Why Experts Want You to Stop Throwing Away These Foods This Winter
As temperatures drop and the natural food supply freezes over, wildlife experts are making an unexpected request: don’t toss out your leftover cheese, rice, and potatoes this winter.
These simple scraps could help keep the UK’s struggling bird population alive through the coldest months.
According to Bartec Municipal Technologies, the UK wastes an astonishing 9.5 million tonnes of food every year — much of which is still edible. And with wild birds facing increasingly tough winters, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) says those leftovers could make all the difference.
The Surprising Foods That Can Save Birds in Winter
The RSPB has encouraged households to rethink what goes in the bin, reminding people that many common foods are actually ideal for garden birds.
Mild grated cheese — a winter lifesaver
Robins, wrens, and dunnocks can digest fermented dairy products, making mild grated cheese an energy-dense snack that keeps them warm and active.
Just avoid soft or salty cheeses like Brie.
Rice — cooked or uncooked
Both cooked, unsalted rice and dry, uncooked rice are safe for birds and help them maintain body heat.
While it’s a great source of carbs, the RSPB recommends pairing it with foods rich in protein and vitamins so the birds get a balanced diet.
Leftover potatoes
Roast potatoes can also go straight into the garden — as long as they’re plain, unsalted, and cut into small pieces.
Ultra-processed potato products like chips or crisps should be offered sparingly, since they can cause weight gain.
Fruit, fat, and porridge oats
Soft-billed birds such as thrushes and blackbirds love bruised fruit, while many species enjoy unsalted hard fats like suet or lard.
Dry, uncooked porridge oats also make a great high-energy snack.
Make Your Own High-Energy Bird Cakes
If you want to go the extra mile, the RSPB even shares a recipe for homemade bird cakes using full-fat, high-energy ingredients. These treats are known to attract robins, tits, and blackbirds — and they’re simple to make.
If you don’t want to put leftovers outside, store-bought options like mixed seeds, sunflower seeds, and quality peanuts are also excellent alternatives.
Foods You Should Never Feed to Birds
Not every kitchen staple is safe for wildlife. The RSPB warns to avoid:
- Cooking fat from roasts — it mixes with meat juices and creates a greasy coating that damages feathers.
- Dried coconut
- Cooked porridge oats
- Milk
- Mouldy or salted food
These items can be harmful or even deadly to birds.
This Winter, Think Before You Throw
A little leftover cheese, rice, or potato might seem insignificant — but to a hungry bird in freezing temperatures, it can be life-saving.
By choosing to share instead of discard, you help support declining bird populations and make your garden a thriving winter refuge.
