When we go grocery shopping, we have every intention of eating all that we buy. For some reason, that isn’t always the case. If you’re guilty of tossing expired items from your fridge into the garbage on a regular basis, you’re not alone. If you want to use every last bit of the food you buy to save money and avoid food waste, here are some tips to do so.
1. Consider purchasing see-through containers to store food.
It’s a quick way to scan how much is left in the fridge without having to open lids. This technique is especially helpful when you want to quickly gauge the freshness of certain items that tend to perish quickly. Clear containers are useful for housing staples like pasta, rice, cereal and snacks like pretzels.
Visibility is key to avoid food waste. You can quickly take inventory of what you already have before shopping so you don’t purchase items that you already have. You may also realize that you don’t need as many items as you think when you look in cabinets and cupboards. Also, glass is making a comeback as another see-through option. More and more stores are offering glass water bottles and storage containers for those who no longer want to use plastic.
2. Invest in technology to prevent future food waste.
Have you ever tried to flip a syrup bottle in your pantry or jelly jar in your fridge upside down in an effort to move the remaining contents closer to the top of the container? It can be tricky and somewhat frustrating to do. Sometimes the bottle constantly falls down or the ingredients inside tend to escape leaving you with a mess to clean up when all you wanted to do was preserve what was left.
If you’re looking for a way to minimize waste and frustration, there’s a new item that just may do the trick. The inventors of the Waste Not Nut product meet your need to use all of the contents you purchased using a flexible plastic ring and small plastic jar that is recyclable, reusable, dishwasher-safe and FDA approved. This product was designed to make it easier to empty and drain product stuck at the bottom of bottles. Attach the ring to a jar. Open and flip the bottle that has contents remaining and allow it to sit snuggly upside down to drain what’s left. You can use every bit of what you purchase and promote sustainability in the process.
3. Limit the amount of fresh produce you buy to prevent spoilage.
If you’re on a health kick, it’s normal to run to the store and stock up on fresh produce, but unless you strategically plot out how and when you will finish it all before it spoils, it can be a waste of money if you don’t eat it all. Choose items you know you will readily eat as a snack or ones that can easily be woven into a recipe that you will readily make. Otherwise, you can be setting your attempts to eat better up to fail. Choose a realistic amount of fresh fruits and veggies that you will eat before they spoil.
4. Make it a habit to buy a mix of items fresh and frozen items.
Bring a checklist of items you purchase on a regular basis. If you want to eat fruits and vegetables every day, then consider buying some of those items frozen. Frozen blueberries and strawberries can easily be added to yogurt.
5. Freeze items.
Knowing how many items to buy can be tricky. Many people will tell you to make banana bread if your bananas are turning black. If you’re short on time or don’t want to make banana bread, peel the bananas and store them in the freezer. They can be used later for smoothies or other recipes that call for bananas. Bananas are sold in a bunch but that doesn’t mean you need to buy all of them. Tear off the amount you know you will use.
6. Keep up on expiration dates.
Keep a storage guide handy to keep track of when items expire. Some items like ground beef may last a few days in the fridge while other items like cheese can last up to a week. Being cognizant of this can help you use what you have in a timely fashion. Also, try to get a mix of items based on their expiration dates when shopping. Just be sure to meal plan accordingly and eat items before they spoil.
Take steps to avoid food waste and eat more of what you purchase using the tips mentioned. This can save you money and prevent you from throwing food in the garbage can. A little effort and planning can go a long way.
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6 Tips to Avoid Food Waste originally appeared on usnews.com
