Oddbox Review: A Fresh Way to Fight Food Waste

Oddbox is a food delivery service that offers a unique, sustainable approach to grocery shopping by rescuing "wonky" and surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste. It partners with farmers across the UK to collect fruits and vegetables that are perfectly good to eat but may not meet the strict aesthetic standards of supermarkets due to being misshapen, oversized, undersized, or simply surplus.

Customers receive boxes of this rescued produce, with varying sizes available to suit different household needs. Each delivery contains a surprise mix of fruits and vegetables, introducing users to a variety of fresh, seasonal produce. The service operates with a mission to tackle food waste, contribute to environmental sustainability, and promote conscious consumption.

The Oddbox packaging and logistics are designed with eco-friendliness in mind, with recyclable and reusable materials used whenever possible. Subscribers not only enjoy fresh produce but also become part of a movement toward a more sustainable food system. Through Oddbox, customers can feel good about their groceries, knowing they're helping to reduce food waste and support a more sustainable agricultural economy.

What is oddbox

Oddbox is a UK-based subscription service that delivers "wonky" or surplus fruits and vegetables directly to consumers' doors. The company aims to reduce food waste by rescuing produce that supermarkets might reject because of cosmetic imperfections, irregular shapes, or surplus quantities. Oddbox sources this produce directly from farms and suppliers, offering a more sustainable and affordable option for people looking to support food waste reduction.

Subscribers can choose different box sizes and frequency options, allowing them to customize their deliveries to suit household needs. Oddbox's mission aligns with environmental and sustainability goals, helping reduce food waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and raise awareness about responsible consumption. The service is available in various locations across London and other parts of the UK, and it has gained popularity for its environmentally friendly approach and unique selection of fruits and vegetables.

Oddbox this week

An "Oddbox This Week" overview typically includes a sneak peek at the seasonal fruits and vegetables you might find in this week's delivery, along with tips for using any unique or lesser-known items. Since each box is a surprise, here’s an example of what it might look like:

Oddbox This Week: What’s Inside?

Veggie Box:

Kohlrabi: A versatile root with a mild, slightly sweet flavor, great for roasting or adding raw to salads.
Butternut Squash: Perfect for roasting, soups, or even stuffing for a hearty autumn meal.
Curly Kale: Ideal for smoothies, sautés, or crispy kale chips.
Purple Carrots: Packed with antioxidants, these are great roasted, in stews, or raw for a pop of color in salads.

Fruit Box:

Surplus Apples: A crisp, sweet snack or great for making homemade applesauce.
Wonky Pears: Slightly misshapen but juicy and flavorful—perfect for poaching or baking.
Grapes: Fresh and juicy, ideal for snacking or adding to salads.
Plums: Perfectly ripe for eating fresh or making into a quick jam.

Oddbox Tips and Recipe Ideas

Kohlrabi Fries: Slice kohlrabi into matchsticks, toss with olive oil, salt, and spices, then roast for a unique twist on fries.

Butternut Squash Soup: Roast squash, blend with vegetable stock, and add a touch of cream or coconut milk for a warm, creamy soup.

Kale Pesto: Blend fresh kale with garlic, nuts, and olive oil for a nutrient-packed pesto sauce.

Oddbox’s ever-changing selection means there’s always something new and seasonal to experiment with. The surprise element also makes it easier to incorporate fresh ingredients into meals, all while supporting a mission to reduce food waste. Enjoy exploring the week's harvest!

Who is oddbox for?

Oddbox is best suited for people who care about sustainability and are open to experimenting in the kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of who might enjoy and benefit most from an Oddbox subscription:

1. Eco-Conscious Consumers:

Oddbox is ideal for people who want to reduce their environmental footprint. By rescuing "wonky" and surplus produce, they directly contribute to reducing food waste and supporting a more sustainable food system.

2. Adventurous Cooks and Food Enthusiasts:

Oddbox includes a surprise selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, often introducing users to produce they may not usually buy, like kohlrabi, purple carrots, or rainbow chard. People who enjoy cooking, experimenting with new ingredients, and creating recipes around what’s available will appreciate the variety.

3. Flexible Meal Planners:

Since Oddbox boxes are a surprise, they work well for people who don’t mind adjusting their meal plans to use the ingredients they receive. It’s best for those who are adaptable and can be creative with what’s on hand rather than relying on specific ingredients.

4. Busy Individuals Who Want Fresh Produce:

Oddbox’s doorstep delivery is convenient for busy people who want fresh, high-quality produce without having to make frequent trips to the grocery store.

Oddbox Review

Oddbox generally receives positive reviews for its mission, quality of produce, and overall customer experience. Here’s a summary based on common themes from user feedback:

Pros:

Environmental Impact: Many customers appreciate Oddbox’s dedication to reducing food waste. People feel they are contributing to a positive cause and often cite this as a top reason for subscribing.
Freshness and Quality: Despite being “wonky” or surplus, the fruits and vegetables are typically very fresh. Customers are often pleasantly surprised by the quality, with the produce frequently lasting longer than expected.
Variety and Discovery: Each box is a bit of an adventure, with a mix of seasonal fruits and vegetables. This inspires people to try new recipes and explore produce they might not usually buy, such as kohlrabi, rainbow chard, or different varieties of squash.
Flexibility: Oddbox offers various box sizes and delivery options, so customers can choose what best suits their needs. Many users also appreciate the flexibility of skipping or pausing deliveries.
Customer Service: The company’s customer service is generally well-rated, with most reviews describing a responsive and helpful team.

Cons:

Surprise Element: While some love the mystery of each delivery, others find it challenging. People who prefer a specific grocery list sometimes struggle with Oddbox because it can lead to an excess of certain items they may not need or know how to use.
Occasional Quality Issues: A minority of customers report receiving produce that arrived slightly bruised or wilted, though this seems to be the exception rather than the rule.
Limited Customization: Oddbox doesn’t currently allow customers to select specific items in their box, so those with dietary restrictions or specific preferences may find it a bit limiting.
Geographical Availability: Oddbox is mainly available in London and select areas of the UK, so it’s not accessible to everyone.