The numbers behind it
| Per person | Household of four | |
|---|---|---|
| Per year | $728 | $2,913 |
| Per week | $14 | $56 |
EPA estimates wasted food makes up about 11 percent of what an average American spends on food. The household estimate multiplies the per-person figure by the number of people; real households vary a lot around that average. Background and other figures: food waste statistics.
Where the money goes
Two habits account for a lot of household waste: forgetting what's in the fridge until it spoils, and throwing food away because of a date that was only about quality. A “best by” or “sell by” date isn't a safety deadline; learning the difference keeps good food out of the bin. See what food date labels mean and how to reduce food waste at home.
Questions people ask
Where does the $728 per person figure come from?
From EPA's April 2025 report 'Estimating the Cost of Food Waste to American Consumers', which estimates wasted food costs the average American about $728 a year, or $14 a week, and about $2,913 a year for a household of four.
Why do other sites say $1,500 a year for a family?
That older figure was based on 2010 food prices. EPA's 2025 report says it is outdated and replaces it with $2,913 for a household of four.
Is my household's waste really that high?
Maybe not. The estimate is a national average spread across everyone, including households that waste much more or much less. Adding up one real week, in the second tab, gives you a number based on your own kitchen.
Sources
- Estimating the Cost of Food Waste to American Consumers (April 2025) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency