Lisa
The question of what’s for lunch or dinner is filled with both endless possibilities and dread. It always helps me focus if I have one thing as a starting point. It could be a side dish, or vegetables that are on the edge that need to be used, or a protein I’m craving. Then I can build around that item.
Being a long-time user of Too Good To Go, I use the service as that building block. Too Good To Go is a free mobile app that connects consumers with surplus food from nearby grocery stores, bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and even hotel buffets. These are foods that would otherwise be thrown away at the end of the day. These items were designated to be discarded. And not because they’re expired, but because they weren’t sold in time.
And while you never know what you are going to get, that’s all part of the fun. Think artisan bread, pastries, fresh produce, sandwiches, salads, cheese, tacos, deli items, and more. It costs just a few bucks (usually for me about $4.99 to $6.99) for about $18 worth of food. Prices may vary by region.
I feel good knowing that I helped prevent food from going to waste, and I have the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen, and I’m supporting local businesses. It’s also a great way to try out a new place without committing to paying full price.
Using Too Good To Go is easy and kind of addictive (in a good way for me):
- Download the app (available on iOS and Android).
- Browse local listings of available Surprise Bags near you. They are usually priced between $4 to $6.
- Reserve a bag from a participating location.
- Pick it up during the designated time window, typically within the last hour or two of a store or restaurant’s business day. But many also have more flexible hours for pickup.
I love it for so many reasons:
It’s Cheaper: You’re getting high-quality food, often from places you'd consider a splurge, for a fraction of the cost. That means more room in your grocery budget for pantry staples, sauces, or kitchen tools.
It Reduces Food Waste: Roughly 40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste (USDA), much of it from grocery stores and restaurants. By rescuing unsold items, you're helping reduce unnecessary waste and the environmental impact that comes with it. Check out our post about how ugly foods also reduce food waste.
It Sparks Creativity: Since you don’t know exactly what you’re getting, Too Good To Go is a great way to challenge your inner home chef. It encourages flexible, ingredient-first cooking, which is an essential skill for anyone looking to get smarter in the kitchen. A bag of mixed produce and day-old focaccia can turn into a stir fry, frittata, soup, omelets and avocado toast ( I love breakfast for dinner), or bread pudding.
It Supports Local Businesses: You're not just scoring a deal, you’re also helping local bakeries, markets, and restaurants make money off food that would otherwise go to waste.
It’s Convenient: With the app, you can see what’s available near you, reserve with one click, and grab it on your way home. Many users build it into their weekly meal routine.
Too Good To Go isn't just about grabbing cheap eats. It’s about changing the way we think about food. It teaches flexibility, creativity, and awareness. You learn to build meals around what you have instead of what you planned, which is exactly what smart home cooks do every day.
So the next time you want to save a few bucks, try something new, and help the planet, grab your phone and see what’s “too good to go” in your neighborhood. It just might be the best thing you didn’t plan to eat.
