Latest news with #OnePoll
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Britain's most annoying kitchen habits revealed - read the full list
A study of 2,000 Brits has exposed the worst kitchen habits that annoy Brits the most, from not cleaning up spills to leaving dirty dishes in the sink, how many are you guilty of? The most vexing kitchen habits of Brits have been laid bare, with neglecting to clean up spills and leaving dirty dishes in the sink being the top annoyances. A study involving 2,000 adults revealed that other major culinary irritations include keeping food on a continuous boil causing it to splatter everywhere, and stuffing rubbish into already full bins. Four in ten of those who have kitchen bugbears claimed they can't stand to have another person in the kitchen with them and a third who share cooking duties have a row with someone at least once weekly because they've committed what the other considers a culinary 'ick'. In an attempt to dodge confrontation, many often refrain from discussing these 'culinary crimes', choosing instead to clean up themselves or subtly set an example. However, for some, the frustration is too much to bear, with four in ten preferring to cook solo to maintain total control and avoid criticism if they happen to do something others find annoying. Ella Moorey, sustainability lead at Utilita, which commissioned the research as part of its High Five energy-saving tips for summer, commented: "Cooking together can be a joy or a nightmare, depending on where you stand on these divisive kitchen issues. "Culinary compatibility is crucial for those who want to enjoy cooking together – as these common bugbears can cause a surprising amount of drama. "Correcting these can not only save on friction, but also energy – as simmering rather than boiling sauces, for example, can save you £36 over a year." The study, conducted via OnePoll, also disclosed that 28 percent of those who cook rarely or never consider the amount of energy they're consuming – despite rating themselves an average of six out of 10 for energy efficiency. However, a whopping 90 percent are willing to explore ways to cut down on their energy consumption. Speaking on behalf of Utilita, which provides a Power Price List detailing the running costs of common household appliances, Ella commented: "It's great that so many are open to further reducing their energy usage – and bills – in the kitchen. "Some simple tricks could really help in this department and are unlikely to cause you any hassle – the biggest saver being switching the oven for an air fryer, which costs a third of the price to run." TOP 30 KITCHEN BUGBEARS: Not cleaning up spills immediately Leaving dirty dishes in the sink Not wiping down surfaces after use Forcing rubbish into an overflowing bin rather than emptying it Leaving the fridge door open Not washing up properly so there is still food on things on the drying rack Not clearing up as you go Not throwing away food in the fridge as soon as it's gone bad Leaving used teabags on the side of the sink Leaving food out on the side to go off Leaving pans to soak for days Cleaning the kitchen with a dirty sponge or cloth Using a wet tea towel to dry things Using too many pans or utensils unnecessarily Putting leftovers in the fridge uncovered Not cleaning the microwave after use Leaving the washing up sponge soaking wet after use Using metal utensils on non-stick surfaces Leaving the toaster full of crumbs Cooking something on too high a temperature so it smokes Not drying dishes properly before putting them away Using the same chopping board for everything Having food on a constant boil so it spits Stacking the dishwasher badly Using the same knife for everything Using every inch of counter space Using incorrect utensils (e.g. stirring something with a knife, using the wrong knife to cut something) Running the dishwasher when it's only half loaded Not following a recipe properly Rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher and wasting water
Western Telegraph
12 hours ago
- General
- Western Telegraph
Aldi's fridge storage hacks to make food last and save money
Well, you're not alone, and Aldi is calling on shoppers to rethink their fridge storage habits to reduce food waste and save money. It comes as the budget-friendly supermarket has revealed that the average Brit throws away around £387 of food a year (insights from a OnePoll survey found), some of which is thought to be due to incorrect fridge storage. In a bid for households to keep their groceries fresher for longer and to make their money go further, Luke Emery, national sustainability director at Aldi UK, has shared the correct way to manage food and drink in the fridge. What are the rules for storing food in the fridge? Back of the fridge 'The back of the fridge is the coldest area with the most consistent temperature, so it's the best place to store your perishable items. 'People often keep their milk in the door for easy access, but this is actually the warmest area of the fridge, with the temperature fluctuating every time you open it. Moving your milk to the back of the fridge can help it to last up to three days longer.' Top and middle shelves 'Likewise, you'll find a much more consistent temperature higher up in your fridge, helping to keep your leftovers, eggs, and dairy fresh. 'While you don't need to refrigerate eggs, storing them in the original packaging in the middle of the fridge can keep them fresher for longer by avoiding any temperature fluctuations. 'And while cheese should also be kept in this area, you'll need to use different storage methods for different cheeses. 'Typically, hard cheeses such as Grana Padano are best stored in an air-tight container to retain moisture, while soft cheeses such as Brie should be wrapped in baking paper and stored in a box for breathability.' Bottom shelves 'When thinking about your fridge storage, it's also important to be mindful of food safety and hygiene. 'Raw meat and fish should always be stored on the bottom shelves of your fridge to remove any risk of leakage which could lead to contamination. 'Once you've opened the original packaging, it's important to store any remaining meat or fish in a well-sealed container or freeze in a sealed container to use later. Make sure to make a note of the expiry date so you can use the leftovers safely.' Simple Ways to Shop Sustainably and Save Money Crisper drawer 'This storage compartment is normally found at the bottom of the fridge and is also known as a 'crisper drawer', designed for fresh produce storage. Most people know to keep their fresh fruit and veg in here – but you might not realise that they can interfere with each other. 'Certain fruits, such as apples and bananas, release a gas that can cause other fruit and vegetables to ripen prematurely and potentially go off before you've had a chance to use them. Try to keep these away from other produce, in their own drawer or container. 'You can also keep fruit fresher for longer by not washing your berries until you're ready to eat them and try adding a sheet of kitchen paper to a bag of salad to prevent wilting.' Fridge door 'If not milk or eggs, what should you store in the fridge door? It's generally the warmest area of the fridge so you should only keep products here which don't need to be extremely cold. Which food goes off the quickest in your fridge? (Image: Andrey Popov/Getty) 'Things like sauces, jams and jars are likely to be fine in the fridge door as well as other drinks like water and juices.' Luke explained: 'At Aldi, we're committed to reducing food waste wherever we can and part of that is helping our shoppers to get the most out of their groceries too. 'Storing your food correctly can help it last longer, reducing waste and ensuring customers get even more value from their Aldi shop. Even something as simple as changing where you store your milk can make a big difference.' How to make fruit last longer in the fridge If you're wondering what other ways you can try to make your fruit last longer in the fridge, many people have been discussing their hacks on Reddit, as separating them into tubs as soon as possible wasn't working for some. UK Supermarket Rankings 2025 In response to someone asking, 'how can I make fruit last longer?', the most popular method was washing fruit, particularly berries, in vinegar. This person said: 'I wash my berries in vinegar (either white or apple cider) and water; let them air dry completely for a few hours on the counter, and then put them in a tight sealed jar or tupperware. Recommended reading: 'Sometimes there may be one or two berries that gets moldy by the end of the week (I meal prep on Sundays for M-F), but the mold doesn't spread so all the other berries are good to go!' Another replied: 'Yes this. And put a paper towel in the container with them to absorb any moisture.' Meanwhile, an account chimed in: 'I've found that putting strawberries and blueberries in glass jars with a tight-fitting lid helps extend their life in the fridge.'
South Wales Argus
20 hours ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Aldi's 5 fridge hacks to make food last and save money
Well, you're not alone, and Aldi is calling on shoppers to rethink their fridge storage habits to reduce food waste and save money. It comes as the budget-friendly supermarket has revealed that the average Brit throws away around £387 of food a year (insights from a OnePoll survey found), some of which is thought to be due to incorrect fridge storage. In a bid for households to keep their groceries fresher for longer and to make their money go further, Luke Emery, national sustainability director at Aldi UK, has shared the correct way to manage food and drink in the fridge. What are the rules for storing food in the fridge? Back of the fridge 'The back of the fridge is the coldest area with the most consistent temperature, so it's the best place to store your perishable items. 'People often keep their milk in the door for easy access, but this is actually the warmest area of the fridge, with the temperature fluctuating every time you open it. Moving your milk to the back of the fridge can help it to last up to three days longer.' Top and middle shelves 'Likewise, you'll find a much more consistent temperature higher up in your fridge, helping to keep your leftovers, eggs, and dairy fresh. 'While you don't need to refrigerate eggs, storing them in the original packaging in the middle of the fridge can keep them fresher for longer by avoiding any temperature fluctuations. 'And while cheese should also be kept in this area, you'll need to use different storage methods for different cheeses. 'Typically, hard cheeses such as Grana Padano are best stored in an air-tight container to retain moisture, while soft cheeses such as Brie should be wrapped in baking paper and stored in a box for breathability.' Bottom shelves 'When thinking about your fridge storage, it's also important to be mindful of food safety and hygiene. 'Raw meat and fish should always be stored on the bottom shelves of your fridge to remove any risk of leakage which could lead to contamination. 'Once you've opened the original packaging, it's important to store any remaining meat or fish in a well-sealed container or freeze in a sealed container to use later. Make sure to make a note of the expiry date so you can use the leftovers safely.' Simple Ways to Shop Sustainably and Save Money Crisper drawer 'This storage compartment is normally found at the bottom of the fridge and is also known as a 'crisper drawer', designed for fresh produce storage. Most people know to keep their fresh fruit and veg in here – but you might not realise that they can interfere with each other. 'Certain fruits, such as apples and bananas, release a gas that can cause other fruit and vegetables to ripen prematurely and potentially go off before you've had a chance to use them. Try to keep these away from other produce, in their own drawer or container. 'You can also keep fruit fresher for longer by not washing your berries until you're ready to eat them and try adding a sheet of kitchen paper to a bag of salad to prevent wilting.' Fridge door 'If not milk or eggs, what should you store in the fridge door? It's generally the warmest area of the fridge so you should only keep products here which don't need to be extremely cold. Which food goes off the quickest in your fridge? (Image: Andrey Popov/Getty) 'Things like sauces, jams and jars are likely to be fine in the fridge door as well as other drinks like water and juices.' Luke explained: 'At Aldi, we're committed to reducing food waste wherever we can and part of that is helping our shoppers to get the most out of their groceries too. 'Storing your food correctly can help it last longer, reducing waste and ensuring customers get even more value from their Aldi shop. Even something as simple as changing where you store your milk can make a big difference.' How to make fruit last longer in the fridge If you're wondering what other ways you can try to make your fruit last longer in the fridge, many people have been discussing their hacks on Reddit, as separating them into tubs as soon as possible wasn't working for some. UK Supermarket Rankings 2025 In response to someone asking, 'how can I make fruit last longer?', the most popular method was washing fruit, particularly berries, in vinegar. This person said: 'I wash my berries in vinegar (either white or apple cider) and water; let them air dry completely for a few hours on the counter, and then put them in a tight sealed jar or tupperware. Recommended reading: 'Sometimes there may be one or two berries that gets moldy by the end of the week (I meal prep on Sundays for M-F), but the mold doesn't spread so all the other berries are good to go!' Another replied: 'Yes this. And put a paper towel in the container with them to absorb any moisture.' Meanwhile, an account chimed in: 'I've found that putting strawberries and blueberries in glass jars with a tight-fitting lid helps extend their life in the fridge.'
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Eight in 10 Brits are on mission to buy more British fruit and veg, research shows
A poll of 2,000 adults found Brits are in agreement that supermarkets should do more to prioritise British produce and said it is important to include homegrown vegetables and salad in their weekly shop Eight out of 10 shoppers are on a mission to fill their baskets with more homegrown fruit and veg, research reveals. A poll of 2,000 adults found Brits are in agreement that supermarkets should do more to prioritise British produce and said it is important to include homegrown vegetables and salad in their weekly shop. Two-thirds of shoppers are keen to bolster support for British farmers, while nearly half recognise this as a step towards reducing the UK's reliance on imports. Two thirds want to be more knowledgeable about where their food shop is coming from, as currently only six percent can know where their food is grown. The research was commissioned by vertical farming company GrowUpFarms, and its brand Unbeleafable. Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops in vertically and horizontally stacked layers. GrowUpFarms offers salad leaves grown in the UK without pesticides, year-round, in climate-controlled conditions. Will Howard, UK MD and CCO of the vertical farming enterprise, commented: "It's really encouraging to see so many people looking for homegrown produce." He added: "There's real power in choosing local – it means fewer food miles, fresher taste, and more support for British farmers. But there is still a lot more to be done. "Food insecurity remains a major challenge in the UK. In 2024, only half of the salad leaves eaten in the UK were grown here. "We're here to change the world by growing better, showing that people can back British produce – all while enjoying food which tastes amazing." Overall, three-quarters would be willing to spend more on British-grown vegetables over imported. Moreover, two-thirds of the population are keen to back British agriculture, even if it means digging deeper into their pockets. The poll reveals that consumers are prepared to shell out an additional £32 monthly on their groceries by choosing locally sourced fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the survey, carried out through OnePoll, indicates that over two-thirds are willing to pay a premium for salad leaves cultivated in the UK. Will Howard of GrowUp Farms, whose Unbeleafable products grace the shelves of Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Co-op, and Ocado, said: "We know shoppers want to integrate delicious, vibrant, and healthy food into their everyday meals, so we listened."
South Wales Guardian
3 days ago
- South Wales Guardian
Tech Brits most: Cassette tapes, film cameras and old MP3 players
A poll of 2,000 adults found 18 per cent long for the return of corded landline phones, while 17 per cent believe film cameras were ditched too soon. Others miss early mobile phones (17 per cent), portable CD players (16 per cent) and even old-fashioned typewriters (12 per cent). Even virtual pets made the top 20 list – with six per cent saying they still have a soft spot for them, despite 11 per cent admitting they couldn't keep theirs alive for more than a week. But 43 per cent admitted they view old-school tech through rose-tinted glasses. With more than a third (37 per cent) acknowledging they ignored how painfully slow those devices were, and 32 per cent forgave the glitches because it was simply 'the best we had'. The study found 38 per cent confessed gadgets from previous decades weren't exactly reliable – and 97 per cent say reliability is a top priority for the tech they use today. In the last 15 years, 81 per cent say there's been a seismic shift in the tech they use every day. Many are now unable to imagine life without smartphones (65 per cent), contactless payments (38 per cent), and streaming services (35%). Tech expert and former Gadget Show presenter Georgie Barrat [CORR] has teamed up with Smart Energy GB – which commissioned the research – to put some of these nostalgic gadgets to the test. She said: 'As a nation, we have a soft spot for all things retro – whether it's wind-up radios, clunky desktop computers or the thrill of developing film from a disposable camera. 'There's something nostalgic about the gadgets we grew up with. 'But we often view them through rose-tinted glasses – we forget the long loading times, the fragile connections, and how unreliable they could be. 'Energy meters are a great example of old tech that desperately needed an upgrade. 'The shift from analogue meters to digital smart meters brings lots of benefits – giving you a much clearer picture of how much energy you're using and what it's costing, which can help you to cut your bills.' The study also revealed the biggest tech improvements of the past decade and a half – with mobile internet (52 per cent) topping the list. This was followed by navigation apps (41 per cent), and contactless payments (38 per cent), while improvements to streaming services (35 per cent) and smart home tech (29 per cent) have also wowed the nation. Despite the digital leap, many are still clinging to old favourites – with 36 per cent still owning a landline, 24 per cent hoarding cassettes, and 23 per cent hanging on to their MP3 players. One in five (20 per cent) even have a stack of VHS tapes gathering dust. Of those with retro tech still lying around, 34 per cent still use it from time to time, while 23 per cent have it stored it away as a keepsake. And nearly half (45 per cent) want their devices to work without fail during important tasks, while 41 per cent rely on tech for communication, and 35 per cent to keep productive, according to the survey conducted by OnePoll. Victoria Bacon from Smart Energy GB said: 'In today's world, we rely on technology for almost every aspect of our lives – from staying connected with loved ones to managing work, finances, and our homes. 'We expect our devices to really make a positive difference and to perform seamlessly and consistently, especially when it matters most. 'As with most new tech, smart meter performance is continuing improve, with new research showing nine in 10 smart meter owners now think their smart meter is reliable. 'And because the technology behind smart meters was designed by top cyber security experts, you can be reassured yours has comprehensive security at its heart.' TOP 20 FAVOURITE TECH FROM BACK IN THE DAY, ACCORDING TO BRITS: GEORGIE BARRAT'S TOP 10 MODERN TECH:
