Best-before date & expiration date: the subtle difference

A glance at the packaging and the printed date might seem enough to determine whether the product is past its date or not. It's usually not that simple. Take a close look at the date and pay attention to which consumption information it is labeled with.

Best-before date: Until the specified date it is guaranteed that the product retains its original characteristics in appearance, texture and ingredients. It is up to you to store the food correctly until that time. Even after the date has passed, the food can still be enjoyed. You should only inspect it carefully after opening. Does the bread or cheese still smell good? Does it look as it did before the best-before date and taste fine? Then you can eat it without worry.

Expiration date: You should avoid meat and fish after the use-by date has passed. Harmful germs and bacteria can develop quickly in these products.

Expired food for children?

As an adult you can trust your senses, look the food over carefully and then decide. Many parents, however, worry about whether they should still give expired food to their children. Trust your nose and eyes and, if necessary, try a small piece of cheese or a spoonful of pudding. If the food tastes and smells normal, your child can usually tolerate it too. If your child has a sensitive stomach, you should be a bit more cautious. It's better for you to eat the expired yogurt yourself and offer your child a fresh one.

Does this belong in the fridge? How do I store food properly?

To keep food fresh for longer, it's helpful to store it according to your needs. Buy as fresh as possible at the supermarket and put your shopping straight into the fridge afterward.

Fruit: As a rule of thumb, remember that local fruits like apples or cherries need cooler storage, while exotic fruits are better stored at room temperature. Exceptions include, for example, kiwis or figs, which are better kept in the fridge. Also watch for bruises on fruit and eat those first.

Vegetables: Store your vegetables in the fridge to keep them fresh as long as possible. Exception: you'll get more life out of potatoes, squash, tomatoes or eggplants if you store them at room temperature.

Dairy products: Butter, yogurt, milk & co. definitely belong in the fridge. If possible, they do best on the middle shelf.

Fish & meat: Buy these foods ideally just before consumption and don't store them in the fridge for more than one to two days. They belong in the bottom shelf, where it's usually coldest.

Leftovers: If something is left over in the evening, someone will probably enjoy the extra portion of noodles with sauce the next day. Remove both from the cooking pots and store the food in a shallow, sealed container on the top level of the fridge.

Avoid waste – what do I really need?

• Shopping list & meal plan: Make a plan before shopping for what you'd like to cook during the week and which ingredients you'll need. Add a bit of extra fruit and vegetables and a few tasty extras to the list and your shopping will not only be faster, but will probably also be cheaper.

• Avoid bulk packs: Offers like 2 for 1 or 30% extra sound tempting. Think about whether you'll really be able to use that amount. If you end up having to throw away half, you haven't really saved.

• Use leftovers: Bought too much or is something left over from the day before? Don't throw the food away straight away; get creative and turn it into something new. If you need some support with that, there are numerous cookbooks, recipes on the internet or, for example, the 'Too Good for the Bin' app from the Federal Ministry of Food, which suggests delicious dishes from leftovers.