Top 5 Items Used in Japan to Reduce Food Waste at Home

In recent years, food waste at home has become a major social issue in Japan. Small everyday habits—such as forgetting ingredients, overbuying, or improper storage—can easily lead to food being thrown out. To tackle this, many households are turning to creative and enjoyable ways to reduce food waste. Among these solutions, smartphone apps are gaining attention as practical tools for managing food at home. From apps that help you track your fridge contents and notify you of expiry dates, to services that suggest recipes using leftovers, these tools seamlessly integrate into daily life. They support busy users in reducing waste without added stress. This article highlights five standout apps used in Japan to reduce food waste, showcasing their key features and how they can be used.

Best-Ranked Ways to Reduce Food Waste

1. TABESUKE
2. Let
3. TABETE
4. Kuradashi
5. Pecco

1. TABESUKE

Source: TABESUKE Homepage

TABESUKE is a simple yet practical food management app designed to prevent household food waste. Users can easily register ingredients stored in their fridge or pantry, and check expiry and best-before dates at a glance. The intuitive design allows sorting by category, making it easy to keep track of inventory and avoid overbuying or forgetting ingredients. It also sends alerts for items nearing expiration and features a shopping list function for smarter grocery planning. Especially popular among homemakers and young singles, TABESUKE is a helpful tool that boosts household efficiency while reducing waste.

2. Let

Source: Let Homepage

Let is a food waste reduction app that lets users buy “reasonably-priced items” nearing their expiry date or those with packaging changes that make them difficult to sell in stores. Most items come from reputable manufacturers and retailers, so users can shop with confidence. Items can be purchased at discounted prices and delivered directly to your home. By preventing these items from being discarded, Let benefits consumers, companies, and the environment alike. It's an ideal app for those looking to make sustainable choices through everyday shopping.

3. TABETE

Source: TABETE Homepage

TABETE allows users to "rescue" surplus meals from restaurants, bakeries, and cafes that are still perfectly edible but at risk of being thrown out. It’s simple to use—just select a rescue item from a nearby store and pick it up at the specified time. Restaurants save on disposal costs, while users get delicious meals at lower prices. This win-win setup connects local eateries with consumers and brings the issue of food waste closer to home. Popular especially in urban areas, TABETE supports sustainable living through everyday action.

4. Kuradashi

Source: Kuradashi Homepage

Kuradashi is a Japan-based shopping platform where users can buy discounted “reasonably-priced items” like food and household goods that are close to their expiry date or have damaged packaging. Suppliers include manufacturers and wholesalers, and part of the proceeds are donated to social contribution organizations. This makes Kuradashi a platform that supports not only food waste reduction but also social good. It’s a sustainable, cost-effective, and convenient choice that’s popular among eco-conscious consumers across Japan.

5. Pecco

Source: Pecco App

Pecco is a household food waste reduction app that smartly supports food management at home. After registering purchased ingredients, the app notifies users when they near their expiry date, helping prevent forgetfulness. It also suggests recipes based on available ingredients, encouraging creative and efficient cooking. With its shopping list and inventory management features, Pecco supports efficient grocery planning and meal prep. It’s gaining popularity as a highly practical tool for busy users aiming to use up ingredients without waste.

Conclusion

There’s more food waste around us than we often realize. But with the help of these apps, managing and using up food can become easier and even enjoyable. Whether it’s visualizing what’s in your fridge, getting expiry reminders, buying discounted “reasonably-priced” goods, or rescuing meals from restaurants, these tools naturally blend into daily routines and shift our mindset and habits. These small steps not only help save money but also contribute to environmental protection and better resource use. Food waste is a problem that affects everyone. So why not take a small step today—for your future and the planet?