In a world where convenience often trumps all, it's no surprise that meal kits have become the go-to solution for many Australians.

These kits let Aussies save time in the kitchen without sacrificing the joy of a home-cooked meal.

As many more Aussies embrace this trend, the CEO of an Australian meal kit company has cast a spotlight on a concerning issue that's hitting consumers' wallets.


Mai Hughes, the co-founder and CEO of food delivery service My Foodie Box, accused supermarket giants Coles and Woolworths of 'fuelling Australia's food waste crisis'.

According to Hughes, these supermarkets have been enticing customers to purchase more than they need, which often leads to a cycle of waste and unnecessary spending.

The supermarkets' packaging and marketing strategies have forced Australians to throw away 2.5 million tonnes of food annually.

An average Australian household also ends up wasting around $2,500 annually.


With the broader economic impact in mind, food waste has been draining $36.6 billion from the nation's coffers.

'How often do you go to the supermarket and you see meat that is designed for one or two people? Everything is in packs of 500 grams or one kilo,' Hughes lamented in an interview.

This predicament could force consumers to meticulously plan their meals to use up the excess or, more commonly, to discard items they can't consume.


Hughes argued that while supermarkets have the capability to offer products in smaller quantities, it's not in their financial interest.

To drive Hughes' point home, My Foodie Box conducted research comparing the cost of a week's worth of meals from Coles and Woolworths against their subscription box for a family of four.

The meals in question included dishes like sticky garlic pork with mash, beef and tomato pasta bake with salad, and chicken vermicelli salad with garlic chilli sauce.

The expenses for My Foodie Box came in at $204.90. In contrast, the same grocery haul from Coles and Woolworths could cost customers $237.75 and $265.14, respectively.

'In terms of quantity, it looks like you get more from Coles and Woolworths because what we supply is completely pre-portioned, but the reality is, the more food you buy at the supermarket, the more you throw away,' she explained.


So, what can consumers do about this?

Everyone can be more mindful of their shopping habits.

Planning meals and buying needed items can reduce waste and save money.

Additionally, exploring meal kit options might offer convenience and help families stick to buying the right quantities, effectively avoiding over-purchasing.

It's also worth noting that supermarkets have already recognised the issue, with some introducing smaller pack sizes and loose fruit and vegetable options.

However, there's still a long way to go in terms of offering a wider range of portion sizes to cater to all types of households.
Dear readers, have you noticed this trend of overbuying and food waste in your home? Have you tried meal kits, or would you still prefer shopping at supermarkets? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below.