{
  "id": 10446559,
  "title": "Freezer hacks that can save you money and reduce food waste",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/freezer-hacks-that-can-save-you-money-and-reduce-food-waste",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-28T12:44:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/lifestyle/2026-09-28-freezer-hacks-that-can-save-you-money-and-reduce-food-waste/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Freezers are powerful kitchen appliances often underutilized, with the potential to significantly reduce food waste and stretch grocery budgets. Rather than viewing the freezer as a temporary storage for excess food, consider it as a tool to preserve and repurpose leftovers creatively.\n\nKey strategies include freezing half-eaten bread, ripe bananas for smoothies or baking, and wilting herbs for later use. Cooked food that won't be consumed immediately should be portioned and frozen promptly, rather than letting it spoil in the fridge. The crucial factor is doing so before the food loses its quality.\n\nFreezing before items spoil also helps prevent unnecessary purchases. Keeping similar foods together in the freezer makes it easier to see what's there and avoid buying duplicates. For instance, having multiple packages of chicken or curry portions on hand reduces the temptation to buy additional meals.\n\nWhen dividing leftovers for freezing, smaller portions thaw more easily and can be taken out one at a time. For items like bread or soups, freezing in flat bags or slices saves space. Bulk purchases can be more economical when you already know you'll use them all, like pre-portioned meat or grated cheese.\n\nThe real benefit comes from using the food you've already bought, not simply buying more. Label containers with contents and dates for easy identification later. Think about what items typically end up in the trash and start freezing them proactively. For example, chop up fresh herbs or bananas before they go bad, and freeze extra cheese or bread.\n\nFreezing doesn't kill bacteria, but it halts their growth, making proper handling crucial. Perishable items should be frozen or refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Thawing safely in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature is recommended. Lastly, remember that freezing is not a cure-all for spoiled food; if something looks or smells off, it's best to discard it. When used wisely, freezing can help you shop smarter, minimize waste, and maximize the value of your groceries.",
  "summary": "Your freezer can do more than store meat and ice: use it to rescue leftovers, preserve groceries, buy strategically and cut food waste at home.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}