When the cost of living bites, three of the first things consumers cut back on are sustainability, fun and dining out.

Now, thanks to Foodprint, New Zealanders can do their bit for the planet with the fun of dining out when they rescue a Mystery Bag.

The idea of a mystery bag is a simple, flexible way for eateries to use Foodprint while adding a bit of fun to customers' days. 

“Mystery bags are a great option when you’re experiencing decision fatigue, are feeling hungry, in need of treats or just want to try something new,” says Foodprint founder and director Michal Garvey.

"Eateries curate each bag with quality food items that were otherwise at risk of going to waste, giving customers the thrill of unboxing it and discovering food they might otherwise not try."

Starting from $5, each Mystery Bag contains two to four food items and comes with a generous side of sustainability and monetary savings.

"Foodprint is Aotearoa’s food rescue app," says Michael.

"Foodprint partners with local eateries, allowing them to sell surplus food for a discount to prevent it from going to waste while retaining food value."

The Foodprint app, which partners with local eateries as a platform to sell surplus and imperfect food, went live across the Bay of Plenty region from November 7, 2023.

Foodprint is a food rescue app. Photo: Supplied.

Michal says in both a cost of living and climate crisis, there is simply no good reason to waste food.

“We’re a small New Zealand business, supporting other local businesses to retain value in their products and reduce their food waste.

"While eateries do their best to forecast out waste, it’s challenging to get it exactly right every day and Foodprint acts as a great backup for the days when things don’t go as planned.

"Adding to their forecasting woes, some of the eateries we partner with have been reporting that business is down up to 20 per cent on this time last year.

"Using Foodprint allows them to sell more of what they make each day while introducing them to new customers."

Sam Boniface, owner of Ground Coffee in Auckland says adding Mystery Bags to Foodprint has helped to attract new customers to the cafe. 

“It's getting people into the shop. Almost every day we see new customers (with Foodprint)," says Sam.

Foodprint partners with over 360 eateries across 17 cities and towns throughout New Zealand and since their inception in 2019 has prevented more than 150 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions through food rescue.

Owner of Pierogi Joint in Christchurch, Kate Grater, praises the app.

"Foodprint has eliminated food wastage for Pierogi Joint," says Kate.

"Because of the versatile app, we can upload new products in real-time making sales effortless for products that would otherwise not attract an audience as quickly, resulting in waste.

"We've met so many new customers through Foodprint that would not have found us otherwise. It's actually a great marketing tool!”

Michal was named one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s TOP 50 Most Influential & Inspiring Women in Food & Drink 2024 by Cuisine Magazine and Women in Food and Drink. Foodprint has received both international and domestic recognition for its purpose, UX design and sustainability credentials.

To keep sustainability, fun and dining out in your life during the cost of living crisis, download Foodprint from the Apple App or Google Play Stores to rescue a Mystery Bag.

Mystery Bags are available throughout all regions Foodprint operates in from Monday, July 8.  Businesses wanting to find out more can contact eatery@foodprint.app or visit foodprint.app.