A viral TikTok trend, ‘fridgescaping,’ has caught internet users’ attention. Like any other social media trend, it has a few cons. The trend, which has gained almost 34 million social media posts, involves revamping refrigerators into stylish display features such as figurines, ornate china, fruits, and vegetables.
Kathy Perdue first coined the term about 13 years ago. While visually appealing, health experts and the Food Standards Agency warn that it can have potential risks.
Dr. Maria Knobel, the Medical Director of Medical Cert UK, cautioned that contamination is a crucial concern of the trend. According to her, placing non-food decorative items, especially those not food-safe or hard to clean, can introduce bacteria or mold into the fridge.
Additionally, these objects may interfere with air circulation, causing temperature fluctuations that promote the growth of harmful pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Fridgescaping has reportedly been popular among the Bridgerton fans.
Experts warn against fridgescaping
Dr. Knobel also warned that the release of these chemicals could turn out to be hazardous to pregnant women and children. Social media influencers have also voiced the alarming concerns. Laura Mountford, a cleaning expert, allegedly said,
“You can find various acrylic storage solutions that promote cleanliness without compromising food safety.”
An Architectural Digest report from September 5, 2024, stated that the broader trend behind fridgescaping is romanticizing one's life. This trend's cultural and gendered implications are that the kitchen has traditionally been seen as a woman's domain. The trend might suggest that women seek to reclaim traditional spaces meant for them.
The benefits of fridgescaping
The practice can offer benefits if done carefully. Varsha Khatri from Prowise Healthcare suggested that arranging food in a visually appealing manner can help reduce waste. In a Times report from September 9, 2024, she said;
“Fridgescaping highlights food presentation, encouraging people to be more mindful of their consumption and waste less.”
According to Khatri, fridgescaping encourages regular cleaning and maintenance. By balancing aesthetics with practicality, people can enjoy the trend's visual and functional benefits while minimizing risks. In the Architectural Digest report, TikTok creator Lynzi Judish said that an interesting aspect of the internet trend is its diverse impact on individuals.
Having experienced disordered eating issues in the past, she finds that the trend serves as a beneficial coping mechanism in her recovery. Although some might interpret the trend as a reaction to diet culture, she believes it has positively affected her relationship with food.
In addition, an organized and attractive fridge can simplify meal preparation. A tidy fridge makes it easier for people to access ingredients, reduces stress while cooking, and boosts culinary creativity.
Hence, although the buzzworthy trend can improve our fridge's appearance by reducing waste, it is essential to prioritize safety. Experts recommend avoiding excessive decorative items that could lead to food contamination or disrupt air circulation and focusing more on using food-safe materials.
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