With queries such as ‘Do tomatoes go in the fridge?’ and ‘Do avocados go in the fridge?’ seeing a surge of over 5,000% more searches on Google in Ireland, it’s the question on everyone’s lips.
Data suggests that some items are fridge royalty. Mayonnaise (83%), peppers (80%) and butter (77%) are widely chilled, proving that Ireland takes the freshness of food seriously. Unsurprisingly, festive leftovers like cheese and meat are unanimously put in the fridge with 96% of Ireland wanting to keep their Christmas feast fresh for a bit longer.
The data caomes from a new survey from HelloFresh Ireland, revealing what the nation is refrigerating and what they’re decidedly 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.
However, the data reveals the items that split the nation when it comes to the fridge versus cupboard debate. Ketchup is a 60/40 result with 60% refrigerating it. Eggs are even more divisive, with 49% refrigerating and 47% keeping them at room temperature.
The data also shows the food items that Ireland keeps at room temperature. Garlic (30%), cake (30%) and chocolate (22%) are mostly left out. When it comes to festive staples, in case you had wondered, Christmas pudding (31%) and mince pies (15%), these treats are either eaten fast or stored in the cupboard for ease.
Interestingly, the data revealed that there is a generational divide when it comes to the fridge vs cupboard debate. Generally, young ones (Gen Zs and Millennials) are fridge fanatics, with 99% refrigerating cheese compared to a more modest 87% of Boomers.
Ireland’s fridges become battlegrounds of tradition and modernity. The survey shows how our storage habits blend practicality, flavour preferences, and the joy of following tradition.
