struggled to scrape out the last spoonful of tomato soup or custard from a tin, you’ll understand how frustrating it can be to leave food behind.
“It’s not just about convenience, it’s about value,” added Scott. “Every bit of food left stuck in a tin is food you’ve paid for. By flipping your tins, you’re making sure you get every last drop.”
For thicker contents like baked beans or tinned pasta, Scott suggests giving the tin a quick shake before storing it upside down in your cupboard.
Scott advised: “A gentle shake helps redistribute the food even more, ensuring it doesn’t all settle in one spot. It’s a tiny extra step, but it makes a big difference when it’s time to open the tin.”