Quick Overview
- 1#1: Winnow - AI-powered kitchen waste tracking system that identifies and reduces food waste through real-time analytics and insights.
- 2#2: LeanPath - Smart scales and software platform for precise food waste measurement and actionable reduction strategies in commercial kitchens.
- 3#3: Orbisk - AI vision technology that automatically detects, weighs, and categorizes food waste to optimize reduction efforts.
- 4#4: Kitro - Digital kitchen scales integrated with software to track inventory usage and prevent over-preparation waste.
- 5#5: Seer360 - AI-based imaging system that accurately measures and analyzes food waste composition for data-driven improvements.
- 6#6: Spoiler Alert - Inventory and donation management platform that facilitates food recovery and minimizes waste through redistribution.
- 7#7: Phenix - Digital platform connecting surplus food donors with buyers to prevent waste via marketplaces and analytics.
- 8#8: Flashfood - Mobile app solution for grocers to sell near-expiry food at discounts, rescuing items from waste.
- 9#9: FoodMaven - B2B online marketplace for trading surplus and imperfect food inventory to reduce waste.
- 10#10: Impact Vision - Hyperspectral imaging software that assesses food quality to extend shelf life and cut waste.
Tools were selected based on key factors including accuracy of waste measurement, usability, integration capabilities, and long-term value, with a focus on balancing advanced features like AI and imaging with real-world functionality for broad applicability.
Comparison Table
Effective food waste management is key for operational efficiency and sustainability, with the right software playing a vital role. This comparison table explores top tools including Winnow, LeanPath, Orbisk, Kitro, Seer360, and more, detailing key features to help readers identify the best fit for their needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Winnow AI-powered kitchen waste tracking system that identifies and reduces food waste through real-time analytics and insights. | specialized | 9.8/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | LeanPath Smart scales and software platform for precise food waste measurement and actionable reduction strategies in commercial kitchens. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Orbisk AI vision technology that automatically detects, weighs, and categorizes food waste to optimize reduction efforts. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 4 | Kitro Digital kitchen scales integrated with software to track inventory usage and prevent over-preparation waste. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Seer360 AI-based imaging system that accurately measures and analyzes food waste composition for data-driven improvements. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 7.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 6 | Spoiler Alert Inventory and donation management platform that facilitates food recovery and minimizes waste through redistribution. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Phenix Digital platform connecting surplus food donors with buyers to prevent waste via marketplaces and analytics. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 8 | Flashfood Mobile app solution for grocers to sell near-expiry food at discounts, rescuing items from waste. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 9 | FoodMaven B2B online marketplace for trading surplus and imperfect food inventory to reduce waste. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | Impact Vision Hyperspectral imaging software that assesses food quality to extend shelf life and cut waste. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 6.7/10 |
AI-powered kitchen waste tracking system that identifies and reduces food waste through real-time analytics and insights.
Smart scales and software platform for precise food waste measurement and actionable reduction strategies in commercial kitchens.
AI vision technology that automatically detects, weighs, and categorizes food waste to optimize reduction efforts.
Digital kitchen scales integrated with software to track inventory usage and prevent over-preparation waste.
AI-based imaging system that accurately measures and analyzes food waste composition for data-driven improvements.
Inventory and donation management platform that facilitates food recovery and minimizes waste through redistribution.
Digital platform connecting surplus food donors with buyers to prevent waste via marketplaces and analytics.
Mobile app solution for grocers to sell near-expiry food at discounts, rescuing items from waste.
B2B online marketplace for trading surplus and imperfect food inventory to reduce waste.
Hyperspectral imaging software that assesses food quality to extend shelf life and cut waste.
Winnow
specializedAI-powered kitchen waste tracking system that identifies and reduces food waste through real-time analytics and insights.
AI-powered automatic food recognition via integrated scales and cameras for hands-free, precise waste tracking down to the ingredient level
Winnow is an AI-powered food waste management platform that uses smart scales, cameras, and machine learning to automatically track, measure, and identify wasted food in commercial kitchens. It provides real-time data analytics, waste pattern insights, and actionable recommendations to help businesses reduce food waste by up to 50%, lower costs, and minimize environmental impact. Deployed in over 25,000 sites worldwide, including major hospitality chains, hospitals, and schools, it integrates seamlessly into daily operations for precise, scalable waste prevention.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate AI-driven waste identification and quantification with minimal manual input
- Proven ROI through significant waste reduction (often 30-50%) and cost savings
- Comprehensive dashboards and integrations for enterprise-scale operations
Cons
- High initial hardware setup costs and installation time
- Requires some staff training for optimal use
- Less flexible for very small operations without dedicated kitchens
Best For
Large commercial kitchens, hotels, restaurants, and healthcare facilities seeking data-driven food waste reduction at scale.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; hardware (scales/cameras) starts at ~$5,000+ per site with monthly SaaS fees from $200-500+ depending on scale and features.
LeanPath
specializedSmart scales and software platform for precise food waste measurement and actionable reduction strategies in commercial kitchens.
Patented Tracker scale with built-in camera for effortless, photo-verified waste logging
LeanPath is a leading food waste management solution that combines hardware like intelligent scales with cameras and cloud-based analytics software to track prep waste in commercial kitchens. It automates waste logging, provides real-time insights, industry benchmarking, and actionable coaching to prevent waste before it happens. The platform helps businesses reduce food waste by an average of 50%, delivering measurable ROI through cost savings and sustainability reporting.
Pros
- Automated, accurate waste tracking via scale and camera integration
- Powerful analytics with benchmarking and coaching recommendations
- Proven results with up to 50% waste reduction and strong ROI
Cons
- High upfront hardware costs
- Pricing requires custom quotes and may be steep for small operations
- Hardware setup can be involved for multi-location deployments
Best For
Mid-to-large commercial kitchens, hotels, hospitals, and schools seeking precise, hardware-backed waste prevention.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically $5,000–$20,000+ annually per location including hardware and subscription.
Orbisk
specializedAI vision technology that automatically detects, weighs, and categorizes food waste to optimize reduction efforts.
Touchless computer vision AI that recognizes over 1,000 food items and tracks waste automatically without staff intervention
Orbisk is an AI-powered food waste management platform that uses computer vision cameras installed above waste bins to automatically identify, weigh, and categorize discarded food in real-time. It provides actionable insights, waste forecasts, and menu optimization recommendations to help restaurants and food businesses reduce waste by up to 50%. The system integrates with POS and inventory tools for comprehensive tracking without requiring manual input from staff.
Pros
- Highly accurate AI-driven waste identification and quantification
- Real-time dashboards and predictive analytics for waste reduction
- Proven ROI with reported 30-50% waste savings in kitchens
Cons
- Requires upfront hardware installation (cameras over bins)
- Pricing can be steep for small operations
- Limited to physical waste tracking, less focus on supply chain
Best For
Mid-to-large restaurants, hotels, and food service chains seeking automated, hands-off waste monitoring and optimization.
Pricing
Hardware kit (~$1,500-$3,000 per bin) plus monthly SaaS subscription starting at $200-$500 per location, scaled by volume.
Kitro
specializedDigital kitchen scales integrated with software to track inventory usage and prevent over-preparation waste.
Photo-documented waste logging tied to real-time inventory for precise auditing and pattern recognition
Kitro is a cloud-based kitchen management platform that includes dedicated food waste tracking features to help restaurants monitor, categorize, and reduce waste in real-time. It integrates waste data with inventory and recipe management to identify patterns, optimize portioning, and generate actionable insights for cost savings. Primarily designed for foodservice operations, it streamlines overall kitchen efficiency while emphasizing waste minimization through analytics and reporting.
Pros
- Precise waste logging with photo uploads and categorization for accurate tracking
- Seamless integration with inventory to prevent overstocking and predict waste
- Detailed analytics dashboards highlighting waste trends and cost impacts
Cons
- Broader kitchen ops focus dilutes depth in advanced waste-specific tools like composting integrations
- Pricing scales per location, which can add up for multi-site operations
- Initial setup requires data entry for recipes and suppliers, creating a moderate learning curve
Best For
Mid-sized restaurants and food businesses seeking integrated waste management within comprehensive kitchen operations.
Pricing
Starts at $49/location/month for Basic plan (core features), $99 for Pro (advanced analytics), with Enterprise custom pricing; 14-day free trial available.
Seer360
specializedAI-based imaging system that accurately measures and analyzes food waste composition for data-driven improvements.
360-degree panoramic AI vision for comprehensive, hardware-agnostic waste detection without blind spots
Seer360 is an AI-powered platform utilizing 360-degree cameras for real-time visual monitoring and anomaly detection in physical spaces. For food waste management, it applies computer vision to track inventory levels, detect spoilage on shelves, and monitor waste accumulation in retail or kitchen environments. Predictive analytics help forecast potential waste, enabling proactive interventions, though it's more general-purpose than food-specific.
Pros
- Real-time AI anomaly detection for spoilage and waste buildup
- Predictive insights to prevent waste through inventory monitoring
- Scalable deployment across multiple store locations
Cons
- Requires proprietary hardware installation, adding upfront costs
- Limited food waste-specific algorithms without custom training
- Enterprise-focused pricing not ideal for small operations
Best For
Mid-sized grocery retailers or food distributors needing visual AI to monitor shelves and reduce spoilage waste.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing; hardware starts at ~$1,000 per camera, plus $300-1,000/month per site for SaaS.
Spoiler Alert
enterpriseInventory and donation management platform that facilitates food recovery and minimizes waste through redistribution.
Dynamic surplus marketplace that instantly connects excess inventory with vetted buyers and nonprofits for maximum recovery value.
Spoiler Alert is a surplus inventory management platform tailored for food and beverage companies to minimize waste through redistribution channels. It facilitates the sale, donation, or trade-in of excess products via an integrated marketplace and partner network, while providing real-time tracking and analytics. The software helps users recover value from surplus, ensure regulatory compliance, and generate impact reports for sustainability goals.
Pros
- Extensive network of buyers, charities, and partners for quick redistribution
- Advanced analytics and reporting for waste tracking and ROI measurement
- Seamless ERP integrations for automated inventory management
Cons
- Geared toward enterprise-scale operations, less ideal for small businesses
- Initial setup and customization can require significant time and IT support
- Pricing lacks transparency and scales with high volumes
Best For
Mid-to-large food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers aiming to scale surplus recovery and meet ESG waste reduction targets.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscriptions starting at approximately $10,000/year, based on inventory volume, users, and features; quotes available upon request.
Phenix
enterpriseDigital platform connecting surplus food donors with buyers to prevent waste via marketplaces and analytics.
Seamless consumer app for real-time flash sales of unsold food at steep discounts
Phenix is a food waste management platform that helps retailers, restaurants, and foodservice businesses redistribute surplus inventory to prevent waste. It facilitates flash sales through a consumer-facing mobile app for discounted 'surprise bags' and connects businesses with charities for free donations. The software includes analytics for tracking avoided waste, CO2 savings, and revenue generated from resale.
Pros
- Proven impact with millions of meals saved annually
- Generates revenue from surplus via flash sales
- Intuitive mobile app integration for quick setup
Cons
- Primarily focused on retail/hospitality, less versatile for manufacturing
- Geographic availability limited to select countries
- Relies on local charity and consumer networks for full effectiveness
Best For
Mid-to-large retailers and restaurants seeking to monetize and donate surplus food while tracking environmental impact.
Pricing
Commission-based (10-20% on sales) with donation fees and custom enterprise subscriptions starting around €500/month.
Flashfood
specializedMobile app solution for grocers to sell near-expiry food at discounts, rescuing items from waste.
Consumer-facing flash sales marketplace that turns waste into immediate discounted revenue
Flashfood is a mobile platform that enables grocery retailers to sell surplus and near-expiry food items at steep discounts directly to consumers via an app, preventing waste from reaching landfills. Retailers upload photos and details of items, which customers purchase and pick up in-store, with the system handling inventory tracking and sales analytics. It focuses on monetizing waste rather than comprehensive prevention or multi-channel diversion like donations.
Pros
- Effectively diverts surplus grocery food from waste streams by generating revenue through discounts
- Intuitive app interface for both retailers and consumers with easy listing and pickup
- Provides waste reduction metrics and ROI analytics for partnered stores
Cons
- Limited scope to grocery surplus sales, lacking tools for prevention, donations, or composting
- Relies heavily on local consumer adoption and store foot traffic
- No integration with broader inventory or supply chain management systems
Best For
Grocery retailers and chains seeking a simple way to profit from near-expiry food while reducing waste.
Pricing
Free for consumers; retailers pay a commission of ~15-20% on sales generated through the platform.
FoodMaven
enterpriseB2B online marketplace for trading surplus and imperfect food inventory to reduce waste.
AI-powered real-time inventory matching that instantly connects surplus supply with buyer demand to prevent spoilage.
FoodMaven is a B2B online marketplace designed to combat food waste by connecting food suppliers with surplus, near-expiry, or imperfect inventory to buyers like restaurants, grocers, and foodservice operators. The platform facilitates real-time inventory listings, bidding, and direct purchases at discounted prices, optimizing redistribution before items spoil. It emphasizes logistics integration and data insights to minimize waste across the supply chain, though it focuses more on resale than comprehensive tracking or disposal management.
Pros
- Effectively reduces food waste through surplus redistribution and discounted sales
- User-friendly marketplace interface for quick listings and purchases
- Real-time matching and logistics support streamline transactions
Cons
- Limited to resale-focused features, lacking advanced waste analytics or tracking
- Geographic availability restricted to supported regions like the US and select partners
- Transaction fees can add up for high-volume users without bulk discounts
Best For
Mid-sized food retailers and suppliers looking to offload surplus inventory quickly to generate revenue rather than discard it.
Pricing
Commission-based model taking 10-20% per transaction, with enterprise subscriptions starting around $500/month for advanced features and priority support.
Impact Vision
specializedHyperspectral imaging software that assesses food quality to extend shelf life and cut waste.
Hyperspectral imaging with AI that detects internal contaminants and defects invisible to standard cameras
Impact Vision offers AI-powered hyperspectral imaging systems integrated with software for real-time food inspection and sorting in processing facilities. It detects invisible defects, contaminants, foreign materials, and quality issues to automate the removal of substandard products, thereby reducing food waste at the production stage. The platform provides analytics on yield optimization and compliance, focusing on pre-consumer waste prevention in industrial settings.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy in detecting invisible defects via hyperspectral imaging
- Real-time sorting reduces waste and improves yield efficiency
- Strong analytics for process optimization and regulatory compliance
Cons
- Requires significant hardware installation and integration
- High upfront costs limit accessibility for smaller operations
- Focused on industrial production waste, not retail or post-consumer tracking
Best For
Large-scale food manufacturers and processors seeking automated quality control to minimize production waste.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing based on hardware scale, sorting lines, and customization; typically starts in the tens of thousands for installations.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools offer diverse strategies, from AI-powered kitchen tracking to marketplace platforms for surplus redistribution, each addressing food waste in unique ways. Winnow stands out as the top choice, guiding real-time waste reduction through robust analytics, while LeanPath and Orbisk excel as strong alternatives—LeanPath for precise commercial kitchen measurement, Orbisk for advanced AI vision categorization. Together, they showcase technology’s power to combat food loss.
Take the first step toward sustainable operations: explore Winnow to unlock its actionable insights, or consider LeanPath or Orbisk based on your specific needs—every choice helps reduce waste and support a more efficient food system.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison