Stock up now before everything becomes expensive
Matthias Schmid
October 26, 2023
What can smart inventory management look like?
Smart stockpiling requires careful planning and should be thoroughly considered. It is advisable to proceed strategically. This also prevents the senseless waste of food. For example, if you buy lentils in bulk and no one in your family likes them, you will eventually throw them away. First, you should make a list of the food items you absolutely need, such as water, pasta, and other staples. Then add other daily necessities (this is where toilet paper comes into play) and, of course, medications. If you have pets, you should not forget about them either. Also consider setting aside some emergency cash. Clever stockpiling provides you with security in uncertain times and the assurance that you, your family, and your pets are well taken care of when it really matters.
The storage of the stock
An important aspect is proper storage. You should use containers that are also suitable for the respective food items. Another important factor is the expiration date. Here our Pantry.App can help you. Simply scan the respective food item's barcode and enter the expiration date. If it's about to expire, our app will notify you and you can process the product. Afterwards, of course, you should not forget to restock your supply.
In general, you should store your food in a cool, dark, and dry place. Some foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, can be kept in the refrigerator. However, this does not apply to all! Dry foods, like rice and pasta, should be stored in airtight containers to keep out moisture and pests. Canned goods often have a very long shelf life as long as the cans are not damaged.
When is the ideal time to go shopping for stocking up on supplies?
As paradoxical as it sounds, you should go shopping when there is no urgent need. There's a good reason for this: It means you go to the supermarket and/or discount store without pressure and in peace. Before you start, you should make a list of the groceries for which you want to stock up. By the way, this can also be done digitally in the Speisekammer.App.
Pay attention to special offers and discounts that can make your shopping more economical. Moreover, it can be a wise decision to regularly use up your stock and then replenish it to ensure it stays fresh for as long as possible. By the way, stockpiling is not only sensible during times of crisis. It also provides security when unexpected events occur, such as an illness. Who hasn't been laid up on the couch with a cold only to suddenly realize there's nothing left to eat at home.
What food items should never be missing from any supply?
When selecting food for your supply, versatility is key. Moreover, the products should be suitable for your needs and, if applicable, for those of your family. This includes non-perishable foods such as rice, pasta, dried beans, canned goods, flour, and sugar. You should also consider long-lasting dairy products like milk powder and some types of cheese. Fruits and vegetables in cans or freeze-dried form are a good source of vitamins. You can also preserve fruit or vegetables by canning or jarring. Dried fruits and nuts are great snacks with a long shelf life. The selection of food should also be based on individual dietary needs, such as special diets or allergies. Water is extremely important for a supply. As already mentioned above, do not forget your pets.
Why stockpiling can be financially worthwhile
Stockpiling food can also be a wise decision from a financial perspective. By purchasing groceries in advance when they are inexpensive (for example, the price of fruit can vary greatly) or on sale, you can save money in the long run. Moreover, having a supply allows you to save money during 'harder times' or when faced with unexpected expenses, since you already have a certain provision of basic food items.
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! 🌱📲
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.
👉 Download the app now and join the movement for less waste and more conscious consumption! 💚 Try it now!
Get the most out of your Smantry App: Activate these premium features!
🖼️ 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 – 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 → Account (last tab in the mobile app) → Settings → "Activate Personal Pictures"
🔍 Target nutritional information
The app automatically displays calorie and nutritional information – 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 → Account Settings → Enable “Hide Nutritional Information”, to hide it.
💶 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 → Account (last tab in the mobile app) → Settings → “Enable price input”
💡 Prepper Mode: Even More Control
The Prepper Mode has been introduced for those who really want to keep track of everything – 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 → Account (last tab in the mobile app) → Settings → “Show Prepper Information”
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 → "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 – there's also a family license available!
✨ 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 – we always welcome your feedback!
Never forget leftovers again: Soon you'll be able to mark opened products 🧃✨
💡 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.
🔔 Reminders included
Of course, if you wish, you will also be automatically reminded, when an opened product should soon be consumed – all in keeping with the motto: Use rather than waste.
🎯 Why this is important
Food waste often doesn't occur while shopping – 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.
🛠 When will it be time?
We are currently working hard on the implementation – 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 – step by step.
Stay tuned – it's getting exciting! 💚
🌍 Small ideas – big impact: These companies help you save food in everyday life
🍏 Foodsi (Poland)
This mobile app connects users with restaurants, bakeries and cafés offering surplus food at reduced prices—especially valuable in Polish cities like Warsaw or Kraków.
🛍️ OLIO – 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 — reducing waste and building community.
🍌 Imperfect Foods – 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 — and delivers them directly to your door.
🔗 https://www.imperfectfoods.com
📦 Dispatch Goods – Reusable Packaging for Takeout
Dispatch Goods partners with restaurants to replace single-use containers with reusable packaging. This reduces packaging waste — and their system tracks and collects the containers for reuse.
🔗 https://www.dispatchgoods.com
🥬 Fresh.Land – 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.
🧊 ColdHubs – 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.
🧃 Winnow – AI to Track Food Waste in Commercial Kitchens
Winnow’s 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.
🔗 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 – whether they came from Foodsi, Karma, or another initiative. We’re building integrations to log these products, set reminders, and reduce waste in your household.
Know any other businesses doing this well?
We’d 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. 🌿