Nestlé has launched a new on-pack labelling pilot in Australia aimed at reducing household food waste by helping consumers better understand the difference between 'Use By' and 'Best Before' dates.
Developed in collaboration with OzHarvest and informed by research from RMIT University and End Food Waste Australia, the 'Sniff, Look, Taste' initiative is now appearing on selected Maggi 2 Minute Noodles multipacks sold nationally.
The logo encourages consumers to check the date label before discarding food and, where a product has passed its Best Before date, to use their senses – in conjunction with the date guidance – to determine whether it is still suitable to eat. The company stresses that products carrying a Use By date should always be discarded once that date has passed.
According to Nestlé, Australia wastes 7.6 million tonnes of food each year, with households responsible for around one-third of that total. The company also cites OzHarvest research showing 58 per cent of high food-wasting households discard food because they are unsure what Use By and Best Before dates mean.
Kirsten Grinter, Nestlé Oceania regulatory, scientific and nutrition manager, said confusion around date labels remains one of the biggest barriers to reducing food waste at home
“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.”
Dr Emma Beckett, food and nutrition scientist supporting the initiative, said the pilot supports both food safety and better food utilisation.
“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.”
Hally Lara, head of impact at OzHarvest, said simple behavioural prompts could help households reduce waste.
“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.”
The pilot is currently featured on Maggi Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream and Smokey Barbecue 345g 2 Minute Noodles multipacks available through supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide.
Ed's note: This is a neat example of packaging being used as a behavioural change. While the graphic itself is simple, the pilot reflects a broader trend towards on-pack communication that encourages more sustainable consumer behaviour at the point of use.
