Nestlé is launching ‘Sniff, Look, Taste,’ a new Australian pilot designed to tackle one of the most common causes of household food waste: date label confusion. The pilot was developed in collaboration with OzHarvest and informed by their research, valuable insights, and expertise.
Each year, Australia wastes 7.6 million tonnes1 of food, with households responsible for around one third of this - despite 70 per cent2 being perfectly good to eat. OzHarvest research also shows that 58 per cent3 of high-wasting households throw food away because they are unsure what Use By and Best Before dates mean.
To help people make more confident decisions at home, the new ‘Sniff, Look, Taste’ on-pack logo encourages Australians to pause before throwing food away, check the date label and, where a product is past its Best Before date, use their senses, in conjunction with the Best Before date to determine whether it is still good to eat.
The logo is now appearing on selected MAGGI 2 Minute Noodles packs in supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide, bringing a simple reminder into everyday kitchens.
The pilot was also informed by local and global research, including RMIT University and End Food Waste Australia.
Nestlé Oceania Regulatory, Scientific and Nutrition Manager, Kirsten Grinter, said the initiative has been specifically designed to address one of the biggest barriers to reducing food waste at home – confusion over date labels.
“The simple rule is Use By is about safety, so always follow it. Best Before is about quality, so check it. That difference matters, because it can help people stay safe without throwing away food that may still be perfectly good.”
Expert voice for the initiative, food and nutrition scientist Dr Emma Beckett, said the pilot helps support both food safety and better everyday use of food at home.
“Good nutrition starts with having the knowledge and confidence to make the most of the food that we buy. That means knowing when food needs to be thrown out, and when it is worth taking a moment to check. For foods with a Best Before date, a quick sniff, look and taste in conjunction with reviewing the Best Before date can help people feel more confident about using food that is still good, rather than letting uncertainty send it to the bin.”
Rising food waste puts everyday habits in focus
Australia’s annual food waste is projected to reach 9.2 million tonnes4 by 2030 if nothing is done to address household food waste. OzHarvest Head of Impact Hally Lara said building confidence is key to helping Australians waste less food at home.
“Many Australians want to waste less, but they don’t always feel confident making the right call, especially when it comes to date labels. Reducing household food waste is all about small changes that can make a huge difference. Bringing this simple message and actionable tips on to Nestlé products, the 'Sniff, Look Taste’ logo gives people the perfect reminder to take action,” said Hally Lara.
The on-pack logo is now placed on MAGGI Sweet Chilli and Sour Cream 2 Minute Noodles 345g packs and MAGGI Smokey Barbecue 2 Minute Noodles 345g packs, available in supermarkets and grocery stores around the country.
For more information visit: https://www.nestle.com.au/en/sustainability/waste/sniff-look-taste-hub
1 2021 National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCEEW): Reducing Australia’s food waste - DCCEEW
2 & 3 Half Eaten Report, 2025, OzHarvest: https://www.ozharvest.org/app/uploads/2025/08/Half-Eaten-Australian-Household-Food-Waste-Research-Report-2025.pdf
4 2024-2030 Strategic Business Plan, End Food Waste: EFWA-Strategic-Business-2024-2030.pdf
