The Art of FIFO

If you’re into buying in bulk (like we are), then you know how great it is for both your wallet and the planet. But there’s one small thing that can make a huge difference in keeping your pantry tidy, efficient, and waste-free: FIFO. No, it’s not a new type of dance, it’s actually an inventory system that stands for First In, First Out. Let’s talk about how you can use this little trick to keep your pantry fresh and your bulk buys organised!

What is FIFO, Anyway?

FIFO simply means that the first things you put into your pantry should be the first things you use. So, when you get a fresh batch of pantry goods (like dried lentils, flour or grains), you want to make sure the older items get used first. It’s a super simple way to prevent things from going to waste and to keep everything running smoothly in your kitchen.

When you’re buying in bulk, you’re doing something great for both your budget and the planet. You’re cutting down on packaging waste, reducing the number of trips to the store, and saving money. But here’s the thing: it’s easy for your pantry to become a bit of a jumble if you’re not keeping track of what you’ve had the longest. That’s where FIFO comes in. By using FIFO, you’ll avoid wasting food, keep things fresh, and make sure you’re always using up the older products first.

Here’s what FIFO can do for you:

• Cut Down on Waste: Older items get used first, so you won’t find yourself tossing out expired products.

• Keep Things Fresh: You’ll always use the freshest items and keep the older ones from getting lost at the back of the cupboard.

• Save Money: By avoiding waste, you get the most out of every bulk purchase.

How to Make FIFO Work for You

Now, don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pantry pro to make FIFO work. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Label Everything Clearly

A simple date sticker on the bottom or side of your jars can go a long way in keeping track of when you bought each item. You’ll thank yourself later when you can easily spot which jar is older.

2. Rotate Food Regularly

Rotating food might look a little different depending on the type of packaging, but it’s an essential part of FIFO. Every time you buy new stock, take a moment to shuffle things around. It’s a small effort that makes a huge difference in keeping your pantry in check.

For canned goods, we like to keep similar items together and place the new cans at the back. That way, the older stock is always in the front and gets used up first. Simple, right?

When you buy new bulk items, it can be helpful to put them in the same jar as the older stock. Sure, it’s a little bit of extra work, but emptying the old stock into a bowl and filling the jar with the new stock first (then topping it up with the older stock) ensures that the older food will be used first, and you don't double the jars needed. If the old stock is near its use-by date, we might keep them in separate jars. That way, we can clearly see the expiry dates and make sure the oldest stock gets used up first.

4. Use See-Through Containers

Using clear jars or containers is a game changer. You’ll always know what you have without opening everything up, and it makes it super easy to check what needs to be used first.

5. Plan Your Meals Around FIFO

Once you know what’s in your pantry, plan your meals to use the older items first. A quick glance at your pantry and a little meal planning can save you from wasting food and keep things running smoothly.

Whether you’re a bulk-buying newbie or a seasoned pro, adopting FIFO in your pantry is an easy way to make sure your food stays fresh, organised, and waste-free. By simply rotating your stock, labelling jars, and planning meals around what’s been in your pantry the longest, you can keep your kitchen running like a well-oiled machine.