How to use the Too Good To Go app, make the most of your surprise bags, and spend less in the kitchen
(this is not an ad, it’s just one of my favorite apps!)
If you’re trying to cut down on your grocery bill without compromising on quality or variety, there’s one app that deserves a spot on your phone: Too Good To Go. It’s designed to help reduce food waste by connecting consumers with unsold food from local shops, restaurants, and bakeries at deeply discounted prices.
But beyond its sustainability mission, Too Good To Go is also a smart, practical way to save money—especially if you’re flexible and creative in the kitchen. In this blog, I’ll walk you through how the app works, how to get started, and how to get the most out of every surprise bag.
What Is Too Good To Go?
Too Good To Go is a free app that connects users with local businesses who have leftover food they would otherwise throw away at the end of the day. These businesses—bakeries, cafés, supermarkets, restaurants—offer “surprise bags” filled with unsold items at a fraction of the original price.
Rather than let perfectly good food go to waste, you can pick it up for a few euros (or dollars, depending on where you live) and use it in your kitchen.
It’s a win for your wallet, the environment, and local businesses.
How Does It Save You Money?
The beauty of Too Good To Go is the value. You’re typically paying 30–70% less than the original price. That can translate to big savings over time, especially if you use the app regularly.
Let’s break down the key money-saving advantages:
- Heavily discounted food: Most bags cost between €3 to €6, but can include products worth double or triple that.
- Surprise variety: You often receive products you wouldn’t normally buy—great for diversifying your meals without extra cost.
- Less grocery shopping: A good bag can replace a meal, breakfast, or snacks for several days.
- Stretch your ingredients: Items can be frozen or repurposed creatively to avoid waste.
If you’re planning your week around what you pick up, this can significantly cut down your overall grocery spending.
Common Bag Types and How to Use Them
While every bag is a surprise, there are some common categories. Here’s how to make the most of them, especially when you end up with a surplus of certain ingredients:
1. Bakery Bags
These often include breads, pastries, buns, or sandwiches.
Money-saving tips:
- Slice and freeze extra bread immediately so it stays fresh.
- Use stale bread for croutons, bread pudding, French toast, or breadcrumbs.
- Pastries can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for a next-day treat.
2. Fruit and Veggie Bags
Supermarkets often offer surprise bags filled with slightly overripe or odd-looking produce.
Money-saving tips:
- Freeze ripe fruit for smoothies or baking (bananas, berries, etc.).
- Roast or soup any tired-looking vegetables.
- Make sauces, chutneys, or stir-fries to use a variety of items at once.
If you’re overwhelmed with a large amount of produce, chop and freeze for later use in cooked dishes.
3. Meal Boxes or Café Bags
These may contain pre-made meals, sandwiches, or wraps.
Money-saving tips:
- Plan to eat fresh items the same day or next.
- Freeze anything suitable like soups or pasta dishes.
- Reheat safely and add your own sides or veggies to stretch the meal further.
4. Grocery Store Bags
These are often a mix—dairy products nearing their sell-by date, canned goods, snacks, etc.
Money-saving tips:
- Organize by expiration date to make sure nothing goes to waste.
- Use dairy like yogurt or cheese in cooked dishes if they’re close to the end of shelf life.
- Store pantry-safe items to pad out meals during busy weeks.
Tips for Getting the Most Value
Too Good To Go is all about timing, flexibility, and creativity. Here’s how to make it work even better for you:
- Check the app early in the day or late at night—new bags are often posted at off hours.
- Favorite your best locations so you get notified when they add a new offer.
- Be flexible with pick-up times—some of the best deals go fast.
- Store wisely—freeze, preserve, or prep foods right away if you can’t use them immediately.
- Plan around your bags—build your weekly meals using what you receive to minimize grocery spending.
The more consistently you use the app, the more savings you’ll see over time.
How to Get Started: Installing and Using the App
Getting set up is easy. Here’s how to start:
1. Download the App
Search for “Too Good To Go” in your device’s App Store (iOS or Android) and install it for free.
2. Create an Account
You can sign up with an email address or use a connected account like Google or Apple.
3. Set Your Location
Enter your city or enable location services so the app can show you nearby offers. You’ll see a map and list view of available surprise bags around you.
4. Browse and Reserve
Each listing includes:
- The name of the business
- The pick-up window (usually near closing time)
- The type of food (bakery goods, groceries, meals, etc.)
- The price and estimated value
Tap to reserve and pay through the app. You’ll then receive a confirmation and instructions on when and where to pick up your bag.
5. Pick Up and Enjoy
Show your order in the app at the pick-up location. The bag is usually pre-packed, so you won’t know exactly what’s inside until you open it.
Final Thoughts
Too Good To Go isn’t just about getting a good deal—it’s about making the most of what’s already available. With a bit of creativity, flexibility, and planning, you can stretch each surprise bag into multiple meals, reduce food waste, and save significantly on your kitchen budget.
If you’re someone who loves variety and doesn’t mind a little mystery, this app can quickly become a staple in your money-saving kitchen strategy.
Give it a try this week—and let your next meal be a delicious surprise.
