New ‘smart jar’ could help you save £700 in food waste a year – here’s how it works

A NEW jar has been dubbed “smart” because it may save you £700 in food waste a year.

The container label is made up of heat-sensitive ink revealing hidden messages and quirky graphics.

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But it only does so when your fridge is too warm.

Hellmann’s has recently released their new “smart jar” to alert people when their fridge temperatures dip below five degrees.

The company says it helps as any foods kept at higher temperatures are likely to go bad at a faster rate – including shop-bought mayonnaise once opened.

Catherine David, the director of food waste charity WRAP, said that every year more than 4.5million tonnes of perfectly good food gets thrown in the bin.

She said: “This costs the average family upwards of £700 a year – money none of us can afford to waste.

“Incorrect storage is a key trigger for food going off and getting the fridge temperature right can help food stays fresher for longer.”

The smart jar was unveiled to mark Food Waste Action Week 2023 this week, and the new prototype ‘smart jar’ label was designed by illustrator Ellen Porteus.

It followed a previous study by WRAP, who is also the condiment maker’s partner, reported the average fridge temperature in the UK is seven degrees.

That’s way above the optimum three to five.

Fresh foods like milk, fruit, and vegetables particularly benefit from being stored at five degrees or less – as they can last three or more longer days as a result.

Conversely, harmful bacteria can grow rapidly on any food stored in temperatures eight degrees or higher.

Rachel Chambers, of Hellmann’s, said: “We know how important it is to make the most of the food you buy.

“We’re constantly looking to help consumers reduce food waste and save money and think ‘smart jar’ is an innovative way to get people talking about – and solving – this massive problem.”

The condiment maker’s partner, WRAP, has also developed an online tool explaining how to set any brand of fridge to the optimum temperature – to reduce food waste.

Catherine David, the director of WRAP, added: “I’m delighted WRAP has worked with Hellmann’s on this exciting trial.

“We need innovations like this pilot jar to help us make simple changes in our lives that will pay dividends.”

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk