The Rise of Fridgescaping: A Trend with Benefits and Risks

A new and visually appealing trend known as “fridgescaping” has taken social media platforms by storm, particularly TikTok. This trend involves decorating the interiors of refrigerators with themes inspired by popular TV shows like “Bridgerton,” earning it the nickname “Fridgerton.” However, the trend extends beyond just one television series. Enthusiasts have embraced various themes, including a Mexican edition, an enchanted forest, and even Halloween. While fridgescaping offers benefits such as organization and ease in meal preparation, health experts caution against potential risks, including contamination and chemical exposure.

The aesthetic allure of fridgescaping lies in its ability to transform an ordinary refrigerator into a captivating display. By arranging and presenting food aesthetically, individuals find themselves more inclined to maintain an organized fridge, which can subsequently lead to reduced food waste. The trend has caught widespread attention due to its innovative approach to food storage.

“Fridgescaping catches people’s attention by arranging and presenting food appealingly,” – Khatri

Organization and Meal Prep Benefits

One of the primary advantages of fridgescaping is its potential to help keep refrigerators organized and clean. An orderly fridge allows for easy retrieval of ingredients needed for cooking, thereby simplifying meal preparation. This organized approach not only enhances the cooking experience but also promotes regular maintenance to ensure cleanliness over time.

“With an orderly fridge, cooking does not need to be a strenuous task as the various ingredients required for cooking can easily be retrieved,” – Khatri

“This not only promotes the safety of food but also helps one adopt the practice of regular upkeep to make sure the refrigerator is clean and organized over a period of time,” – Khatri

However, while the benefits are enticing, experts warn against taking fridgescaping too far. Over-decorating can obstruct air circulation within the refrigerator, which may lead to inadequate cooling. This can increase the risk of bacterial growth and food spoilage. Disease-causing organisms like Salmonella and E. coli can thrive in such conditions, posing significant health risks.

“Fridgescaping might involve placing non-food items in the refrigerator, which can disrupt air circulation,” – Knobel

@jenefertaylor

It’s one place YOU look every single day. Fill it with love. 🤍 My absolute most favorite place to decorate is INSIDE the fridge because it’s the one place most people, themselves look every single day. I make it beautiful for myself! (#singlelife with no kids) Here are my steps: 1. Take everything out of your fridge and clean the entire space with distilled vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Toss all expired foods, items in plastic or anything you no longer want to consume. 2. Place a clean kitchen towel on one shelf for the veggies. Place items on that shelf but don’t wash. I encourage only washing foods right before you plan to eat them. 3. Use small containers like tea cups and various size bowls and plates. This adds extra beauty! I love bringing fragrant roses and fresh herbs from the garden and adding seasonal smells. 4. Place beauty products on one shelf. I keep my @agentnateur eye cream in here and it feels so good when I use that in the morning or night. I also keep my palo santo protection mist from @animamundiherbals and my gorgeous crystal and monk oil from @shopabierto in my fridge. I love a cool mist! 5. Make it gorgeous so when you open it, you smile! This will help you make more beautiful daily choices for your health. P.S. I bake AND cook! Check my highlight “taste” for inspiration on healthy eats! #healthyliving #beautyinspiration #livinginbeauty #fridge

♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

Risks of Contamination

Decorative items used in fridgescaping might inadvertently harbor bacteria or mold. When these items come into contact with food, they can contaminate it, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses. Additionally, some decorative materials are not designed for use in food storage environments and may degrade over time, releasing harmful chemicals into the food.

“Some decorative items may be made from materials that are not intended for use in food storage environments,” – Knobel

“If these items degrade or release chemicals, there is a risk of these substances coming into contact with your food,” – Knobel

These risks underscore the importance of striking a balance between aesthetics and safety. While fridgescaping can encourage healthier habits and create visually stunning displays, individuals must remain mindful of potential hazards to ensure that their refrigerator remains a safe environment for food storage.

---

Featured Image courtesy of Realtor.com