The most important food information for a healthy diet

Matthias Schmid
April 11, 2023
Why is food information important?
Nutritional information such as fat, carbohydrate, and protein content are important details that help us ensure a balanced and healthy diet. They enable us to better control our food intake to prevent health issues like obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, they can assist us in choosing suitable foods for special diets or food intolerances.
What information should you consider?
Nutritional information: Pay attention to the content of fat, saturated fats, carbohydrates, sugar, protein, and salt in food. This information helps you monitor your daily energy intake and find the right balance between the various nutrients.
Ingredients list: The ingredients list provides information about the components used in a product. This way, you can identify and avoid allergens or unwanted additives.
Allergen information: For people with allergies or intolerances, allergen labeling is particularly important.
Country of origin: The origin of food can affect its quality, taste, and environmental impact.
Organic and sustainability certifications: Look for environmental and animal welfare labels to shop responsibly and reduce your ecological footprint.
The importance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals)
A balanced diet consists of a combination of macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide energy and are important for the body to function properly. Micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are required in smaller amounts to keep the body healthy. It is important to eat a variety of foods to ensure that you get all the necessary nutrients.
The differences between simple and complex carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body. However, there are differences between simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates, also known as sugars, are quickly absorbed by the body and can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates, on the other hand, are digested more slowly and provide energy to the body over a longer period of time. Examples of complex carbohydrates include whole grain products, vegetables, and legumes, while simple carbohydrates are found in sweets, sodas, and processed foods. It is important to consume a balanced amount of carbohydrates and focus on complex carbohydrates to ensure a stable energy supply.
The importance of dietary fiber and how to incorporate it into your diet.
Dietary fibers are an important component of a healthy diet. They help to keep the gut healthy by promoting digestion and preventing constipation. Additionally, they can contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Fibers are found in foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. To incorporate more fiber into your diet, you could, for example, choose whole grain bread instead of white bread, include more vegetables and legumes in your meals, and opt for nuts as a snack.
The importance of proteins and how to obtain them from various sources.
Proteins are an important part of a balanced diet as they aid in the building and maintenance of muscles, bones, and tissues. They can be found in foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts. To ensure you consume enough protein, you should include a source of protein with every meal. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, you can get protein from legumes, nuts, tofu, and soy products. It's also important to make sure that you consume a variety of protein sources to get all the essential amino acids.
The importance of healthy fats and how to incorporate them into your diet.
Healthy fats are important for a balanced diet as they help to provide the body with energy and absorb essential nutrients. They are found in foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, fish, and olive oil. It's important to ensure that you consume saturated and unsaturated fats in a balanced ratio. Saturated fats, found in animal products like butter and meat, should be limited, while unsaturated fats, found in plant products like nuts and seeds, should be preferred. One way to incorporate healthy fats into your diet is, for example, to spread avocado on bread or eat nuts as a snack.
How can our food management app help you?
With our app, you can easily scan the barcode of a food item to instantly get comprehensive information. The app not only displays the expiration date and storage location at home, but also the fat, carbohydrate, and protein content of the product - even while you're on the go in the supermarket. This way, you can immediately determine whether a food item fits your individual diet and offers health benefits.

New laws on food waste in Spain
Spain has recently passed a groundbreaking law to combat food waste. This law requires all actors in the food chain, from producers to retailers, to implement specific plans to prevent food loss.
Key provisions of the law:
Obligation to donate surplus food: Supermarkets with a floor space of more than 1,300 square meters are now required to form partnerships with non-profit organizations to donate surplus food that is still fit for consumption. These donations are exempt from value-added tax.
Offer of packaging for leftover food: Restaurants and bars are required to provide their guests with free, reusable or recyclable packaging so that they can take home uneaten food. The aim is to raise consumer awareness of food waste and encourage them to take leftovers with them.
Promotion of the sale of products with approaching expiration dates: Retailers should offer products that are nearing their expiration date or have aesthetic defects at reduced prices to encourage their sale and reduce waste.
Hierarchy of priorities for dealing with surplus food: The law establishes an order for handling surplus food. Priority is given to human consumption through donations. If this is not possible, the food should be used for the production of processed products. The last options include using it as animal feed or for energy generation.
Sanctions for violations:
Companies that violate the provisions of the law can expect fines ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 euros.
Critique and Outlook:
While the law is considered an important step in the fight against food waste in Europe, there is also criticism. Some voices argue that the strict framework of sanctions could disproportionately burden companies and that the law does not sufficiently address the role of consumers, who are responsible for a significant portion of food waste.
Nevertheless, the law is seen as a significant advancement in reducing food waste and promoting a more sustainable awareness in society.
Join in and reduce food waste! π±π²
Spain's new law demonstrates: Sustainability starts in the pantry! With the Speisekammer App you can keep track of your groceries, plan meals efficiently, and avoid unnecessary waste.
π Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! π Try it now!

Get the most out of your Smantry App: Activate these premium features!
πΌοΈ Private photos for your articles
Make your inventory management visual! With the feature "Upload Your Own Images" you can add a photo to each item β for example, of the packaging, the jar, or the portion in the freezer. This is especially helpful if you share with others in a community or if you want to visually remember your supplies better.
Activation: Open app β Account (last tab in the mobile app) β Settings β "Activate Personal Pictures"
π Target nutritional information
The app automatically displays calorie and nutritional information β super convenient when you're shopping or eating mindfully. Don't need this info right now or want a cleaner view? You can also simply hide the display!
Control:Profile β Account Settings β Enable βHide Nutritional Informationβ, to hide it.
πΆ Prices & Expenses at a Glance
If you want to know how much you spend on which item or how much money is lying dormant in your pantry, the Price Entry feature can help you. With it, you can plan your shopping even better and even track your budget.
Activation: Open app β Account (last tab in the mobile app) β Settings β βEnable price inputβ
π‘ Prepper Mode: Even More Control
The Prepper Mode has been introduced for those who really want to keep track of everything β including minimum quantities, emergency supplies, and individual notes for serious situations. It's also useful if you just want to make sure you never run out of anything important.
Activation: Open app β Account (last tab in the mobile app) β Settings β βShow Prepper Informationβ
Here's how you can find your account settings
In the mobile app you can find the settings easily in the last tab on the far right (Account). In the web app click on Account β "Settings".
All mentioned features are part of the Premium-Version. If you don't have a premium license yet, feel free to check in the app or on app.speisekammer.app/upgrade β there's also a family license available!
β¨ Conclusion: You have more options than you think. Activate the hidden premium features now and get the most out of your Smantry app. Because smart inventory management starts with the right tools.
If you have any questions about activation, feel free to contact support or check out our Help Center. And if you have feature requests β we always welcome your feedback!

Never forget leftovers again: Soon you'll be able to mark opened products π§β¨
π‘ The new feature: Mark products as "opened"
With the upcoming update, you will soon be able to specify in the Pantry App when a product was opened. This way, you always keep track:
- What is already open
- Since when it has been open
This is particularly useful for fresh or perishable food items, but also for sauces, canned goods, spreads, or snacks.
π Reminders included
Of course, if you wish, you will also be automatically reminded, when an opened product should soon be consumed β all in keeping with the motto: Use rather than waste.
π― Why this is important
Food waste often doesn't occur while shopping β but at home, in everyday life. If we know better what is open and should be consumed, it becomes easier to make the right decisions. And that's exactly what the Pantry App wants to support you with even better with the new feature.
π When will it be time?
We are currently working hard on the implementation β the feature is expected to be rolled out in the next update. So you will be able to test it very soon yourself.
If you want to participate in the testing or have feedback, feel free to write to us in support. We look forward to your ideas!
With the Pantry App, stockpiling becomes not only more sustainable, but also easier β step by step.
Stay tuned β it's getting exciting! π

π Small ideas β big impact: These companies help you save food in everyday life
π Foodsi (Poland)
This mobile app connects users with restaurants, bakeries and cafΓ©s offering surplus food at reduced pricesβespecially valuable in Polish cities like Warsaw or KrakΓ³w.
π foodsi.pl
ποΈ OLIO β Share Surplus Food with Neighbors
OLIO connects neighbors and local businesses to share surplus food instead of throwing it away. Users can offer or request free food via the app β reducing waste and building community.
π https://olioapp.com
π Imperfect Foods β Selling "Ugly" but Edible Food
This U.S.-based grocery delivery service rescues "imperfect" produce and surplus goods that major supermarkets reject due to appearance or overstocking β and delivers them directly to your door.
π https://www.imperfectfoods.com
π¦ Dispatch Goods β Reusable Packaging for Takeout
Dispatch Goods partners with restaurants to replace single-use containers with reusable packaging. This reduces packaging waste β and their system tracks and collects the containers for reuse.
π https://www.dispatchgoods.com
π₯¬ Fresh.Land β Farm-to-Consumer to Prevent Waste (DK)
Fresh.Land shortens the supply chain by connecting consumers directly with farmers. This means fresher produce, longer shelf life, and fewer losses due to long storage or transport.
π§ ColdHubs β Solar-Powered Cold Storage in Nigeria
ColdHubs installs solar-powered cold rooms for small farmers and markets to store perishable foods. This innovation significantly extends shelf life and reduces spoilage in hot climates.
π§ Winnow β AI to Track Food Waste in Commercial Kitchens
Winnowβs smart scales and AI help restaurants and hotels measure and reduce food waste. By showing how much food is wasted and why, kitchens can adapt their behavior.
π https://www.winnowsolutions.com
Why this matters for you
When you use the Smantry app, you can track and manage rescued food items in your pantry β whether they came from Foodsi, Karma, or another initiative. Weβre building integrations to log these products, set reminders, and reduce waste in your household.
Know any other businesses doing this well?
Weβd love to hear about them! Email your favourites to kira@mantry.com or write us in the chat or social media. Your tip might inspire others and be featured next. πΏ