Photo: Foodbeast

The popular subreddit LifeProTips is a plethora of tips and tricks shared by the collective experiences of the Internet. You can find tips that cover relationships, finance, technology, and most importantly — food.

Because we’re always seeking ways to make our dining experience much simpler, we created a list of some of the best food pro tips we came across. Enjoy!

LPT: Let someone know you’re picking up the tab for a meal AFTER they’ve ordered. This allows a considerate friend to order what s/he wants freely and also prevents a colleague/acquaintance from taking advantage of your generosity. from r/LifeProTips

I’ve been on both the treating end and receiving end of a free meal. Keeping mum about buying dinner for someone to dinner is something your wallet will appreciate.

LPT: If a server or cashier at a restaurant gives you extra of something for no charge, and you are later asked by a manager if that employee was doing their job well, don’t mention that they gave you extra food. It could potentially get them in trouble. from r/LifeProTips

Sometimes, all a kind gesture really needs is a simple thank you.

LPT: If you want to “vacuum seal” food, put it in a ziplock bag and submerge it in a bowl of water with the bag open above the water. The water will push the air out of the bag, and you can close it without any left inside. from r/LifeProTips

Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the “seal it almost all the way and squeeze out the rest of the air” method.

Photo: Foodbeast

LPT: when making nachos, put a tortilla underneath your chips to turn leftover toppings into a taco. from r/LifeProTips

I’ll admit, sometimes I’ll lick the plate clean when eating nachos. Having a tortilla underneath to catch the toppings would probably make me look more composed.

LPT: Store potatoes and onions well apart from each other. They release moisture and gases that can make the other get bad faster. from r/LifeProTips

So that’s why my onions keep going bad.

LPT: Use olive oil instead of extra-virgin olive oil when cooking with heat. It has a higher smoke point and is cheaper. Use your nice oil for finishing dishes, not preparing them. from r/LifeProTips

Very guilty of this sin, especially when I’m too lazy to run to the grocery store for frying oil.

LPT: Most juices/drinks that advertise 50% less sugar are simply watered down. You can save money by watering down the normal product. from r/LifeProTips

Doctor says I should be drinking more water anyways.

LPT: When baking cookies, take them out when just the sides look almost done, not the middle. They’ll finish baking on the pan and you’ll have soft, delicious cookies. from r/LifeProTips

Chocolate chip cookies with a crispy exterior and gooey insides are one of life’s greatest pleasures.

LPT: Put a peeled banana in the freezer for a snack that almost has the same texture and taste of ice cream but without the guilt or calories. from r/LifeProTips

That does solve my lactose intolerance issue too…

LPT: Learn to look at food products labeling carefully. “Made with 100%…” is very different to “made from 100%…” from r/LifeProTips

Always read the fine print when it comes to food.