How to Use Up Food Before It Goes Bad (and Stop Wasting Groceries)

The average household throws away a surprising share of the food it buys, mostly fresh produce, dairy and leftovers. A few small habits stop most of it, and they save real money.

Make a "use it first" shelf

Keep one shelf or box at eye level for anything that needs eating in the next two or three days. Plan tonight's dinner from that shelf first.

Know which foods go first

Soft herbs, salad leaves, berries and mushrooms: 2 to 5 days
Fresh fish and minced meat: 1 to 2 days
Opened milk, cream and soft cheese: about a week
Carrots, cabbage, apples and hard cheese: weeks

Not sure what to cook tonight?

Snap your fridge and FridgeChef suggests three dinners from what you have. 3 free scans a month, no signup.

Use up what is in my fridge

Rescue recipes for wilting produce

Soft veg: soup, stir-fry, curry or a sheet-pan bake
Wilting greens: pesto, omelettes, pasta, smoothies
Overripe fruit: banana bread, smoothies, compote
Stale bread: croutons, breadcrumbs, French toast

Freeze before it is too late

Bread, cooked grains, chopped onions, grated cheese, ripe bananas and most cooked meals freeze well. Label and date them.

Let your fridge plan dinner

FridgeChef Pro has a "use it before it expires" mode: tap the items that need using and every suggested recipe is built around them. It can also turn your pantry into a weekly meal plan that uses perishables first.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between "use by" and "best before"?

"Use by" is about safety: do not eat the food after that date. "Best before" is about quality: food is usually still safe after it, though it may be less fresh.

What foods are wasted most?

Fresh vegetables and salad, fruit, bread, milk and leftovers. Planning meals around them first cuts most household waste.