# Food waste and consumption trends in Italy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/food-waste-and-consumption-trends-in-italy
> Updated: 2026-09-26T16:39:30.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 3.

Italy has seen a reduction in weekly per capita food waste, which fell to 493.7 grams, an 11.17% decrease from August 2025. According to the Waste Watcher International 2026 report, the most wasted items include bread, fresh fruit, and vegetables. This trend moves the country toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of reaching a 369.73-gram threshold by 2030.

Regional data indicates that Northern Italy maintains the lowest waste levels, while Central Italy has experienced a 15% increase. However, consumer behavior presents new challenges; data from Waste Watcher International indicates that 27% of surveyed Italians purchase items based on aesthetic packaging or social media trends rather than necessity.

To meet upcoming European Union mandates, such as Directive 2025/1892—which sets a 30% reduction target for households and retail—experts suggest frozen foods could be a key tool. The Italian Institute of Frozen Foods (IIAS) notes that frozen products contribute only 2.2% of total waste (14.9 grams per capita) and offer advantages in portion control and nutrient preservation. Retail sales of frozen foods exceeded 642,000 tonnes in 2025, with popular categories including vegetables, fish, potatoes, pizzas, and ready-made meals. For individuals living alone, these goods provide practical benefits for managing single meals and reducing waste.

Effective household management also involves specific storage techniques. Experts recommend organizing refrigerators by separating raw foods from ready-to-eat items, placing raw meat and fish on the lowest shelves in closed containers to prevent cross-contamination. Using transparent containers and labeling opening dates can further assist in tracking freshness.

## Claims

- Italy is moving toward the UN 2030 target of 369.73 grams of weekly food waste per capita. (single source)
- Weekly food waste in Italy has dropped to 493.7 grams per capita. (single source)
- The current waste level represents an 11.17% decrease compared to August 2025. (single source)
- Frozen food waste accounts for 14.9 grams per capita weekly, which is 2.2% of total waste. (single source)
- EU Directive 2025/1892 introduces binding food waste reduction targets. (single source)
- The EU target for retail, catering, and households is a 30% reduction in per capita food waste. (single source)
- Approximately 27% of surveyed Italians purchase food based on social media trends or packaging aesthetics. (single source)
- Frozen vegetables and fish can help reduce waste due to long shelf life and portion control. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Italy food waste drops to 493.7 grams per capita weekly

Italy's weekly food waste has fallen to 493.7 grams per capita, an 11% drop that brings the nation closer to UN 2030 sustainability targets.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-food-waste-drops-to-4937-grams-per-capita-weekly

### 2026-09-25: Food storage and consumption trends in Italy

Guidelines for efficient refrigerator organization emphasize separating raw and cooked foods, while data shows Italian frozen food consumption has surpassed 642,000 tonnes in 2025.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/food-storage-and-consumption-trends-in-italy

### 2026-09-24: Italy food waste per capita falls below 500 grams weekly

Italy's weekly food waste per capita has dropped to 493.7 grams, an 11.17% decrease from 2025, moving the nation closer to UN 2030 sustainability targets.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-food-waste-per-capita-falls-below-500-grams-weekly

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Cite as: Food waste and consumption trends in Italy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/food-waste-and-consumption-trends-in-italy