Imagine getting a delicious meal from your favorite local restaurant or bakery at half the price—or less—while helping the planet. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! Enter **Too Good To Go**, the app that’s revolutionizing how we tackle food waste, one “Surprise Bag” at a time. In this blog post, we’ll dive into what Too Good To Go is, how it works, and why it’s a game-changer for foodies, budget-savvy folks, and eco-warriors alike.
What is Too Good To Go?
Founded in 2016 in Copenhagen, Too Good To Go is a mobile app designed to combat food waste by connecting consumers with restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and grocery stores that have surplus food. Instead of letting perfectly good food go to waste, businesses offer “Surprise Bags” of unsold items at a fraction of their original price—typically one-third or less. With over 100 million registered users and 175,000 partner businesses across 19 countries, the app has already saved over 400 million meals, equivalent to avoiding 1.1 million tons of CO2e emissions. That’s a win-win-win for people, businesses, and the planet!
How Does It Work?
Using Too Good To Go is as easy as ordering takeout, with a fun twist of surprise. Here’s the step-by-step:
1. **Download and Browse**: Available on iOS and Android, the app lets you explore a map of nearby restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and stores offering Surprise Bags. Filter by location, food type (e.g., bakery, vegan, or meals), or pickup time to find the perfect deal.
2. **Reserve and Pay**: Choose a Surprise Bag, pay through the app (via Apple Pay, PayPal, or card), and reserve your pickup slot. Prices typically range from $4 to $10 for food worth three times that amount.
3. **Pick Up Your Goodies**: Head to the store during the designated pickup window (often 30–60 minutes near closing time). Show the app, swipe to confirm, and collect your bag. You can even use the “Ask-a-Friend” feature to have someone else pick it up for you.
4. **Enjoy and Track Impact**: Dig into your surprise haul—anything from sushi to pastries to fresh produce. Check the app’s Profile page to see how much money you’ve saved and the CO2e emissions you’ve helped avoid. Each bag saves about 2.7kg of CO2e!
The catch? You don’t know exactly what’s in the bag until you pick it up. It’s like a foodie treasure hunt, with the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of doing good.
Why You’ll Love Too Good To Go
1. **Save Money**: Who doesn’t love a deal? Whether it’s a $4 bag of pastries worth $12 or a $6 meal from a high-end restaurant, you’re getting premium food at a steal.
2. **Reduce Food Waste**: Food waste is a massive global issue, with 40% of food produced going to waste each year. By rescuing surplus food, you’re helping tackle climate change—reducing food waste is the #1 action to limit global warming, according to Project Drawdown.
3. **Discover New Favorites**: The app introduces you to local gems you might not have tried otherwise. From vegan bakeries to sushi spots, it’s a chance to explore your area’s food scene.
4. **Community and Impact**: Join a community of millions who are making a difference. Share your hauls with friends, gift extras to neighbors, or bring a Surprise Bag to a potluck for a budget-friendly contribution.
Tips for Making the Most of Too Good To Go
– **Check Ratings**: Stick to businesses with 4.5+ stars to ensure quality. Low-rated spots might offer less value, like a bag of day-old bread.
– **Be Flexible**: Since Surprise Bags are, well, a surprise, they’re best for those without strict dietary needs. If you have allergies, check with the business first.
– **Plan Pickups**: Pickup times can be strict, often near closing, so plan around your schedule. Cancel at least two hours in advance if needed to avoid losing your payment.
– **Freeze Extras**: Got too many croissants? Wrap them tightly and freeze them to enjoy later.
– **Spread the Love**: Share your finds with friends or donate to local groups to maximize the app’s impact.
The Caveats
No app is perfect. The “surprise” element means you might get a bag of bagels one day and a mixed meal the next, which can be tricky for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. Availability varies by area—urban users have more options than rural ones. Some users report inconsistent quality or businesses that treat the app as a promotional tool rather than a waste-reduction effort. If you miss a pickup, refunds aren’t guaranteed, so stay on top of your schedule.
Why It’s Worth a Try
Too Good To Go isn’t just about cheap eats—it’s about making a difference. Whether you’re a budget-conscious foodie, an eco-conscious consumer, or just love a good surprise, this app delivers. I recently tried it at a local bakery and scored a $5 bag with fresh croissants, muffins, and a loaf of sourdough—worth over $15. Not only did I save money, but I also felt great knowing I kept good food out of the landfill.
Ready to join the food-saving revolution? Download Too Good To Go from the App Store or Google Play and start rescuing delicious meals today. You can even use my referral link: https://tgtg.onelink.me/OGjG/cxkwcnal
What’s the best Surprise Bag you’ve ever scored? Share your experience in the comments and let’s inspire each other to fight food waste! 🌍🍽️
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*Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored by Too Good To Go. All opinions are based on research and user experiences.