Smart food containers that connect to the Internet can alert users when the contents of their fridge are about to go out of date.

The containers have light-up color-coded electronic discs called “SmartTags” that glow different colors to signal the freshness of the food inside.

Ovie Smarterware, a Chicago-based startup, claims that SmartTags can tell you about the tagged items in your fridge via the app, as well as send notifications* when something is about to go bad. These small trackers attach onto the containers can also be clipped to generic storage containers or food packaging using the Ovie Connect holsters.

They light up either green, yellow or red so you can quickly glance around your fridge. Green indicates a recently tagged food, yellow a food that should be eaten as a priority, and red a food that is likely no longer safe to eat.

The system estimates how long the item will last, based on a database of typical food spoilage times, and begin its countdown to the measured expiration date. It also allows you to get recipes based on those items, sync up* with the grocery list app, and even track your food waste reduction compared to others in your area.

The kit starts at US$130 and Ovie Smarterware is expected to begin shipping in March.

(SD-Agencies)