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7.6 million tonnes
2.5 million tonnes
70 %
  • DCCEEW - National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study (2021)
  • OzHarvest, Half Eaten: Australian Household Food Waste Research (2025)

A simple way to help avoid food waste at home

Reducing food waste doesn't have to be complicated. With a few small changes at home, you can help your food go further - one meal at a time.

Every year, Australians throw away around 7.6 million tonnes of food, including 2.5 million tonnes from our own homes. What many people don't realise is that a lot of this food is still perfectly good to eat.

Sometimes it comes down to simple things - like being unsure what food labels really mean, especially the difference between 'Best Before' and 'Use By' dates. When we're not sure, it can feel easier to throw food away - even when it doesn't need to be.

The good news is, many of us already have the tools to make better decisions - we just don't always remember to use them.

Understanding Date Labels

Use-By

A Use By date is about safety – it tells you the last date a food should be eaten, as it may not be safe after that point.

Best Before

A Best Before date, on the other hand, is about quality. It indicates how long the product is expected to deliver its best taste, texture and overall experience.

Understanding Date Labels: Best Before vs Use By
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That's where Sniff, Look, Taste comes in

It's a simple test that encourages you to pause before throwing food away. Many of us throw away food that's still perfectly good to eat - often because we're unsure what food labels really mean.

Sniff. Look. Taste. is a simple habit that helps you make more confident decisions, so good food is used and enjoyed - not wasted.

'Sniff, Look, Taste': Empowering Aussies to waste less food th
Why trusting your senses matters

By taking a moment to use your senses, you can feel more confident about the food you already have and help reduce food waste.

Sniff. Look. Taste. is a simple, everyday habit designed to help reduce food waste at home - without judgement, guilt or guesswork.

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Practical tips to help food go further

  • Store it right
    - Keep pantry staples in cool, dry places
    - Seal opened packs tightly to maintain quality
    - Use the fridge and freezer to extend food life
    store it right
  • Use it up
    - Slightly soft fruit is great for baking or smoothies
    - Leftover vegetables can become soups, stir-fries or pasta sauces
    - Bread past its prime makes perfect toast, croutons or breadcrumbs
    use it up
  • Plan smarter
    - Check what you already have before shopping
    - Rotate older items to the front of the pantry
    - Cook flexible meals that adapt to what’s on hand
    plan smarter

 

Trusted partners, shared goals

We work alongside organisations that share our commitment to reducing food waste and supporting communities. Through partnerships with food-rescue and sustainability organisations, we're helping ensure food is used where it matters most.