Smartphone Apps Helping to Reduce Food Waste

by Cameron St. Germain
By Lani Furbank

In the United States, it’s estimated that 30 to 40 percent of the food supply is wasted, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With millions of Americans going hungry, reducing food waste is a critical step in ending food insecurity, while also reducing methane emissions and saving money. Technology can play an important role in this process, providing ways to simultaneously tackle several issues. The NYC Food Policy Center has compiled a list of 16 promising apps and technologies to help reduce food waste.

Mimica Touch

What it does: Mimica Touch (previously known as Bump Mark) indicates the freshness of a food item.

How it works: The label uses gelatin to mimic the decay process of food. As the gelatin breaks down, bumps form underneath the label. The user runs a finger over the label to determine its freshness.

Why it’s interesting: Mimica Touch provides an accurate measure of the freshness of a product so consumers don’t have to rely on a printed expiration date.

What can be learned from the tech: Consumers can benefit from technological indicators of freshness instead of arbitrary date labels.

Created by: Solveiga Pakstaite

Website: https://www.mimicalab.com/

Cost: Not yet for sale. Expected in-store trials in early 2018 (UK).

Future of the tech: The product can expand to markets across the globe.

Copia

What it does: Copia enables businesses and events in San Francisco to donate their excess food to those in need. Donators receive a tax write-off and a reduction in disposal costs.

How it works: Businesses request a pickup of their surplus food through the app. A driver then picks up the food and delivers it to local nonprofits signed up through the app. Nonprofits receive a call to accept or reject incoming donations.

Why it’s interesting: The for-profit company focuses on reducing food waste and feeding the hungry, but appeals to businesses with tax deductions (including reporting tools) and reduction in disposal costs. They also pay their drivers instead of using volunteers.

What can be learned from the app: For-profit models can have greater impact and effectiveness than nonprofit models since there isn’t a reliance on volunteers and donors.

Created by: Komal Ahmad

Website: https://www.gocopia.com/

Cost: Free app, volume-based fees apply for pickups for businesses.

Future of the app: The service area could be expanded across the country.

Ethylene Devices

What it does: Ethylene absorbers remove ethylene, a natural gas emitted by produce that quickens the ripening process.

How it works: Devices such as strips or packets made of clay and minerals absorb ethylene as the produce emits it, preventing it from ripening the produce too quickly.

Why it’s interesting: Ethylene devices are affordable and naturally extend the shelf life of fresh produce.

What can be learned from the technology: Combating the natural decay of produce can prolong shelf life and prevent food waste.

Created by: Various brands have versions.

Website: N/A

Cost: Varies by brand. The O3-Pure Fridge Deodorizer and Food Preserver device is available for $34; 3 ethylene disks from Extra Life available for $5.99 with each disk lasting 3 months.

Future of the technology: These devices could be used in all packaging and storing containers to prolong shelf life.

Family Hub Refrigerator

What it does: With built-in interior cameras, scheduling, shopping lists, wifi, and enhanced cooling, this fridge helps users effectively coordinate meal plans and food shopping.

How it works: The fridge has built-in cameras that take pictures of the inside of the fridge when doors close. These photos are accessible via the smartphone app so users can determine what they have and what they need to buy while at the grocery store, eliminating duplicate purchasing. There is also a triple cooling system that uses three evaporators to maintain a precise temperature to keep food fresher longer.

Why it’s interesting: Samsung enhances basic fridges with built-in technology that reduces food waste and organizes family meal plans.

What can be learned from the technology: Automatic technology may be more convenient and therefore more likely to be used than manual input items, such as apps that record what’s in the fridge.

Created by: Samsung

Website: https://www.samsung.com/us/explore/family-hub-refrigerator/

Cost: Approximately $4,000-$6,000 depending on model and retailer.

Future of the technology: Once made more accessible, this technology could help families at all socioeconomic levels.

Food Cowboy

What it does: Food Cowboy seeks to end food waste by connecting food companies and trucks who have food to donate with charities that support people who need food.

How it works: Companies post food donations and locations on the app, Food Cowboy contacts charities nearby, and the company and charity arrange for a delivery, pickup, or transfer.

Why it’s interesting: The platform allows direct interaction between the donor and the beneficiary. The company invests 2/3 of its revenue in food charities and waste-reducing businesses and technology.

What can be learned from the app: Facilitating interaction can be an effective hands-off way to prevent food waste.

Created by: Roger Gordon, Barbara Cohen, and Richard Gordon

Website: https://www.foodcowboy.com/

Cost: Free

Future of the app: The service area could be expanded across the world.

FoodKeeper

What it does: FoodKeeper provides information about safe storage for a variety of food items.

How it works: Users look up their food item in the app and read information about safe storage techniques to prevent food from spoiling prematurely.

Why it’s interesting: The app provides an easy-to-use database for consumers.

What can be learned from the app: Government recommendations about best food storage may be more frequently consulted when made accessible through an app.

Created by: USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, Cornell University, and the Food Marketing Institute

Website: https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/foodkeeperapp/

Cost: Free

Future of the app: The information can be expanded upon and made more visual or interactive.

Foodloop

What it does: FoodLoop uses grocery inventory data to provide targeted deals for consumers based on when food will expire.

How it works: Using an algorithm that considers sell-by dates, the app automatically optimizes prices to incentivize purchases to sell products before they expire and must be thrown away. It then offers these deals to consumers based on personal preferences.

Why it’s interesting: The app appeals to those in need of affordable food options as well as those looking to prevent food waste at the grocery store. The software communicates with companies’ retail platforms.

What can be learned from the app: Integration and usability are key for both companies and consumers.

Created by: Christoph Müller-Dechent

Website: https://www.foodloop.net/en/

Cost: Free

Future of the app: The app has not launched yet, but it is currently in beta testing.

Fridge Pal

What it does: Fridge Pal helps users track the freshness of the food they have in the fridge and use it before it expires. App also helps users plan meals and shopping.

How it works: Scan items through the app’s barcode scanner. The app then sends reminders to indicate which foods will be going bad soon and offers recipes to help use food that is going bad.

Why it’s interesting: The app requires user input up front but then provides automated information and reminders. Users can also share recipes and create shopping lists with other app users.

What can be learned from the app: Providing a system of organization can help users to keep track of food inventory and reduce waste.

Created by: N/A

Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fridge-pal/id496451091?mt=8

Cost: Free

Future of the app: The app could allow multiple users to share the information across devices.  

Fridgely

What it does: Fridgely helps users track the freshness of the food they have in the fridge and use it before it expires.

How it works: It sends reminders to indicate which foods will be going bad soon and offers recipes to help use food that is going bad.

Why it’s interesting: The app requires user input up front but then provides automated information and reminders. It can also sync to all of the user’s devices.

What can be learned from the app: Providing a system of organization can help users to keep track of food inventory and reduce waste.

Created by: Justin Ehlert

Website: https://fridgelyapp.com/

Cost: Free

Future of the app: The app could allow multiple users to share the information across devices.

Lean Path

What it does: Lean Path allows food service kitchens to monitor their food waste and see the financial impact of food waste for their business.

How it works: Lean Path’s automated software tracks food waste and provides suggestions for how to reduce it and increase profit.

Why it’s interesting: The app provides food waste solutions in order to increase profits for food service businesses.

What can be learned from the service: When put into terms of profit, businesses may be more likely to support measures to reduce food waste.

Created by: Andrew Shakman, Bill Leppo, and Stephen Rogers

Website: https://www.leanpath.com/

Cost: Varies based on services.

Future of the service: The technology could be implemented in kitchens of all sizes around the world.

Love Food Hate Waste

What it does: Love Food Hate Waste provides consumers with recipes based on leftover food in their kitchen to reduce food waste.

How it works: The app allows users to track food planning, shopping, and cooking, and to make the most of leftovers with recipes designed to use up forgotten items.  

Why it’s interesting: The app focuses on simple but effective strategies that will reduce food waste in individual homes.

What can be learned from the app: When made accessible and interesting, food planning and using leftovers can be more appealing.

Created by: WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme)

Website: https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/article/get-your-free-love-food-hate-waste-app

Cost: Free

Future of the app: The app could be expanded to include even more recipes and strategies for grocery shopping, and include user interaction.

Love Your Leftovers

What it does: Love Your Leftovers provides recipes that will help them people use up the leftover food in their kitchen.

How it works: Users input ingredients they need to use and the app provides relevant recipes. The app also provides meal planning and safe storage tips.

Why it’s interesting: The app focuses on simple but effective strategies that will reduce food waste in individual homes.

What can be learned from the app: When made simple and interesting, using leftovers can be more appealing.

Created by: Cumberland County

Website: https://www.loveyourleftovers.nsw.gov.au/

Cost: Free

Future of the app: The app could be expanded to include even more recipes and strategies for grocery shopping, and include user interaction.

Olio

What it does: Olio connects people and retailers to facilitate the sharing of surplus food.

How it works: Users can post items on the app to give away or sell, others can view the items and request what they want. Users can arrange exchanges in person or utilize Olio drop boxes in local establishments.  

Why it’s interesting: There are community guidelines as to what can be offered on the app, but there isn’t an official regulation framework in place. Users receive ranks to indicate how much experience they have using the app.  

What can be learned from the app: Accessible social forums manifest altruism in local communities.

Created by: Saasha Celestial-One and Tessa Cook

Website: https://olioex.com/

Cost: App is free, cost of items vary (but all items must be sold for at least 50% off retail price).

Future of the app: The app is now available in anywhere in the world, but is currently not making a profit. The company hopes to eventually take a commission from sold items. The app is launching a desktop version in 2017.

Winnow

What it does: Winnow encourages businesses to prevent food waste by showing them how much profit they lose when food is wasted.

How it works: Winnow measures food as it is thrown away in order to demonstrate just how much food is wasted. This knowledge helps businesses reform practices to reduce waste.

Why it’s interesting: The app equates wasted food with wasted profits.

What can be learned from the technology: When put into terms of profit, businesses may be more likely to support measures to reduce food waste.

Created by: Marc Zornes and Kevin Duffy

Website: https://www.winnowsolutions.com/

Cost: Varies based on services.

Future of the technology: The technology could be implemented in kitchens of all sizes around the world.

Wise Up On Waste

What it does: Wise Up On Waste provides information about food waste prevention techniques and allows users to perform a food waste audit. It is aimed at professional kitchens.

How it works: Users read about food waste tips in the app, track their waste, and see how much profit they could save by reducing waste.

Why it’s interesting: The app is essentially a database for professional kitchen workers to consult.

What can be learned from the app: Recommendations about reducing food waste may be more frequently consulted when made accessible in an app.

Created by: Unilever Food Solutions

Website: https://www.unileverfoodsolutions.co.uk/menu-support/chef-inspiration/food-waste-reduction.html

Cost: Free

Future of the app: The app could be expanded to include more tips, and can be updated for 2017.

222 Million Tons

What it does: The 222 Million Tons app creates one-week menus and shopping lists tailored to the size of the user’s household.

How it works: Users input their relevant data (family size, preferences, etc.) and the app generates a meal plan and grocery list to match. Users can also submit recipes for other users to try.

Why it’s interesting: The app allows people to eat a variety of food while not wasting leftover ingredients.

What can be learned from the app: Often people have the interest in cooking efficiently, but don’t have the informational resources.

Created by: Jean-François Chénier

Website: https://222milliontons.com/app/

Cost: Free

Future of the app: Currently inactive.

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