How Wasted Is Giving Old Bread A New Life In Copenhagen

In a city known for its world-class food scene and sustainable practices, Wasted is taking bread waste and turning it into something unexpectedly delicious: pasta.

Founded in Copenhagen, Wasted Pasta is part of a new wave of food startups rethinking our relationship with waste. Their mission? To tackle one of the most pervasive (and overlooked) problems in the food system — bread waste — by transforming surplus loaves into handcrafted, circular-economy pasta.

In 2022, the founders began collecting leftover bread from some of the (many) great bakeries found across Copenhagen. With a pasta machine and an idea, they started working on a recipe to turn this leftover bread into pasta, initially serving it to their friends at local pasta parties.

With some patience, they developed a recipe that isn't just edible, but is so delicious their pasta is now served in Michelin star restaurants. The result is a hearty, subtly nutty pasta that’s gaining traction among restaurants, zero-waste shops, and conscious consumers across Denmark.

Beyond the product itself, Wasted Pasta is part of a wider movement for circular food systems. They collaborate with local businesses, host pasta-making workshops, and advocate for smarter food policies. It’s not just about eating better — it’s about thinking differently.

In a time when creativity in sustainability is crucial, Wasted Pasta offers something hopeful and tangible: a bowl of comfort food with a purpose.

If you want to support the team at Wasted, check them out at their website, or follow along their Instagram.