Do online food delivery platforms contribute to food waste? Evidence from Indonesian university students

The rapid proliferation of Online Food Delivery Platforms (OFDP) has transformed food consumption patterns among university students. However, the environmental implications of this digital shift, particularly in terms of food waste, remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how behavioral mechanisms embedded in digital food environments—such as over-ordering, portion-size mismatch, and algorithm-driven promotions—affect food waste generation among Indonesian students. Using cross-sectional data from 1042 respondents and applying a Conditional Mixed Process (CMP) estimation strategy, the findings show that more frequent OFDP usage significantly increases food waste, both in total and across categories such as proteins, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. The mechanism operates through the convenience and impulsivity induced by platform design, which weakens users’ ability to plan and manage food portions effectively. The results demonstrate that while OFDPs provide convenience and accessibility, they also contribute directly to unsustainable consumption by amplifying food waste levels. Policy recommendations emphasize the integration of digital feedback systems in OFDP apps (e.g., smart portion indicators and waste warnings), university-based food waste audits through the Kampus Merdeka program, and cross-sector collaboration between platform providers and regulators to align digital innovation with sustainability goals. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions from platform providers, universities, and policymakers to mitigate the environmental consequences of digital food consumption. Overall, this study contributes to the literature on sustainable consumption and food system digitalization by revealing the behavioral and technological mechanisms linking OFDP usage to food waste among young consumers in Indonesia.