"Surprise in the Test: 'Too Good to Go' Didn't Meet Expectations"
In an era of growing consciousness towards sustainability, the Too Good To Go app is making a significant impact in 17 countries, including Europe, the US, and Canada[1][3][4]. This innovative platform aims to tackle food waste by connecting users with unsold food from a variety of businesses.
The app's user-friendly interface allows users to download it, register with basic details, and select their local area on a map or adjust location for travel. By doing so, they can browse options nearby or in cities they visit. Participating businesses are represented as green dots on the map, and users can choose from various food categories such as supermarkets, meals, baked goods, groceries, and "Surprise Bags"—containers of unsold food sold at a substantial discount[1][2].
Businesses participating in the Too Good To Go network include supermarkets, restaurants and cafes, specialty food stores, food marketplaces, and more[5]. These partners, which number in the thousands, offer fresh, packaged goods, leftover meals, baked goods, and more, helping to reduce food loss while attracting customers with discounted meals and groceries.
One user tested the app and was rewarded with three surprise bags: one from the "Holiday Inn Express" breakfast buffet, one from the bakery "Kamps", and one from the Turkish supermarket "Karadag". Payment for the food is made directly through the Too Good To Go app.
The breakfast bag from the "Holiday Inn Express" was particularly noteworthy, costing around four euros. The user came home with four full Tupperware containers filled with a variety of breakfast items. The bag from "Kamps" contained half a loaf of bread, six different rolls, and two sweet pastries, while the bag from "Karadag" included a few apples, pears, some potatoes, peppers, and five bunches of parsley.
While the selection offered by "Karadag" was wide, the large amount of parsley in the bag was a bit frustrating for the user. However, the overall conclusion about the Too Good To Go app remains very positive. Acting fast is important when using the app, as many bags are already sold out by the evening before[6]. Users can either put together their own bag at a buffet or receive a pre-packed bag.
It's worth noting that the food offered on the app is typically near expiration, has already expired, or leftovers from a buffet. Prices on the app are a third of the regular price, making it an affordable option for those looking to save money while reducing food waste. The app also offers a diverse selection of food, including options from gas stations, bakeries, and restaurants.
In essence, Too Good To Go provides a platform that adapts to local food businesses in each country, encouraging a community-driven approach to reduce food waste by offering affordable, quality food that would otherwise be discarded. This model benefits retailers by reducing food loss and attracts customers with discounted meals and groceries.
The Too Good To Go app, with its user-friendly interface, allows users to adjust their location for travel and explore food-and-drink options in various cities, including budget-travel destinations. Whether searching for a surprise bag from a holiday inn or fresh produce from a Turkish supermarket, this app offers an affordable lifestyle choice for those seeking to save money and reduce food waste.
