Digital tools for food system challenges: A systematic review of their impact on food waste and sustainable practices

Karachalios, I., Tantaroudas, N.D., Steinhauser, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5989-6855, Kopsinis, Y., Makropoulos, C., & Amditis, A. (2026). Digital tools for food system challenges: A systematic review of their impact on food waste and sustainable practices. Open Research Europe 6 e82. 10.12688/openreseurope.21985.2.

Preview

Text 1d814249-5549-4b4a-ae84-ab67801e31ac_oreu21985.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution. Download (431kB) | Preview

Abstract

This systematic review examines how different types of digital interventions - online platforms and retailer interfaces, games and gamified tools, and data storytelling or visualization tools - are used to address food waste and support more sustainable food-related practices. It distinguishes between outcomes related to awareness and comprehension, attitudes and intentions, and observed behavioral or food-waste reduction effects. We searched Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, and complemented scholarly records with scans of the Apple App Store and Google Play and targeted queries of European retailer websites to capture live consumer-facing features (search window: 31 July 2023–15 June 2024). Screening followed PRISMA 2020 using PICOS criteria; data were extracted into a standardized template and appraised with the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) for empirical studies and the AACODS checklist for grey literature. Given substantial heterogeneity in interventions, outcomes and reporting units, we conducted a structured narrative synthesis. We included 201 eligible tools, ranging from mobile apps and online platforms to retailer websites, gamified experiences and data storytelling solutions. Across categories, many evaluations reported positive signals such as improved awareness, engagement, or shifts towards lower-impact purchases, but evidence of sustained behavioral change or actual food-waste reduction remained limited. Study designs were often small-scale, with short follow-up and inconsistent metrics, while transparent CO₂e accounting was rare. Retailer nudges and labels appear promising for scalable impact when embedded as defaults and supported by credible data; games and gamified apps show strong engagement potential yet limited real-world behavioural evidence; and data storytelling improves comprehension but rarely measures downstream actions. Within the Horizon Europe CHOICE project, we highlight design patterns, reporting gaps and priorities for future trials that can inform behaviour-oriented mitigation pathways (standardised outcome metrics, longer time horizons and co-design with retailers and users).

Actions (login required)

View Item