People are just realising they’ve been opening tins all wrong and the right way gives you more food
FOOD waste is a growing issue in many households, even amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.
So finding clever ways to make the most of every item in your cupboard has never been more important.
And when it comes to tinned food, most people don’t give much thought to how they’re stored.
But when tins sit upright in your cupboard, gravity naturally pulls the food to the bottom over time.
This is especially true for thicker foods like baked beans, soups, or tinned fruit in syrup. The contents settle, and when you finally open the tin, a stubborn layer can stick to the bottom, making it hard to scrape everything out.
While you could use a spoon like most people do to scoop the rest out, most of the time we are all guilty of throwing whatever is left in the tin in the bin.
According to storage expert Scott Evans, of Pink Storage, one simple trick could make a big difference.
Scott explains: “When you store tins upside down, the food inside shifts and settles closer to the lid.
“This simple flip means that when you open the tin, the contents are more evenly distributed, making it easier to pour or scoop everything out without leaving anything stuck behind.”
Over time, food in tins with higher sugar or starch content can thicken and cling to the base. This happens naturally, especially in cooler storage spaces.
But when you store tins upside down, the contents don’t get a chance to settle in one spot for too long, which reduces how much food sticks when you eventually open it.
“It’s such an easy trick, but it works,” says Scott.
“You’ll notice it most with foods like condensed soup or tinned fruit, where the syrup or sauce often pools at the bottom. Flipping the tin redistributes everything evenly.”
Aside from making tins easier to empty, this hack helps reduce food waste – giving you more value for money.
If you’ve ever struggled to scrape out the last spoonful of tomato soup or custard from a tin, you’ll know how frustrating it can be to leave food behind.
“It’s not just about convenience, it’s about value,” Scott adds.
“Every bit of food left stuck in a tin is food you’ve paid for. By flipping your tins, you’re making sure you get every last drop.”
For thicker contents like baked beans or tinned pasta, Scott recommends giving the tin a quick shake before placing it upside down in your cupboard.
“A gentle shake helps redistribute the food even more, ensuring it doesn’t all settle in one spot. It’s a tiny extra step, but it makes a big difference when it’s time to open the tin.”
Storing your tins upside down is a simple, cost-free hack that can make your life in the kitchen a little easier.
Fridge or cupboard? The essential food storage guide
Foods must be stored correctly to keep them fresh and prevent the spread of bacteria.
Nutrition expert Birgit Brendel said bread will last longer when stored in the fridge or freezer.
However, this can compromise the flavour.
Storing in ceramic or pottery containers is an alternative that allows for air to flow easily and slow the growth of mould.
Robert Morris, managing director of food safety consultants, Complete Food Safety, revealed the best place to store fresh fruit and vegetables.
He said salad foods should be stored in the fridge drawer, but away from anything grown in the soil such as carrots, parsnips and beetroot.
Tomatoes are an exception to the rule as fridges can alter the natural ripening process and diminish their taste.
He also advised against putting avocados and bananas in the fridge as this will cause them to blacken quicker.