The innovative app turning surplus food into culinary treasure hunts while combating food waste one surprise bag at a time.
In a country where 20 million people face hunger daily while roughly 10 million tonnes of edible food goes to waste each year, a remarkable solution has emerged that’s changing how South Africans think about food, sustainability, and culinary discovery. Meet Refreshi, the groundbreaking app that’s transforming surplus food from restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets into affordable culinary adventures.
Founded by Jakob Holbak, Refreshi connects unsold food from supermarkets, coffee shops, bakeries, delis, restaurants, and hotels to consumers at discounted rates through surprise bags. Think of it as a treasure hunt for food lovers; you never know whether your surprise bag might contain artisanal pastries from a boutique bakery, gourmet sandwiches from a trendy café, or premium ingredients from an upmarket deli.
The concept is elegantly simple. Download the app, browse available “surprise bags” from participating venues near you, purchase your selection for at least half the original price, then collect your culinary mystery at the designated time. Prices start from as low as R30, providing an affordable and sustainable way to enjoy quality meals.
But Refreshi isn’t just about bargain hunting; it’s about reimagining our relationship with food. Each surprise bag represents perfectly edible ingredients and meals that would otherwise contribute to the staggering 10% of greenhouse gas emissions caused by food waste. When food decomposes in landfills, it releases methane, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.
For food enthusiasts, Refreshi offers an unexpected way to discover new flavours and cooking inspiration. That surprise bag from your local bakery might introduce you to a new type of sourdough, whilst a restaurant’s surplus could expose you to ingredients you’ve never cooked with before. It’s like having a personal food curator who challenges you to expand your culinary horizons
whilst being environmentally conscious.
The app’s success story is particularly compelling in the Western Cape, where it launched in Stellenbosch before expanding to Cape Town. Six Stellenbosch-based food service businesses have already partnered with the app, including beloved local spots like Republique Café and Bootlegger. Co-owner Mandi Hart of Republique Café notes that “Refreshi has had a positive impact on our operations, and more people can enjoy our delightful, delicious products”.
The platform’s ambitions extend far beyond individual savings. The company aims to add approximately 10 new stores each week to the platform, with plans for national expansion and partnerships with major supermarket chains. The vision is bold: creating a network where quality, affordable food is accessible in every major South African city.
For the discerning palate, Refreshi represents more than just a money-saving app; it’s a movement towards more conscious consumption. Each surprise bag purchased actively contributes to reducing food waste whilst supporting local businesses and discovering new culinary experiences. In a world where sustainability and affordability often seem at odds, Refreshi proves they can deliciously coexist.
Download Refreshi on Google Play or the App Store to start your sustainable culinary adventure.