Understanding Apeel: The invisible food coating
Apeel is an edible, plant-based coating developed by Apeel Sciences to extend the shelf life of fresh produce. The coating is made from purified mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, which are naturally found in the peels, seeds, and pulp of many fruits and vegetables. When applied, it creates an extra, invisible barrier that slows down water loss and oxidation, two key factors that contribute to spoilage. The technology is marketed as a solution to reduce food waste and reliance on plastic packaging.
How does Apeel work to extend shelf life?
The coating essentially acts as a secondary, protective skin. Here’s a breakdown of its function:
- Slows water loss: By creating a barrier, Apeel helps fruit and vegetables retain moisture, keeping them fresh and firm for longer.
- Reduces oxidation: The coating limits the amount of oxygen that can penetrate the produce, slowing the browning process, which is especially beneficial for items like avocados.
- Extends freshness: The combination of slowing water loss and oxidation effectively doubles the shelf life of certain produce, according to Apeel Sciences.
The Woolworths and Apeel situation
Woolworths Australia has not officially confirmed a partnership with Apeel Sciences, and no public statement regarding the use of Apeel on their produce has been released. This is different from other global retailers like Tesco in the UK, which openly discussed trials with Apeel. The Australian food standards authority, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), approved the use of Apeel in 2021. This means that while Woolworths may not directly apply the coating, it can legally be present on imported produce sold in their stores.
Potential presence of Apeel in Woolworths' produce
So, while Woolworths has not endorsed the use of Apeel, it's not impossible that some items on their shelves have it. The key is in the supply chain, particularly regarding imported goods.
Possible sources of Apeel-coated produce:
- Imported goods: Produce imported from countries like the United States, Mexico, or Europe, where Apeel is used, may already have the coating. Avocados and citrus are mentioned as common examples.
- Uncertain labelling: In Australia, labelling laws for post-harvest coatings like Apeel have been described as lacking transparency. While some retailers voluntarily label products with Apeel, it is not always mandatory, making it difficult for consumers to be sure.
- Third-party suppliers: Woolworths sources its products from many suppliers. If a supplier uses Apeel, it could end up in Woolworths' stock without a direct partnership being announced. Some Reddit threads suggest some suppliers might use it.
Comparison of produce options: Apeel vs. Uncoated vs. Organic
To help consumers make informed decisions, here is a comparison of different produce options in an Australian supermarket like Woolworths.
| Feature | Apeel-Coated Produce (Potential) | Uncoated Conventional Produce | Certified Organic Produce (No Apeel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Shiny, fresh-looking for extended periods. | Variable; may spoil or brown at a standard rate. | More natural, rustic appearance; shelf life varies. |
| Labelling | May be labelled with an 'Apeel Protected' sticker or on packaging, but not guaranteed. | Typically no special coating label, though other waxes may be used. | Guaranteed not to have Apeel, as Australian certified organic bodies prohibit its use. |
| Shelf Life | Extended shelf life, potentially double that of uncoated items. | Standard shelf life, subject to usual spoilage factors. | Generally shorter shelf life due to no synthetic coatings. |
| Consumer Control | Requires vigilance for labelling or purchasing choices based on origin. | Some waxes may be present; peeling can remove some, but not all, coatings. | Clear-cut choice for avoiding Apeel and other synthetic coatings. |
How to identify Apeel-coated produce
Given the lack of public confirmation from Woolworths, shoppers concerned about Apeel can take proactive steps to identify potential products.
- Check for labels and stickers: Look for an 'Apeel Protected' sticker on individual items or a label on the packaging. While not always present, it is the most direct indicator.
- Consider the country of origin: Be cautious with imported produce, particularly from the US and certain parts of Europe, as Apeel is more widely used there.
- Note the freshness: If a highly perishable item like an avocado or cucumber seems to have an unusually long shelf life for a conventionally grown product, it could potentially be coated.
- Buy certified organic: The most certain way to avoid Apeel is to purchase produce certified by Australian organic bodies, as they prohibit its use.
- Engage with staff: Although staff may not always know, asking an employee in the produce section about coatings used on specific imported items can sometimes yield useful information.
Conclusion
While Woolworths has not publicly stated whether it uses Apeel, the edible coating can legally appear on imported produce sold in Australia. The lack of mandatory labelling for all coated items places the onus on consumers to be aware and vigilant. By paying attention to product labelling, country of origin, and opting for certified organic produce, shoppers can navigate their choices effectively. Ultimately, a direct public statement from Woolworths would offer the most clarity for concerned customers regarding Apeel's use in their supply chain.
More resources
If you want to read more about the Apeel controversy and its reception in Australia, Changing Habits has a blog post about Apeel here.
Keypoints
- Woolworths has not confirmed Apeel use: The Australian retailer has not publicly stated it uses Apeel, though the coating is legal in Australia.
- Apeel may be on imported produce: It is possible that some imported produce, such as avocados and citrus from the US or Europe, is treated with Apeel before it arrives in Australian stores.
- Certified organic produce is Apeel-free in Australia: Australian organic certification standards prohibit the use of Apeel, making certified organic produce a safe choice for those wanting to avoid the coating.
- Labelling is inconsistent: Australian food labelling laws do not always require prominent disclosure of coatings like Apeel on bulk, loose produce, which creates a transparency challenge for consumers.
- Consumers can be vigilant: Shoppers can check for specific 'Apeel Protected' labels, observe produce shelf life, and consider the country of origin to make informed decisions.
- Other retailers have used Apeel: Other international retailers, like Tesco in the UK, have openly trialled Apeel in the past, contrasting with Woolworths' public silence on the matter.
- Apeel is a plant-based coating: The coating itself is made from plant-derived mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids, designed to slow spoilage and reduce waste.
Faqs
- What exactly is Apeel? Apeel is an edible, plant-based coating made from natural fatty acids found in the peels and seeds of fruits and vegetables. It is applied to fresh produce to extend its shelf life by slowing down water loss and oxidation.
- Is Apeel allowed in Australia? Yes, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) approved Apeel (INS 471) for use in Australia and New Zealand in 2021.
- Does all produce in Australia need to be labelled if it has Apeel? No. While some packaged produce requires disclosure of coatings, there is a noted lack of specific labelling requirements for loose, bulk produce, which makes it harder for consumers to identify.
- Can I wash Apeel off my fruit? Apeel is designed to be an edible and tasteless coating that can't be washed off. However, if you are concerned, peeling the fruit is an effective way to remove it.
- Does Woolworths use Apeel on its organic produce? No, any produce sold as 'Certified Organic' in Australian stores, including Woolworths, cannot be coated with Apeel, as Australian organic certification bodies prohibit its use.
- Which produce is most likely to have Apeel? Imported produce, especially avocados, citrus fruits, and cucumbers from regions where Apeel is commonly used (such as parts of the US and Europe), has a higher chance of being coated.
- What has Woolworths said about Apeel? Woolworths Australia has not made a public statement confirming or denying the use of Apeel on its produce. This differs from Woolworths New Zealand, which stated in 2025 that, to their knowledge, no supplier in New Zealand uses Apeel.
- Why would a supermarket use Apeel? The primary motivations for using Apeel are to extend shelf life, reduce food waste, and potentially lower reliance on single-use plastic packaging.
Citations
[ { "title": "Are You Eating Plastic on Your Fresh Produce? Meet Apeel.", "url": "https://www.uniquewholefood.com.au/blogs/news/are-you-eating-plastic-on-your-fresh-produce-meet-apeel" }, { "title": "Apeel and Organic Produce in Australia. Where Fresh Box ...", "url": "https://www.freshbox.com.au/blogs/articles/apeel-and-organic-produce-in-australia-where-fresh-box-organics-stands" }, { "title": "Learnings from our Apeel trial - Tesco PLC", "url": "https://www.tescoplc.com/learnings-from-our-apeel-trial/" }, { "title": "For the love of fermenting | Changing Habits", "url": "https://changinghabits.com.au/for-the-love-of-fermenting/" }, { "title": "Everything you need to know about Apeel - Wicked Leeks", "url": "https://wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/features/everything-you-need-to-know-about-apeel/" }, { "title": "How Apeel Works | Learning From Nature", "url": "https://www.apeel.com/faqs" } ] }
