Food waste is a growing global issue, with millions of tons of edible food being thrown away each year. At the same time, many people struggle to afford nutritious meals. Too Good to Go is an innovative solution that tackles both problems by connecting consumers with businesses that have surplus food. This content explores how Too Good to Go works, its benefits, and how you can start using it to save money and reduce waste.
What Is Too Good to Go?
Too Good to Go is a mobile app that helps reduce food waste by allowing users to buy unsold food from restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and cafes at a discounted price. Businesses list surplus food on the app, and customers can purchase a ‘Surprise Bag’ at a fraction of the original cost.
Since its launch in 2016 in Denmark, the app has expanded to multiple countries, helping both businesses and consumers make a positive environmental impact.
How Does Too Good to Go Work?
Using Too Good to Go is simple and convenient. Heres how it works:
1. Download and Sign Up
The app is available for iOS and Android. After downloading it, you can create an account and set your location to see nearby offers.
2. Find a Surprise Bag
- Browse through a list of local restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and cafes.
- Each business offers a ‘Surprise Bag’, which contains a mix of unsold but perfectly good food at a discounted price (often 50-70% off).
- The exact contents are not disclosed beforehand, making it a fun and exciting experience.
3. Reserve and Pay
- Once you find a deal you like, reserve and pay through the app.
- The price is usually very low, making it an affordable way to enjoy high-quality food.
4. Pick Up Your Order
- Orders are usually available for pickup during a specific time window, often near closing time.
- Simply show your order confirmation to the staff, collect your Surprise Bag, and enjoy!
Benefits of Too Good to Go
1. Reducing Food Waste
Food waste is a major environmental problem. According to the United Nations, one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. This contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water waste, and unnecessary resource use.
By purchasing surplus food, Too Good to Go users help reduce the amount of perfectly edible food going to landfills, making a direct impact on sustainability.
2. Saving Money on Food
One of the biggest advantages of Too Good to Go is the huge savings. You can get restaurant-quality meals, fresh baked goods, and groceries at a fraction of the original price.
For students, families, or anyone on a budget, the app offers a great way to enjoy affordable, high-quality food while also trying new restaurants and cuisines.
3. Supporting Local Businesses
Many small businesses face financial losses due to unsold food. Too Good to Go provides them with an opportunity to recover costs while also attracting new customers.
By participating, restaurants, cafes, and bakeries can:
- Reduce waste disposal costs
- Gain exposure to new customers
- Build a reputation as an eco-conscious business
4. Convenient and Easy to Use
The app is user-friendly, allowing people to quickly find deals, make payments, and pick up orders with ease. Since it offers a variety of food options, users can always find something that suits their preferences.
Types of Food Available on Too Good to Go
The app features a wide range of businesses, each offering different types of food. Some of the most common options include:
1. Bakery Items
Many bakeries have leftover bread, pastries, and cakes at the end of the day. Instead of throwing them away, they offer them on the app at discounted prices.
2. Restaurant Meals
Restaurants often prepare more food than they sell. Instead of discarding it, they package it in Surprise Bags, which can include full meals, side dishes, or snacks.
3. Grocery Items
Supermarkets frequently have food items nearing their sell-by date but are still perfectly safe to eat. These may include fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and packaged foods.
4. Cafe Beverages and Snacks
Many coffee shops participate in Too Good to Go, offering discounted sandwiches, salads, and drinks that would otherwise go unsold.
Tips for Using Too Good to Go Effectively
To get the most out of the app, here are some helpful strategies:
1. Check the App Regularly
Popular businesses often sell out quickly. By checking the app frequently, you increase your chances of grabbing great deals before theyre gone.
2. Be Flexible with Pickup Times
Each business sets specific pickup times. Since most deals are available at the end of the day, you may need to adjust your schedule accordingly.
3. Keep an Open Mind
Since the food in a Surprise Bag is random, you wont always know what youre getting. This adds an element of surprise and allows you to try new foods you might not have chosen otherwise.
4. Store Food Properly
If you get more food than you can eat immediately, store it properly to avoid waste. Refrigerate or freeze items when necessary.
5. Leave a Review
Leaving positive feedback helps businesses grow and encourages them to continue participating in the program.
Is Too Good to Go Available in Your Area?
Too Good to Go has expanded to multiple countries, including:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- France
- Germany
- Denmark
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Italy
The availability of businesses varies by city, but the app is continuously expanding.
Alternatives to Too Good to Go
If Too Good to Go is not available in your area, there are similar food waste reduction programs you can explore:
- Olio A food-sharing app where people can give away or collect surplus food for free.
- Karma A Sweden-based app that helps restaurants and stores sell excess food at discounted prices.
- Flashfood Helps users find discounted groceries nearing expiration.
Each platform has a unique approach, but all share the goal of reducing food waste and saving consumers money.
Final Thoughts
Too Good to Go is an innovative and impactful solution to the problem of food waste. By offering consumers affordable access to surplus food, it benefits individuals, businesses, and the environment.
Whether you’re looking to save money, support local businesses, or make a positive environmental impact, Too Good to Go is a great option. Download the app, explore local deals, and start making a difference today!