The 2025 Spanish food waste report: An Impressive 20% Reduction Since 2020

Spain continues to make significant strides in addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. According to the highly anticipated Spanish food waste report, published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the nation has achieved a remarkable decrease in discarded food compared to the baseline year of 2020. The robust data highlights how legislative frameworks and improved consumer awareness are successfully reshaping the everyday habits of the population.

Key statistics from the 2025 Spanish food waste report

The data, available on the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, offers an objective look at the country’s sustainability achievements. The Spanish food waste report for 2025 shows that the total volume of food wasted, both inside and outside the home, amounted to 1,129.91 million kilograms (or liters). Although this figure represents a marginal 0.4% increase compared to 2024, the medium-term evolution remains highly positive. Specifically, food waste in 2025 was 19.2% lower than in 2020.

This drop translates to a staggering 269.18 million kilograms or liters of food saved from the bin—the equivalent of approximately 27,000 ten-ton trucks. On average, each resident in Spain wasted 24.3 kilograms or liters during the year, which is a 0.3% reduction from 2024.

During the presentation of the findings, Minister Luis Planas emphasized the positive trajectory but warned that maximizing food utilization must become a daily habit. He noted that “the most expensive food is the one that ends up in the trash.” The impact goes far beyond financial loss, affecting both the environment and society, mirroring international trends such as those focusing on waste recycling efforts and environmental rules.

Household habits: The primary battleground against food waste

The statistics clearly demonstrate that private households remain the primary source of the problem. In 2025, households accounted for 97.5% of the total measured food waste, amounting to 1,101.8 million kilograms or liters. Fortunately, domestic waste maintains a downward trend, achieving a cumulative reduction of 19.2% since 2020.

Unused foods and beverages form the bulk of household waste, with fresh fruits and vegetables being the most frequently discarded items. Another significant portion comes from cooked recipes and leftovers that are prepared but ultimately uneaten.

According to the report, improving household management is crucial. This involves better planning for grocery shopping and meal prep, calculating portions correctly, and organizing the refrigerator more efficiently. Minister Planas also pointed out the critical need for continued consumer education regarding labeling, reminding the public that expiration dates and best-before dates are not synonymous.

Positive trends in out-of-home food consumption

The report also analyzed waste outside the home, which accounts for just 2.5% of the national total, equating to 28.12 million kilograms or liters. This specific sector has seen an impressive 20.4% reduction since 2020. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals who admit to wasting food while dining out has fallen to 41.5%, marking the lowest level recorded in the past four years.

Demographically, consumers between the ages of 25 and 34 exhibit the highest waste rate outside the home, while those under 25 have the highest index for wasting beverages. Conversely, individuals over the age of 50 demonstrate the most responsible behavior.

Legislative action and the new national awareness campaign

Minister Planas highlighted the fundamental role of the Law on the Prevention of Food Loss and Waste, passed in 2025, referring to it as a “lever for change”. The legislation has sparked numerous success stories, from supermarkets adopting pioneering strategies and platforms streamlining surplus donations to the transformation of leftover food into new products and the expansion of social dining initiatives.

To build on this momentum, the Ministry has launched a new institutional awareness campaign titled “Aquí no se tira nada” (Here nothing is thrown away), integrated into the broader “España Sabe” strategy. Spearheaded by actress Leonor Watling, the campaign targets households—where the largest margin for improvement lies—using practical, everyday scenarios. Scheduled to run during the first half of October alongside the Fruit Attraction exhibition in Madrid, the initiative aims to guide consumers from mere awareness into actionable steps: planning better, storing properly, and fully utilizing the food they buy.

FAQ

How much has food waste decreased in Spain since 2020?

According to the official data from the Spanish Ministry, the total volume of food wasted has decreased by 19.2% compared to 2020, representing a saving of 269.18 million kilograms or liters of food.

Where does the majority of food waste occur according to the findings?

The overwhelming majority of food waste happens in private households, which account for 97.5% of the total volume discarded nationwide.

What is the focus of the new Spanish awareness campaign?

The new campaign, named “Aquí no se tira nada” (Here nothing is thrown away), focuses on providing practical, everyday tips to households to help them plan their shopping, store food correctly, and creatively use leftovers to minimize waste.