Foodsteps

Foodsteps is a UK-based carbon footprint measurement startup focused on reducing CO2 emissions in the food sector. The company offers a platform that leverages data from peer-reviewed life cycle assessments and research carried out by in-house specialists on food items. It uses a database of ingredients containing information on each item’s carbon impact, water use, land use, and level of pollution, which are independently reviewed by academic and industry experts.

The company provides traffic-light labels on a product’s footprint rating from A to E (with A meaning low environmental impact and E meaning high environmental impact). Additionally, customers could upload their own ingredient lists to receive feedback on the environmental impact of food products.

Key customers and partnerships

The company has partnered with brands including Pizza Express, Wagamama, Allplants, Gousto, and also food delivery services like Allplants and Mindful Chef. In May 2023, Foodsteps partnered with Compass Group UK & Ireland to integrate carbon footprint measurement into food service businesses through the former’s data and analysis.

Funding and financials

The company’s most recent funding was in May 2022, when it raised GBP 3.2 million (~USD 3.9 million) in a seed funding round led by Octopus Ventures to expand its workforce. Investors such as Metaplanet, Ascension, and the Conduit EIS Fund also joined this round. In March 2022, Foodsteps raised an undisclosed amount in a pre-seed round.