Yield and waste of food prepared using a spatula

A study involving the use of thermoplastic spatulas vs. wooden mixing spoons to remove food from mixing utensils for 20 different types of foods assessed whether the use of a spatula affects food waste and yield. The results indicated that: (1) the use of spatulas resulted in less waste and greater yield than using wooden spoons; and (2) spatula use reduced waste more effectively in foods of intermediate consistency than in thinner or thicker foods. The study results are statistically summarized and discussed.(wz)