Does Ordering Discounted Food from Too Good To Go Daily Save You Money? A Week-Long Investigation by The Irish Independent

August 30, 2025

The growing concern over food waste and rising grocery costs has fueled the popularity of apps like ‘Too Good To Go,’ which connects customers with restaurants and stores selling surplus food at reduced prices. but does the app genuinely offer a worthwhile benefit for both consumers and businesses? A recent examination involved purchasing discounted food from ‘Too Good to Go’ daily for seven consecutive days to determine its true value.

The Experiment: A Week of Discounted Dining

The core premise of ‘Too Good To Go’ is simple: establishments list unsold food items nearing their sell-by date at significantly lower prices. Customers purchase these “surprise bags” without knowing the exact contents, fostering an element of chance. The aim of the week-long trial was to assess the consistency of value, quality, and variety offered through the platform.

Throughout the week, purchases ranged from bakery items and prepared meals to grocery staples. Initial impressions were mixed, with some days yielding exceptional deals – considerable meals for a fraction of their original cost – and others providing smaller portions or items of limited appeal.

Analyzing the Value Proposition

A key finding was the variability in offerings. While some days provided meals suitable for multiple peopel, others contained only a few individual items.This inconsistency makes it difficult to rely on ‘Too Good To Go’ as a consistent source of affordable meals. According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 30-40 percent of the food supply is wasted, highlighting the potential of apps like this to address a important issue. Reducing Wasted Food at home – EPA

Furthermore,the element of surprise,while intriguing,can also be a drawback. Customers might receive items thay dislike or already have, diminishing the perceived value. The app’s lack of clarity regarding contents is a trade-off between price and control.

Cost Comparison: too Good To Go vs. Traditional Retail

To quantify the savings, a comparison was made between the cost of items purchased through ‘Too Good To Go’ and their approximate retail price. The results indicated an average discount of approximately 50-70%, representing substantial savings for budget-conscious consumers. However, it’s crucial to factor in the convenience factor and the potential for receiving unwanted items.

Item Category	Typical Retail Price	‘Too Good To Go’ Price	Average Discount
Bakery Goods	$20	$6	70%
Prepared Meals	$30	$10	67%
Grocery Staples	$15	$5	66%

Did You Know? Approximately one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, costing the world economy nearly $1 trillion annually according to the food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

The Broader Impact: reducing Food Waste

Beyond individual savings, ‘Too Good To Go’ plays a role in mitigating food waste. By providing a platform for businesses to sell surplus food,the app diverts edible items from landfills,contributing to environmental sustainability. This aligns with growing consumer awareness of food waste and a desire to make more responsible purchasing decisions.

Pro Tip: Check the pick-up times carefully! Many ‘Too good To Go’ offers have limited windows for collection, requiring flexibility in your schedule.

The Future of discount Food Apps

The concept of apps connecting consumers with discounted surplus food is expected to expand. As awareness of food waste continues to grow, and economic pressures persist, demand for these services will likely increase. Future developments may include more refined algorithms to predict surplus food, improved transparency regarding contents, and broader participation from a wider range of businesses. The success of these platforms hinges on striking a balance between affordability, convenience, and sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Too Good To Go’

• What is ‘Too good To Go’? ‘Too Good To Go’ is an app that allows users to purchase unsold food from restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores at discounted prices.
• is the food on ‘Too Good To Go’ always fresh? The food is nearing its sell-by date but is still perfectly safe and edible.
• Can I choose what’s in my ‘Too Good To Go’ bag? No, the contents are a surprise.
• How much money can I save with ‘Too Good To Go’? savings typically range from 50% to 70% compared to retail prices.
• Does ‘Too Good To Go’ help reduce food waste? Yes, by connecting consumers with surplus food, it helps divert edible items from landfills.

Ultimately, the value of ‘Too Good To Go’ depends on individual needs and preferences.It’s a viable option for those seeking affordable meals and committed to reducing food waste,but the element of surprise and inconsistency should be considered.

What are your experiences with food waste apps? Would you rely on one as a regular source of meals?

How do hidden costs like collection time and travel expenses impact the overall savings achieved through Too Good To Go?

The Too Good To Go Model: How It Works & Initial Appeal

Too Good To Go (TGTG) has rapidly gained popularity as a platform connecting consumers with restaurants and stores selling surplus food at significantly reduced prices.The core concept is simple: businesses list “Magic Bags” filled with unsold food nearing its sell-by date, typically at around one-third of the original retail price. This appeals to budget-conscious consumers and aims to reduce food waste – a win-win, right? But does consistently using TGTG actually translate to significant savings? The Irish Independent recently put this to the test over a week, and here’s a detailed breakdown of thier findings, alongside practical insights for potential users.

The irish Independent’s Week-Long TGTG Challenge: Methodology

The Irish Independent’s investigation focused on daily purchases from Too Good To Go within a defined geographical area (Dublin city center). Researchers aimed to purchase a Magic Bag every day for seven consecutive days, meticulously tracking:

Cost of each Magic Bag: Recording the exact price paid through the app.

Estimated Retail Value: Assessing the value of the food received had it been purchased at full price. This was based on menu prices or comparable supermarket costs.

Food Quality & Quantity: A subjective assessment of the freshness, variety, and overall amount of food in each bag.

replacement Meal Cost: Calculating how much a comparable meal would cost if purchased without using TGTG.

Travel Costs: Factoring in any transportation expenses incurred to collect the magic Bags.

Daily Breakdown: Savings & Surprises

Here’s a summary of the Irish Independent’s daily findings (data as of August 29th, 2025, based on their published report):

| Day | Business Type | Price (€) | Estimated Retail Value (€) | Savings (%) | Notes |

|—–|—————-|———–|—————————–|————-|——————————————————————–|

| 1 | Bakery | 4.50 | 12.00 | 62.5% | Variety of pastries and bread. |

| 2 | Café | 5.00 | 15.00 | 66.7% | Sandwiches,salads,and a drink. |

| 3 | Restaurant | 7.00 | 20.00 | 65.0% | Pasta dish and side salad. |

| 4 | Supermarket | 3.00 | 8.00 | 62.5% | Mixed produce and bakery items. |

| 5 | Sushi Restaurant| 8.00 | 25.00 | 68.0% | Selection of sushi rolls. |

| 6 | Deli | 6.00 | 18.00 | 66.7% | Meats, cheeses, and bread. |

| 7 | Hotel | 9.00 | 28.00 | 67.9% | buffet leftovers – substantial quantity,varied selection.|

Average Savings: Across the week, the average saving was approximately 65.7%. However,the actual monetary savings varied significantly depending on the business type and the contents of the Magic Bag.

Beyond the Discount: Hidden Costs & Considerations

While the percentage savings are impressive, the investigation highlighted several factors that can diminish the overall financial benefit of using Too good To Go:

Impulse Purchases: The low prices can encourage buying food you wouldn’t normally purchase, possibly leading to waste if not consumed.

Collection Times: Magic Bags are typically available during limited time slots, often requiring a detour during your day. This time cost isn’t always factored into the savings calculation.

Travel Expenses: Fuel or public transport costs to collect the bag, especially if businesses are not conveniently located, can eat into savings.

* Food Variety & Suitability: You don’t get to choose the contents of the Magic Bag. If you have dietary restrictions or strong preferences, you might end up with food you can’