In a time when grocery bills are higher than ever, many are seeking ways to save money while also being mindful of food waste. One such solution is the Too Good To Go app, which allows consumers to purchase surplus food at a discount. I decided to try it for a week to see if it could help me stick to a budget, save money, and reduce waste.
Too Good To Go, which operates in 19 countries including North America, Europe, and Australia, partners with 170,000 stores to sell unsold food at a discounted price, aiming to reduce food waste. The company’s CEO, Mette Lykke, explained that the goal is not only to save consumers money but to inspire them to take a more responsible approach to food. As Lykke put it, “If we look at the state of the planet and the climate crisis, then it’s pretty clear that something needs to change.”
What I Bought and How Much I Saved
During my week-long experiment in London, I focused on purchasing meals from the app. I quickly discovered that the app works best for fresh produce, with local stores offering a variety of fruits and vegetables at a significant discount. However, when it came to pastries, the quality was hit-or-miss, and I found myself occasionally disappointed.
For example, I picked up a bundle of pastries from an upscale café for £3.90 ($4.95), which included a blueberry muffin, a chocolate chip cookie, and a slice of banana bread. While I enjoyed the sweet treats, the portion size left me hungry, prompting me to opt for a second purchase—this time from Costa Coffee. For £3.50 ($4.44), I received a slightly stale pain au raisin and two sandwiches: one seasonal turkey feast and one BLT, which I saved for my boyfriend’s lunch the following day.
Lessons Learned: Flexibility and Sustainability
While the app provided an affordable and sustainable way to shop, I learned that flexibility is key. Some of the food I bought was fresh and of high quality, particularly the produce, while others, like the pastries, didn’t meet expectations. The experience did, however, push me to think more about food waste, forcing me to adapt my meal plans and embrace new ingredients.
Ultimately, Too Good To Go proved to be a useful tool for saving money, reducing waste, and even trying new food spots around my city. Although there were a few letdowns, the app allowed me to make more sustainable choices while keeping my budget in check.
For anyone looking to reduce food waste, save money, or just experiment with new food, Too Good To Go is definitely worth a try.
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