According to Voedingscentrum, Dutch consumers waste around 34 kilograms of food each year, which amounts to 9 percent of all purchased food. Food waste is not only bad for the environment but also for our wallets. So, as consumers, how can we make a change? Luckily, there are a bunch of handy food waste apps that can help!
Apps can help us keep track of everything, but what about food waste? Well, fighting it is way easier now than it has been in the past. There are several international initiatives available to consumers in the Netherlands that you can try.
Here are the most popular apps to help you save money and minimise your waste:
Too Good To Go is part of a larger, global community of waste warriors, encouraging consumers across Europe to save good food and reduce food waste. Launched in 2016 in Copenhagen, the app connects consumers with cafes, supermarkets, hotels, and other businesses that have surplus or leftover food.
Users can browse local retailers and purchase a “Magic Bag,” which contains food that would otherwise go to waste. The contents of each bag are a surprise, so be cautious if you have any severe allergies!
Originally launched in Finland, ResQ app quickly expanded to the Netherlands. ResQ helps restaurants save unsold food from going to waste by listing prepared items for customers to purchase at a discount. The app is especially convenient for those heading home hungry after work who want a quick, affordable meal without the hassle of cooking.
Users can browse leftover items from participating restaurants in cities like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, place an order, and pay easily with a card or PayPal. Unlike other food delivery apps, ResQ has no waiting time - you can often collect your order right after payment.
Olio goes a step beyond the aforementioned apps by connecting neighbours and local businesses to reduce food waste. The app is active in 49 countries and continuously expanding, paving the way for change. After downloading the app, users can snap a photo of any unwanted food, add a description, and specify where and when it’s available - enabling instant food sharing.
People in the community can browse available listings in their area, request items, and coordinate pick-up times through private messaging, making it easy to share and save food locally.
These food waste apps offer a convenient way to reduce the impact of this widespread issue. Available on both iOS and Android, consumers have a choice to combat food waste. However, this won’t solve the overall problem unless the government steps in to work alongside consumers.
Changes are being made though, one step at a time. The Dutch supermarket chain, Albert Heijn, has a section called “AH Overblijvers” included in their app. Here, customers can see which products are close to the expiration date and which can still be purchased to minimise food waste.