Written by

Dan Wirepa

Combining my academic background in Biology & Food Science with an all-around passion for food, I aim to write on the things that make positive differences in people's lives.

There's a lot of confusion around sugar, and it's often spotlighted within the media by health gurus and dieticians warning us off eating it. We all know that we should avoid adding white sugar to coffee, or (shock) try not to eat excessive amounts of chocolate and cake, but what about fruit and dairy – […]

4 min read

by Dan Wirepa on May 24, 2023

One of the largest indicators of shifting seasons, for me, is the new produce that begins adorning our supermarkets. Bright, succulent summer strawberries. Pumpkins and squash signalling that autumn has come and the weather is about to get a wee bit colder. With each season comes its own unique and abundant seasonal produce — and […]

7 min read

by Dan Wirepa on May 2, 2023

Thanks to New Zealand's unique and dynamic climate, each season brings a variety of delicious fruit and vegetables with it. Eating fresh, seasonal produce is not only great for our health, being full of nutrients, minerals & antioxidants, it's also benefits the environment and our local economy. And while those reasons alone should push you […]

7 min read

by Dan Wirepa on Apr 30, 2023

Globally, we throw out around 1.3 billion tonnes of perfectly edible food every year—or around a third of all of the food we produce. As Kiwis, we contribute roughly around 150,000 tonnes to this figure. While only a drop in the pond compared to the rest of the world, this translates to around $1,520 of […]

8 min read

by Dan Wirepa on Apr 21, 2023

Cooking oils are a staple in most people's cupboards and make their way into nearly all of our food, from healthy salads to not-so-healthy fried foods. But did you know not all oil is created equal? When you're choosing which oils to use for different dishes, it's important to consider their health benefits, smoke points, […]

6 min read

by Dan Wirepa on Mar 24, 2023

We get it – juggling work, family, and everything in between can leave you wondering how to put a delicious, nutritious meal on the table without feeling overwhelmed. But a lack of time doesn't have to wreak havoc on your diet. And while the concept of meal planning as a whole may seem daunting (we […]

4 min read

by Dan Wirepa on Aug 17, 2023

Are you an avocado aficionado who wants to savour perfectly ripe avos for as long as possible? We've got you covered. The window for the perfect avocado can seem impossibly small, and finding avocados in the "Goldilocks zone" of ripeness can be a game-changer. So when you do find them, you want to keep them […]

5 min read

by Dan Wirepa on Jun 27, 2023

Ever found yourself too excited at the prospect of $1 avocados, bought too many, then realised you'll never get through them in time? Well, if you've ever wondered "Can you freeze avocados?", you're in luck! You can freeze pretty much anything! Learning how to utilise your freezer more effectively can help you to save money […]

9 min read

by Dan Wirepa on Sep 6, 2023

We’re firm believers that each and every one of us can benefit from meal planning. A busy parent trying to find healthy, affordable dinner ideas for the family. Time-starved professionals looking to remove the guesswork in the evenings. Someone who opts for the ease of takeaways a little too often (and, well, everyone in between). […]

9 min read

by Dan Wirepa on Mar 14, 2023

Featured

At MenuAid we're committed to sustainability. We often talk about the need for reducing our plastic and food waste, but understanding where our food comes from and the impact it has on the environment is just as important Food production accounts for over 25% of global emissions, and we want to play our part in […]

3 min read

by Dan Wirepa on Nov 2, 2022

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Dan Wirepa

Understanding the Difference Between Healthy and Harmful Sugars

The Benefits of Eating With the Seasons

Eat Fresh All Year Long: A Guide to New Zealand's Seasonal Produce

Reducing Food Waste: Tips for a More Sustainable Kitchen

The Best Cooking Oils to Use: A Guide

Efficiency in the Kitchen: Expert Meal Planning Tips for Busy Kiwis

How to Keep Your Avocados Fresher for Longer

Can I Freeze...? Foods You Didn't Know You Could Freeze

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Meal Planning

Reducing our Foodprint: Food Waste, Sustainability & the Environment