We are a plan 3 veg and meat household, and as seniors we recently discovered a website called Appetise that has taken the stress out of shopping, cooking and figuring out how much food to prepare. At this stage in life, the goal is simple meals, sensible portions and trips to the supermarket that do not drain our energy. Appetise has made all of that much easier.

The first thing that stands out is how straightforward it is. You pick the meals you want for the week, and the website builds a clean shopping list for you. No more guessing what you need or trying to remember whether there is still a bag of carrots hiding behind the milk. You can change serving sizes too, which is helpful for one or two person homes where recipes often produce far more than needed. Smaller portions mean less food wasted and more money saved.

What makes Appetise especially valuable for seniors in New Zealand is how well it links with the major supermarkets. Many older adults already have a favourite store. Some prefer PAK’nSAVE for the prices while others feel more at home in New World. Appetise works with these chains, so you do not have to change where you shop. After choosing your meals, the shopping list can be used in store or moved straight into online shopping.

For seniors who struggle with long walks through aisles or lifting heavy groceries, online shopping is a big help. Appetise makes that process smoother. You create your plan, review your list and send it through to the supermarket’s online cart. From there you can choose delivery or click and collect. It cuts down the physical effort and keeps the whole experience simple.

For those who still prefer shopping in person, the website keeps the list tidy and organised, so the trip is shorter. You know exactly what you need and where to go, which means fewer forgotten items and fewer repeat visits.

Another strong benefit is cost awareness. Appetise can show the approximate cost of each recipe, which is useful when working with a fixed income or retirement budget. You can quickly see which meals are affordable without falling into the trap of making the same thing every week. It gives you variety without stretching the wallet.

Meal planning in general can become tiring over the years. Many seniors say they are tired of trying to think of what to cook, tired of guessing serving sizes and tired of wasting food because recipes never seem to match real life. Appetise takes that mental load away. You pick the meals that suit you, press a button and start your week with a plan that feels manageable.

It also supports healthy eating habits. Following a routine like three vegetable nights and meat-based meals on other days becomes easier when you can filter and choose recipes that fit. You stay balanced, well nourished and in control.

Tonight’s meal is Smoky Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Tortilla Topping.
We cooked it using an Appetise recipe, and it turned out warm, hearty and exactly the right size for us. **Photo coming**

For seniors looking for independence, confidence in the kitchen and a gentler shopping routine, Appetise is a practical tool worth exploring. It saves time, saves money and makes everyday meals feel simple again.