Too Good To Go: How I Get Mystery Meals and Save Money (While Fighting Food Waste!)
- Author
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 22
What is Too Good To Go?
Too Good To Go is a free app that lets you buy unsold food from shops, cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and supermarkets at a huge discount — all while helping to reduce food waste.
Instead of throwing away perfectly good food at the end of the day, businesses sell it through the app in “magic bags” — mystery bundles of items that would otherwise be binned. You don’t know exactly what you’ll get until you pick it up… but that’s part of the fun!
It’s ideal for bargain-hunters, eco-conscious foodies, or anyone looking to stretch their grocery budget.
📲 How Does Too Good To Go Work?
Using the app is super simple and only takes a few taps:
Download the Too Good To Go app (available on iOS and Android)
Allow location access or enter your postcode
Browse available “Magic Bags” nearby
Reserve a bag and pay via the app (prices range from around £2 to £5)
Pick it up during the time slot listed
You’ll usually get £10–£15+ worth of food for just a few pounds. Once you collect your bag, you can dig into your surprise haul!
🍽️ What Kind of Food Can You Get?
It really depends on the business, but you might find:
Freshly baked goods from Greggs, Costa, or local bakeries
Sandwiches, wraps, and salads from cafes
Hot meals from restaurants
Fruit and veg boxes from greengrocers
Ready meals or dairy products from supermarkets
Because the contents are based on what didn’t sell that day, it’s always a bit of a surprise — but that’s part of what makes it feel like a fun little treat.
💷 How Much Do Magic Bags Cost?
Most Magic Bags cost between £2 and £5, depending on the business and the value of the contents. For example:
Greggs: usually around £2.59
Costa: often around £3
Morrisons: about £3.09 for a supermarket mixed bag
Independent bakeries: often around £4 but with loads inside!
You’re often getting more than triple the value for what you pay — and it’s food that would have gone to waste otherwise.
💚 Why I Love Using Too Good To Go
I’ve used Too Good To Go many times now and honestly, it feels like a little mini adventure.
One time I got:
2 sandwiches
1 salad
2 cakes
A wrap… all for £3.19 from a local café. It was meant to be lunch for one, but I stretched it across two meals!
Some bags are absolute steals, especially if you time them right. I once got a massive haul from Morrisons that lasted a couple of days — for less than the cost of one takeaway coffee.
Plus, knowing you’re helping to reduce food waste makes it feel even better.
🎯 Tips to Get the Best Magic Bags
If you're hoping to get the best value, here are a few handy tips:
⏰ 1. Check the App Early and Late
Some businesses list their bags first thing in the morning, while others add theirs closer to the pick-up time. Keep checking — especially around 10am and after 6pm.
📍 2. Be Willing to Travel
The more flexible you are on distance, the better the chances of getting a good deal. Some of the best bags come from places just outside town centres.
🏪 3. Try Different Locations
Each location offers something different. A Costa in one area might give mostly cakes, while another might include sandwiches and snacks. Try a few and see which ones are worth revisiting.
🍲 4. Don’t Be Afraid of Mystery
You won’t know what’s in the bag until you open it — but that’s part of the charm. Go in with an open mind, and you might discover new favourite items or brands.
❓ Are There Any Downsides?
Just a few small things to keep in mind:
Not suitable for picky eaters or allergies — because you won’t know exactly what’s in the bag.
Collection times are fixed, so make sure you can get there during the time slot.
Some bags might not feel like “amazing” value — it’s hit and miss, but usually a good bargain overall.
That said, the app is free, the concept is smart, and most users are more than happy with what they receive.
🌱 Is Too Good To Go Ethical?
Absolutely. Too Good To Go is built around sustainability and reducing food waste. Each bag you rescue is a small win for the planet — and it helps businesses reduce what they send to landfill. A win-win for everyone.
📎 Summary: Is Too Good To Go Worth It?
If you love a bargain, hate wasting food, and enjoy a bit of mystery — then Too Good To Go is 100% worth trying.
Here’s why I recommend it:
✅ Huge savings on good-quality food
✅ Fun and easy to use
✅ Helps the environment
✅ Great for discovering new places
✅ Free to download and try.
Whether you're trying to cut back on spending or just fancy something different for dinner, it’s an easy win that fits perfectly into daily life.
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