You’re wasting a lot of money without realising due to a simple kitchen habit – and it’s enough to buy return flights to Europe

Australian households unknowingly waste up to $3,000 each year on food waste, which is more than the cost of a return flight from Sydney to Europe.

The research by Food Innovation Australia comes as a shock as the cost of living continues to put financial pressure on households.

To tackle the ongoing problem of food waste and reduce the staggering amount, chef Matt Moran shared his secrets with FEMAIL on how to repurpose leftovers and save money on grocery shopping.

Matt applies his pasture-to-table philosophy to his top Sydney restaurants, following seasonal produce and using local produce, and also ‘celebrating the farmer’.

“You may go to the dentist a few times a year, but you’re relying on a burp three times a day,” Matt said.

The Sydney restaurateur said it’s “inspiring” to see more people becoming aware of where their food comes from and how they can reduce their grocery bills.

He advocated growing his own ingredients to reduce costs and boasted about the free app To sparedesigned to make mealtimes less stressful and more sustainable, and to inspire home cooks.

In a bid to tackle the ongoing problem of food waste and reduce the staggering amount, celebrity chef Matt Moran shared his secrets with FEMAIL on how to repurpose leftovers and save money on grocery shopping

Pictured: Matt Moran

1. BUY PRODUCTS THAT ARE IN SEASON

According to Matt, one of the best ways Australians can save money in the kitchen is to buy seasonal produce.

“When you choose fruits and vegetables that are at their best, you not only get the best taste, you get the best price,” he said.

‘Seasonal produce is more abundant and often cheaper because it doesn’t have to be imported or grown out of season.’

Currently, fruits that are in season include bananas, avocados, blueberries, and pineapple. Popular seasonal vegetables for spring include asparagus, beets, and broccoli.

‘There’s also something very romantic about buying seasonal produce. Take mangoes for example. When they come back into season, it’s more than just a fruit; it’s a moment to look forward to. That first bite of a perfectly ripe mango is a taste of summer!’ Matt added.

He also encouraged Australians to “embrace the seasons” and “let them dictate their menu”.

2. THINK CREATIVELY

Matt’s top tip for reusing leftovers is to think creatively about how you can incorporate them into other dishes.

“Don’t just reheat leftovers, see them as the basis for new dishes,” he said.

‘For example, the roasted vegetables from last night’s dinner can become a vibrant soup or a hearty salad.’

If you have leftover meat, such as roast chicken, lamb or beef, you can turn it into a pie, sandwich or pasta dish.

“Instead of searching for recipes that require you to buy more ingredients, you can simply enter what you have on hand into the Saveful app,” Matt adds.

“It generates meal ideas based on your existing ingredients. It’s a great way to maximize what you have and keep your meals exciting.”

Matt encouraged Australians to shop for produce that is in season and think creatively when putting together dishes. The money saved could take you to Europe and back

3. SHOP IN YOUR KITCHEN FIRST

Before you go to the grocery store, it’s important to check what ingredients you already have in your fridge, freezer and pantry. This will save you money and prevent you from buying duplicates.

This also means that you are likely to make fewer impulse purchases at the supermarket.

Matt described it as a “win-win” scenario.

“You save money by reducing food waste and making sure you get the most out of what you have,” he said.

‘Moreover, it is a step towards more sustainability, and that is always good.’