10 Ways To Use Excess Food Productively

Throwing away extra food is wasteful but sometimes finding the right thing to do with it can be difficult. Here’s 10 ways to use excess food productively that will have you feeling useful and accomplished: 

1. Extra bits of fruit

If you ever find yourself chopping fruit and have extra bits and pieces here and there, do not throw them away. Simply put the pieces into a container or bag and put in the freezer. Even the unwanted pieces of your apple, banana, or other fruit can be frozen and reused in a smoothie. It will taste just as good and you’ll feel a whole lot better about saving those extra pieces of food. 

2. Bread ends

The poor ends of the bread loaves never get any love and are almost always brushed over. The bread ends may not be perfect for making sandwiches, however can effectively be used in making bread crumbs that can be used in another meal. Don’t throw away your bread ends; Use them in creative ways. 

3. Extra Juice

We all have that extra bit of juice sitting in the back of the fridge collecting dust so why not put it to good use. Use your juice in a mixed drink, whether with seltzer or with an alcoholic beverage. It’ll surely be better than the juice on its own or just dumping it down the drain. 

4. Extra Chicken

Leftover chicken tends to be dry and lacking the flavor it had originally, however can be repurposed in various ways. One way chicken can be used is by dicing it and using it in a buffalo chicken dip and another way it can be used is as the meat in a chicken salad sandwich. 

5. Leftover French Fries

Leftover foods are generally enjoyable but for some reason, leftover french fries aren’t very appealing.  Instead of tossing those extra fries, consider using them in an alternative recipe. Never re-heat your fries; Even if they may seem more appealing warm, when they are reheated they tend to dry out. 

6. Feed Pets

If you’re ever finding yourself with extra meat after dinner, don’t throw it away. Your pet will love a treat other than their boring old kibble and as long as you make sure it’s safe to eat, it’s an easy way to use some leftover meat. 

7. Donate

You can never go wrong with giving extra food away, whether it is to your elderly neighbor, friend, or to the homeless. Donating can take a little extra effort, but may go a long way for someone else in need.   

8. Art

Have some extra macaroni or rice? Make some art if you aren’t going to eat it. Food that could be wasted can easily be turned into art or some sort of fun activity for all ages. Whether it’s a necklace, macaroni sculpture, or painting, making food art is both fun and resourceful. 

9. Make Salad/Soup

With leftover vegetables or meat toss them into a salad or soup to get the most use out of them. Roasted carrots can become the main ingredient in a vegetable stew and your leftover steak can be the protein in your salad. 

10. Try New Things

If you ever find yourself with an overbearing amount of excess food, use it in a creative way and try a new recipe. Get innovative with how you use the food and instead of boring leftovers, you can turn your extra food into a whole new meal.

Ever find yourself with too many leftovers? What do you do with your extra food? Let us know in the comments below!

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