After years of refining my caravan setup, from solar panels to water filtration, I thought I had food storage sorted. But on my recent three-week journey through Victoria, one small addition made a surprisingly meaningful impact: Fridge Friend.
I’d read the claims of longer-lasting produce and fewer fridge odours, but I was sceptical. Caravan fridges are notoriously fickle, and I’d resigned myself to tossing wilted fruit and vegetables.
Turns out, Fridge Friend didn’t just meet expectations; it quietly solved problems I’d come to accept as inevitable.
WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?
Caravan fridges are notorious for uneven cooling, limited airflow, and tight storage. Ethylene gas, naturally emitted by fruits and veggies, accelerates ripening and, in confined spaces, that means your crisp capsicum turns mushy in days. Add in the challenge of remote resupply and rising grocery costs, food waste becomes more than an inconvenience – it’s a budget drain.
Developed by Aussie father-son duo Jon and Nic Roberts, Fridge Friend uses a 100 per cent natural mineral blend to absorb ethylene gas, airborne bacteria, mould and odours. The result? Produce that lasts up to three weeks longer, fewer fridge clean-outs, and a noticeable reduction in food waste. On my trip, that translated to:
- Fewer grocery stops – especially valuable when off-grid or remote;
- Less spoilage – protecting my investment in fresh food;
- Improved hygiene – Less slimy spinach or suspicious smells; and
- A healthier lifestyle – more access to fresher fruits and vegetables.
FRIDGE FRIEND: REAL-WORLD RESULTS
Normally, by day five, my veggie drawer is a sad sight. But this time, I was pulling out crisp celery and firm capsicum well into week two. Even delicate herbs held up longer than expected. I didn’t have to ration fresh produce or rely on frozen backups. It felt like I’d upgraded my fridge without touching the hardware.
Fridge Friend claims to save family households hundreds of dollars annually and, based on my own caravanning experience, that seems plausible. While I can’t quantify the savings during this short test period, I can say this: for this review trip, we stocked our fridge with nearly double the usual amount of fruit and vegetables, and by the end of the third week, nothing had gone to waste. Every meal tasted fresher and more varied, as though the fridge was working with us, not against us.
According to founder Jonathan Roberts, Fridge Friend is non-toxic, maintenance-free, and safe, extending produce life by up to three weeks. It’s been scientifically tested to adsorb up to 79 per cent of ethylene (the ripening gas). Just pop it in your fridge and let it work. No batteries, no fuss.
AUSSIE INNOVATION WITH HEART
Founded in 2022 by Jon and Nic Roberts, Fridge Friend is Australian-owned and assembled. It’s part of the Zero Waste Project, an initiative aimed at reducing food waste at the source. With a three-year replacement warranty and 90-day money-back guarantee, it’s a risk-free upgrade for any caravaner.
For a product I nearly overlooked, Fridge Friend turned out to be a very impactful upgrade I’ve made to my caravan setup. It’s not flashy, but it delivers where it counts: longer-lasting food and fewer interruptions to the journey.
If you’re serious about self-sufficiency on the road, this little filter earns its spot in the fridge. And the best thing of all? When we returned home, I simply relocated my Fridge Friend to our house fridge and the benefits and savings continue, both at home and when travelling.
