AI tool aims to cut UK food waste and save millions of meals

An artificial intelligence tool developed by Zest is being trialled by UK companies, including Nestlé, to reduce food waste and improve distribution, The Guardian reported. During a two-week pilot at a Nestlé factory, the AI system helped cut edible food waste by 87%.

The technology provides real-time tracking and analysis of surplus ingredients and products, identifying food that is edible but not sellable, such as broken items or products with short expiry dates.
Nestlé estimates the trial could save up to 700 tonnes of surplus food—equivalent to 1.5 million meals—and prevent 1,400 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, potentially cutting £14 million in operational costs.

A second pilot is underway with funding from Innovate UK’s BridgeAI scheme, which supports AI innovation in climate-related sectors. If successful, the software could roll out on a subscription basis by March 2026. The charity FareShare praised the initiative as a major step in fighting food waste and hunger across the UK.