The date labels on food packaging can be confusing. It's important to know what they mean, so that you can prevent food from going to waste.

• ‘Best Before’ - this label refers to food quality. Your food will be at its best before the date given, but it will still be safe to eat after the date has passed. For example, dried pasta can last up to three years past its 'Best Before' date
• ‘Use By’ - this label refers to food safety. You must not eat food after this date has passed, even if it looks and smells fine

If food has passed its ‘Use By’ date, or is no longer edible, please compost it or recycle in your food caddy instead of throwing it in your bin.

These pairings were made in money-saving heaven:

• storing potatoes with an apple helps prevent sprouting and keeps them fresher for longer 
• storing avocados near bananas can make them ripen quicker. Useful if you need avocados in a hurry! 
• keeping fresh basil near tomatoes can help both stay fresh longer 

These ‘award winners’ are the most commonly thrown away foods in the UK. Here are some quick wins to save them so you don’t have to throw your money in the bin! 

1. Milk – Often poured away when it’s close to its date. Tip: Freeze it in portions for tea or cooking
2. Cheese – Goes mouldy fast. Tip: Grate and freeze it to use later in pasta or toasties
3. Bread – A staple that’s often wasted. Tip: Freeze slices and toast straight from frozen
4. Potatoes – Left to sprout or rot. Tip: Store in a cool, dark place and cook in batches to freeze