New Zealand Best In The World For Sustainable Food Habits
16 February 2026: IKEA has released the
2026 Cooking & Eating Global Report, and for the
first time since opening, New Zealanders have been included
in the IKEA global study alongside 30 other
countries.From reducing food waste to choosing
seasonal produce and growing food at home, this new IKEA
report shows exactly where New Zealanders outperform global
counterparts on sustainable food habits. Well above the
global average, 69% of Kiwis
say they consciously try to reduce food waste (vs 63%
globally), are significantly more likely to use food storage
to keep their food fresh for longer (47% vs 26%), and are
world leaders in cooking with home-grown food (36% vs
21%). Based on a survey of over 30,000
people in 31 countries, including 1,001 interviews across
Aotearoa, the report offers fresh insights into how people
cook and eat around the world, with New Zealanders
demonstrating standout sustainability habits as part of
their day-to-day. In addition to a mindful focus limiting
food waste, Kiwis also plan and shop for food differently;
63% prioritise reusable shopping bags
(global average: 55%), 44% take time
to plan meals in advance (global average: 32%) and almost 1
in 2 do one big weekly shop, as opposed to multiple visits
to the grocery store (global average:
33%).New Zealanders are global leaders in
sustainable food behaviours Across many
measures, Kiwis demonstrate stronger sustainability habits
than the global average:
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“These insights show just
how deeply sustainability is woven into everyday life in
Aotearoa. The food sourcing, preparing, cooking and
eating behaviours of New Zealanders reflect a strong
national identity shaped by connection to the land, a desire
to minimise waste, save money, and a practical, thoughtful
approach to everyday living, values that align closely with
our vision at IKEA.” says Edward Hincks, Home
Furnishing and Retail Design Manager, IKEA New
Zealand.Supporting sustainable
living at home The report highlights
that New Zealanders are already making thoughtful choices
— from reducing food waste to planning meals and keeping
food fresher for longer. IKEA’s food storage solutions are
designed to support exactly these behaviours, helping
households make the most of what they have, reduce waste,
and stay organised in the kitchen.Below are products
from the IKEA range which can help Kiwis make these
sustainable food habits easier at
home.BRUGDHAJ Jar with Lid
(1L)Image
/ SuppliedA durable, reusable
alternative to disposable packaging, BRUGDHAJ ($19.99) keeps
ingredients visible and accessible, reducing the chance of
food being forgotten and thrown away. Its longlasting
stoneware design supports the lowwaste,
buyonceuseforever habits many Kiwis already
embrace. Ideal for storing dry goods, snacks, or homemade
preserves.IKEA 365+ Food Container
(1.2L)Image
/ SuppliedWith its generous 1.2L
capacity, this IKEA
365+ food
container ($4.99) suits
the way many New Zealanders cook, from meal prep to
batchcooking and storing leftovers. It’s also one of
IKEA’s bestselling products worldwide thanks to its
durability and everyday practicality. Paired with the IKEA
365+ Lid Snap-and-lock
lid ($2.50), it creates
an airtight, aromatight seal that keeps food fresh for
longer, helping households reduce waste and stretch
ingredients further.The clear base makes it easy to
see what’s inside, supporting thoughtful planning and
preventing forgotten food at the back of the fridge.
Designed to be durable and reusable, it offers a
longterm, sustainable alternative to singleuse
plastics.SORTERA Sorting Bin with Lid
(60L)Image
/ SuppliedSORTERA ($49.99) is
ideal for sorting dry waste such as plastic, metal, paper or
glass. The foldable lid lets you open and access the
contents even when bins are stacked. A lid is included to
keep waste out of sight, and it can be removed for easy
cleaning or if you prefer to keep the bin open. The product
is made from more than 50% recycled
plastic. KORALLVIPPA
Dry Food Jars (set of 6)Image
/ SuppliedKORALLVIPPA ($19.99)
keeps dry goods fresher for longer with an airtight
seal that preserves flavour and quality. The transparent,
stackable design makes it easy to track pantry staples
making it ideal for seasonal shopping, organised storage,
and reducing waste at home. Perfect for grains, pasta, nuts,
baking ingredients, and more.KORKEN Bottle
Shaped Jar with Lid (1L)Image
/ SuppliedKORKEN ($4.99) is
perfect for storing homemade juices, pickles, jams, dry
goods, or leftovers. The airtight, aromatight seal helps
food retain its flavour, while the clear glass ensures
nothing gets forgotten. Durable, easy to clean, and
endlessly reusable, it supports a more circular approach to
everyday food storage and fits beautifully into any pantry
or fridge.About the 2026 Cooking & Eating
Global ReportThe 2026 Cooking
& Eating Global Report gathers insights from
thousands of people around the world to understand how they
cook, eat, and live at home. The report aims to open up new
perspectives and insights for IKEA to further support a
better everyday life for the many people, by contributing to
making home cooking easier, cosier, and more
confident.Now that IKEA is part of the New Zealand
community, these findings highlight a natural connection
between Kiwi values and IKEA’s approach to sustainable
living.Read the full 2026
Cooking & Eating Global
Report.
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