New Zealand households throw away an average of $1364 worth of food annually, prompting a nationwide pilot campaign by Nestlé to encourage consumers to check date labels using their senses rather than discarding items automatically, according to company data and public statements released this week.
Understanding Best-Before Versus Use-By Date Labels
The distinction between food safety and food quality lies in the specific terminology printed on product packaging. According to Nestlé representative Beckett, use-by dates strictly govern food safety and must be followed. Best-before dates, however, indicate when a product might experience changes in texture, color, or taste while remaining entirely safe to consume.
“We should definitely follow our use-by dates because they are about food safety,” Beckett said. Regarding best-before dates, she noted that a food’s nutritional value does not suddenly deteriorate when it passes that threshold. “It’s not Cinderella and the carriage turning into a pumpkin. It’s not that it goes from being nutritious to being not nutritious.”
Pro Tip: When evaluating items past their best-before date, rely on personal assessment rather than the number alone. Consider the type of food, how it has been stored, and your own sensory observations.
The Nationwide “Sniff, Look, Taste” Pilot Campaign
To combat household waste, Nestlé launched a nationwide pilot campaign encouraging consumers to apply the “Sniff, Look and Taste” method before throwing products away. The awareness message currently appears on selected packaging for Maggi 2 Minute Noodles across New Zealand.
Beckett pointed out that everyday routines often contribute significantly to household waste volumes. “I think there’s really great benefits to this campaign in just getting people to slow down and think about their choices because we often run on autopilot,” she said.
Community and Charity Support for Waste Reduction
The New Zealand Food Network has thrown its support behind the pilot initiative. Chief Executive Gavin Findlay stated that the campaign provides a practical approach to shifting consumer habits and building awareness around unnecessary discarding.
“It’s great to see Nestlé bringing this simple message and actionable tips to its products, as the Sniff, Look, Taste campaign gives New Zealanders the perfect reminder to take action,” Findlay said. He emphasized that reducing household waste relies on small, manageable adjustments, particularly regarding how shoppers interpret date labels.
Did You Know? Pairing non-perishable pantry items with fresh produce you already have on hand is an effective meal-planning strategy recommended by food advocates to minimize kitchen waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a use-by date and a best-before date?
A use-by date is strictly about food safety and should be followed closely. A best-before date relates to food quality—such as taste, texture, or appearance—and items can often still be consumed safely and nutritiously past this date.
How can I check if food is still good to eat?
According to the Nestlé pilot campaign, consumers should use the “Sniff, Look and Taste” method to assess items individually before deciding whether to discard them.
How much does food waste cost the average New Zealand household?
According to campaign figures, food waste costs an average of $1364 per household every year.
Join the Conversation: What strategies do you use in your kitchen to reduce food waste? Share your tips in the comments below, subscribe to our newsletter for more sustainable living guides, and explore our archive for related articles on household management.