Eggs in the fridge? Bananas on the counter? And don’t even start on ketchup.
A survey from HelloFresh Ireland reveals what the nation is refrigerating and what they’re not. From leftovers to everyday staples, the results determine a nation full of strong opinions about what deserves a spot on the sacred fridge shelf.
Data suggests that some items are fridge royalty. Mayonnaise, 83 per cent, peppers, 80 per cent, and butter, 77 per cent, are widely chilled. Unsurprisingly, cheese and meat are unanimously put in the fridge, with 96 per cent of Ireland keen to keep them fresh for longer.
However, the data reveals the items that split the nation when it comes to the fridge vs cupboard debate. Ketchup is a 60/40 result with 60 per cent refrigerating it. Eggs are even more divisive, with 49 per cent refrigerating and 47 per cent keeping them at room temperature.
The data also shows the food items that Ireland keeps at room temperature. Garlic, 30 per cent, cake, 30 per cent and chocolate, 22 per cent, are mostly left out.
Interestingly, the data revealed that there is a generational divide when it comes to the fridge vs cupboard debate. Generally, young people are fridge fanatics, with 99 per cent refrigerating cheese compared to a more modest 87 per cent of older people.
Head of Culinary at HelloFresh Ireland, Hannah Duxbury said, “From mayo loyalists to chocolate rebels, Ireland’s fridge habits are as diverse as our food traditions. Whether you’re an early adopter of the chill or a firm believer in room temperature, one thing’s clear - when it comes to our favourite leftovers, we all put a little extra thought into keeping them fresh for longer.”
