Bundle and save: up to 30% off + free shipping on 2 and 3 packs
Home & Kitchen
10 Reasons Aussie Households Are Putting This Little Filter in the Fridge to Save Up to $800 a Year on Groceries
By Sarah Whitlock, Home & Kitchen Editor
Updated 30 September 2026 • Sponsored content
★★★★★
Rated 4.6/5 from 1,155 reviews
Trusted by 60,000+ Australian homes
One filter in the crisper. No power, no refills.
Editor's note: Fridge Friend has moved to bundle pricing. One filter is 10% off, two are 20% off with free shipping, and three are 30% off with free shipping. The details are in reason 6.
Open your crisper drawer and have a proper look. If yours is like most, there is a bag of spinach going dark at the edges, a punnet of strawberries starting to fur, and a bunch of coriander you bought with good intentions on Sunday. Most of it will go in the bin this week, and you will buy all of it again next week.
It adds up faster than it feels. Australia's National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study puts the average household's wasted food at about $2,500 a year, and roughly 40% of what gets thrown out is fresh produce. That is around $1,000 of fruit and veg per household, per year, bought and never eaten.
Most of that spoilage has very little to do with how you shop or store. As fruit and vegetables ripen they release a gas called ethylene, and in a closed fridge that gas builds up and pushes everything near it to ripen faster. One ripe apple really can turn the whole drawer.
For years the only thing anyone put in the fridge to help was an open box of bicarb, which does nothing about ethylene. A father and son from Australia spent two years adapting the mineral filters used in commercial cool rooms into something that sits on a fridge shelf, and more than 60,000 homes now use it.
Here are the 10 reasons those households give for keeping one in the fridge.
“'Insanely simple fridge hack'”
“'This small gadget may look simple, but it packs a serious punch.'”
“'A clever product that increases the shelf life of your food'”
Fridge Friend vs. the usual options
Neutralises odours
Absorbs ethylene
Traps mould and bacteria
Lasts 3 years, no monthly refills
University lab-tested
Cost over its life
Fridge Friend
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Other brands
✓
✓
✗
✗
✗
Refills add up
Baking soda
✓
✗
✗
✗
✗
New box monthly
Comparison as published by Fridge Friend at fridgefriend.com.
The average Australian household bins about $1,000 of fresh produce a year, most of it food that went off a few days too early. Below are the 10 reasons families give for fixing that with one small filter that sits in the fridge.
1
It can put up to $800 a year back into your grocery budget
This is the reason most people buy one. When produce lasts longer you throw less of it out, and the numbers are bigger than most households expect. Fridge Friend's own estimate is deliberately conservative: it assumes the filter cuts produce waste by up to 80%, which comes to up to $800 a year for the average home.
The maths, at a glance
Food the average Aussie household bins each year
$2,500
The share of that which is fresh produce (about 40%)
$1,000
Back in your pocket with Fridge Friend (up to 80% less produce waste)
$800
Source: National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study (p.17). The savings figure is Fridge Friend's conservative estimate and individual results vary.
Every week, in most kitchens
About $19 of produce, straight into the bin.
That is what $1,000 a year looks like when you spread it across 52 shops.
2
It absorbs the gas that makes your produce go off early
Every piece of fruit and veg in your fridge gives off ethylene gas as it ripens. In a sealed fridge the gas has nowhere to go, so it builds up and speeds up everything around it. Cold slows this down but does not stop it, which is why food still goes off in a perfectly good fridge.
Fridge Friend's mineral core absorbs ethylene continuously, along with mould spores, bacteria and excess moisture, so the cycle that turns a full crisper into a bin run is interrupted before it starts.
Without Fridge Friend
Ethylene builds up
The gas spreads from one item to the next and the whole shelf ripens faster.
With Fridge Friend
The gas is absorbed
Same shelf, same shop, and the produce keeps for longer.*
3
Berries, greens and herbs last well past the usual three days
Raspberries are the test most customers mention, because they normally turn within a few days of coming home. The reviews on Fridge Friend's site are full of people who were surprised enough to write it down.
"The last few left were still perfect up to 6 days later."
Kelbiz, Verified buyer
★★★★★
The fridge friend really works! Our food waste has dramatically decreased since using it - all those leafy greens that usually go limp after 3 days can last over a week and everything is fresher. On top of that, customer service is amazing - I got a small hole in my mineral sachet and it was replaced free of charge straight away.
Miranda, Verified buyer
★★★★★
At first I wasn't sure it was working, but after a few weeks I did notice that yes things were lasting longer. So I bought 2 more and put them in each of the vegetable drawers and WOW yes the fruit and veggies certainly do last days longer than they used to.
Linda, Verified buyer
4
The fridge stops smelling, so the box of bicarb can go
An open box of baking soda takes the edge off some smells for a week or two and then sits there doing very little. Fridge Friend's minerals trap the molecules that cause fridge odours, and the brand reports up to 98.6% less odour in testing. Leftovers stop tainting the strawberries, and the fridge smells clean when you open the door without any added fragrance.
The old way
It handles some odours and nothing else.
Baking soda does not absorb ethylene, mould or bacteria.
5
It was designed with Deakin University and lab-tested by CoLabs
Co-founder Jon Roberts spent 12 years supplying mineral filters to commercial cool rooms in restaurants, supermarkets and food distribution. When his son Nic saw how much food families waste at home, the two of them spent two years adapting that technology for a household fridge.
The result was designed with Deakin University and lab-tested by CoLabs for ethylene absorption, which is why the comparison table above can say "university lab-tested" and most alternatives cannot.
Tested against the gas itself.
Ethylene absorption measured in a sealed chamber, not guessed from a kitchen bench.
6
The more you put in the fridge, the more you save
Fridge Friend now prices by bundle. One filter suits a small household. Two covers the main shelf and the crisper, which is where most families land, and it ships free. Three covers a full family fridge or a second fridge in the garage, and it is the lowest price per filter.
10%
OFF
Starter Pack, 1 filter
Best for 1 to 2 people
$99.95
$89.95
20%
OFF
Everyday Pack, 2 filters
Free shipping · $79.95 each
$199.90
$159.90
30%
OFF
Family Pack, 3 filters
Free shipping · $69.97 each
$299.85
$209.90
90-day money-back guarantee • 3-year replacement warranty
7
One filter lasts up to 3 years and never needs a refill
There are no cartridges to buy and no subscription. About once a month you refresh the filter with a short spell in the microwave, following the instructions in the box, and it goes back in the fridge. Customers tend to pick the first of the month so it is easy to remember.
3 yrs
working life per filter
$0
spent on refills
~8c
a day over its life
A monthly refresh takes a couple of minutes.
Read the instructions first. The timing matters.
★★★★★
The item was as described and arrived quickly. The instructions were clear and were easy to follow meaning my fridge friend was activated and loaded to my fridge that day! I often have old meat in the fridge for my dog and the FF certainly helps with smells. Definitely recommend.
Gillian, Verified buyer
8
It is made from natural minerals and never touches your food
Nothing is sprayed, wiped or added to what you eat. The filter is a block of natural minerals that works on the air inside the fridge, with no chemicals and no fragrance. It sits on a shelf or in the crisper and does its job quietly.
100% natural and science-backed.
The same kind of mineral filtration used in commercial cool rooms.
9
There is nothing to install and it works in any fridge
There is no wiring, no plumbing and no batteries. Put one on a shelf or stick it to the inside wall near your fruit and veg, and it starts working. It fits French-door fridges, top-mounts, side-by-sides and the old one in the garage.
Thirty seconds, once.
Shelf, crisper or fridge wall. Wherever your produce lives.
Starter Pack
1 filter. Best for 1 to 2 people.
Everyday Pack
2 filters. Ideal for 2 to 3 people: one for the main shelf, one for the crisper.
Family Pack
3 filters. Perfect for 3 to 5 people, or a second fridge.
10
You get 90 days to try it and a 3-year replacement warranty
Put it in your own fridge and live with it for three months. If your produce is not lasting noticeably longer, contact the team for a full refund under the 90-day money-back guarantee. After that, every filter is covered by a 3-year replacement warranty, so if anything goes wrong it is replaced.
100% Australian-owned.
Ships from Australia and arrives in 3 to 5 business days.
Choose Your Bundle
The bigger the pack, the lower the price per filter.
Bundle & Save
Up to 30% off + free shipping on 2 and 3 packs
Each filter lasts up to 3 years, so this is a one-off cost, not a subscription.
30%
max off
Starter Pack
1 Fridge Friend unit
Save 10%
$89.95
$89.95
One filter, one fridge
You save $10.00
✓
1 natural mineral filter
✓
Lasts 3 years, no refills
✓
90-day money-back guarantee
✓
3-year replacement warranty
✗
Free shipping
Best for 1–2 people
Most Popular
Everyday Pack
2 Fridge Friend units
Save 20% + Free Shipping
$159.90
$199.90
$79.95 per unit
You save $39.90 + shipping
✓
2 filters: main shelf + crisper
✓
FREE shipping
✓
Lasts 3 years, no refills
✓
90-day money-back guarantee
✓
3-year replacement warranty
Ideal for 2–3 people
Biggest Savings
Family Pack
3 Fridge Friend units
Save 30% + Free Shipping
$209.90
$299.85
Under $70 per unit
You save $89.95 + shipping
✓
3 filters: full fridge coverage
✓
FREE shipping
✓
Covers a second or garage fridge
✓
90-day money-back guarantee
✓
3-year replacement warranty
Perfect for 3–5 people
✓ 90-day money-back guarantee
✓ 3-year replacement warranty
✓ Ships from Australia in 3 to 5 business days
What Aussie households are saying
★★★★★
4.6/5 from 1,155 reviews on fridgefriend.com. Every review below is quoted as written.
5★
953
4★
95
3★
38
2★
26
1★
43
Allwheelinoz
✓ Verified
★★★★★
I was sceptical at first, but I am genuinely seeing fruit and veg last longer in my fridge. Usually fresh herbs only last days, I have had mint & coriander last for 2 weeks and I have done nothing different. Worth every penny I paid for them
Lauren M.
✓ Verified
★★★★★
The fridge friend really works! Our food waste has dramatically decreased since using it - all those leafy greens that usually go limp after 3 days can last over a week and everything is fresher. On top of that, customer service is amazing - I got a small hole in my mineral sachet and it was replaced free of charge straight away.
Mark T.
✓ Verified
★★★★★
Been using fridge friend for about 6 weeks & produce definitely stays fresher & lasts longer. Cut avocados now stay green, not brown & yuk! Have done one recharge, hopefully they will last a long time .
Rachel D.
✓ Verified
★★★★★
At first I wasn't sure it was working, but after a few weeks I did notice that yes things were lasting longer. So I bought 2 more and put them in each of the vegetable drawers and WOW yes the fruit and veggies certainly do last days longer than they used to.
James T.
✓ Verified
★★★★★
This product has amazed me ,its changed the way my fridge works now is so much better. I used to find moisture build up under shelves.Its no longer happening now I am so pleased,my fridge isn't working so hard thanks toFridge Friends.
Karen W.
✓ Verified
★★★★★
I had one Fridge Friend in my fridge for the last few months and it was good, it did help keep everything stay a bit fresher, but recently I bought another one as they suggest with 2 people in the house. It has made a big difference in keeping vegetables and fruit so much fresher for longer. Thanks Fridge Friend for saving us money!
Steve B.
✓ Verified
★★★★★
I've had my fridge friends for over a year. I can't begin to tell you how much money they've saved me on fruit and veges. I often get at least a fortnight of freshness with green salad leaves and more with other fruit and vege. They're fabulous and I love my monthly email to remind me to refresh them. They have my high recommendation.
Read all 1,155 reviews on fridgefriend.com »
Stop binning up to $800 of groceries a year
Over 100,000 Fridge Friends have been sold to more than 60,000 Australian homes. Two filters cover most fridges and ship free at 20% off.
Frequently asked questions
How does Fridge Friend actually work?
Think of it as an air filter for your fridge. As fruit and veg ripen, they give off ethylene, the natural gas that makes produce ripen and rot. In a closed fridge it builds up and speeds everything along.
Fridge Friend is a 100% natural mineral filter that helps absorb three things at once: ethylene gas, airborne bacteria and mould, and excess moisture. It works on the air, not the food, so it never touches anything you eat.
Designed by Deakin University and tested by CoLabs, it's built on the same mineral filtration our family has supplied to commercial cool rooms for over 12 years.
For best results, activate it before first use, then give your produce room to breathe rather than sealing it in plastic. Full steps are in our Setup Guide.
How does the Flash Sale work?
For a limited time, every pack is discounted, and the bigger packs include free shipping:
● Starter Pack: 1 Fridge Friend for $89.95 (RRP $99.95, save 10%)
● Everyday Pack: 1 Fridge Friend for $89.95 (RRP $99.95, save 10%)
● Family Pack: 3 Fridge Friends for $209.90 (RRP $299.85, save 30%) plus free shipping
The sale price applies automatically at checkout, no code needed. Some discount codes can't be combined with sale pricing.
How long does one unit last?
Each Fridge Friend lasts up to 3 years, with no ongoing refills.
To keep it working at its best, refresh it once a month with gentle heat. The quickest way is up to 15 seconds in the microwave (10 seconds if yours has no turntable), one unit at a time, on a folded paper towel. You can also use a conventional oven at 60 to 70°C for up to 30 minutes, or leave it in direct sun for at least 3 hours. Let it cool fully before it goes back in the fridge. We'll email you a reminder each month.
At the 3-year mark, a Freshness Refill replaces the mineral insert so you can keep using the same unit. Every Fridge Friend is also backed by a 3-year replacement warranty.
Do I need 1, 2, or 3 units?
Most households get the best results with 2 to 3, because freshness depends on the whole fridge, not just one spot.
● Starter Pack (1 unit): Single-person households or small fridges (200 to 350L). Place it in the crisper.
● Everyday Pack (2 units): 2 to 3 people with a medium fridge (350 to 500L). One in the crisper, one on a shelf.
● Family Pack (3 units): 3 to 5 people, fridges over 400L, or a second fridge. Across both crispers and the main shelf.
Is Fridge Friend safe around food?
Yes. Fridge Friend is a 100% natural, unprocessed mineral blend. It doesn't chemically react with food or packaging, it's stable, and it doesn't break down or produce any by-products. Independent safety data shows no hazards under normal use.
It works on the air, so it never comes into contact with your food. The same mineral has been used in commercial cool rooms in cafes, restaurants and pubs across Australia for over 12 years.
What if it doesn't work for me?
Try it for 90 days. If it doesn't change the way your groceries last, we'll provide a full refund. Just email hello@fridgefriend.com.au and we'll organise it.
Before you do, it's worth reaching out. Most issues come down to setup, placement or storage, and we're happy to troubleshoot with you. Your purchase is also backed by a 3-year replacement warranty.
Is shipping free?
Shipping is free on the Everyday Pack and Family Pack. For the Starter Pack, shipping is calculated at checkout.
We currently ship to Australia and New Zealand. Once your order is on its way, you'll get an email with a tracking number (allow 48 hours for tracking to update).
90-day money-back guarantee • 3-year replacement warranty
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This page is a paid advertisement for Fridge Friend. *Freshness and savings figures are maximums based on laboratory testing of ethylene absorption and on customer-reported experiences; individual results vary with your fridge, produce and usage. "$2,500" and "$1,000" reference Australia's National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study; "up to $800" is Fridge Friend's conservative estimate. Reviews are quoted from fridgefriend.com. Bundle prices are in AUD and compared with the standard single-filter price of $99.95. © 2026 Fridge Friend. All rights reserved.