Perfect portions
Preparing and cooking the right amount of food is one of the best ways to save money and reduce food waste. You can follow a recipe or use a serving size calculator to measure the amount of food you need.
Cooking too much is one of the main reasons we waste food. A 2019 study found that families with children were less likely to consider portion sizes most of the time when preparing food. Families were also more likely to make extra food, whether for a future planned meal, just in case, or due to the unpredictability of how hungry members of the household are.
Serving up the right size portions ensures everyone has enough to eat while reducing the risk of waste.
A rough guide to portion size
- Potatoes, rice, pasta and legumes should be the size of your clenched fist
- Fruit, nuts and seeds should be the size of one cupped hand
- Vegetables and greens should equal two cupped hands
- Meat and eggs should be the size and thickness of your palm
- Cheese, spreads and dressings should be the size of your thumb
Our hands are also a ‘handy’ guide to show how much we need to cook. One palm-size of raw meat is about 85 grams, which is one serve. Also, follow the portion size recommendations on the packaging - they are there to help.
If you do prepare extra food, store these leftovers properly and make sure you consume them before their use by date.
Letting others serve themselves reduces the risk of any wastage. Children and older people tend to eat less, and so, encouraging them to serve themselves to suit their appetite, it allows for everyone to feel satisfied and no food is left on plates.
Useful links
- Perfect portions action card
- Watch: Perfect portion tips
- Love Food Hate Waste UK handy portion planner