Secret trick Aussies use to score gourmet meals at 70% discount

With rising living costs, Australians constantly seek ways to stretch their dollars, particularly when dining out.

While some have resorted to extreme measures like dumpster diving to save on food costs, a new, more palatable solution has emerged.


The innovative social app Too Good To Go (TGTG) is a platform transforming our thoughts on food waste and dining deals.

The app, successful in countries like the UK and the US, has recently become available in Australia.


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Australians used the Too Good To Go app to get lower-quality meals. Credit: TikTok


It will start in Melbourne and plans to expand to Sydney by the end of the year.

The concept is simple yet revolutionary: hospitality venues list surplus food on the app. Aussies can purchase a 'surprise bag' at a fraction of the original cost, typically around one-third of the price.

This means that a meal that would typically cost $24 could be yours for a mere $8, as was the case for 22-year-old Liana Vagnoni, who snagged a large ciabatta sandwich and an almond croissant for that price.


Customers are still determining precisely what their surprise bag will contain, as predicting what will be left over at the end of the day is nearly impossible.

‘It's a $36.6 billion food waste problem in Australia, and that's just mind-blowing... we're super motivated to contribute to that kind of massive problem,’ Country Director of TGTG, Joost Rietveld, said.

With approximately 7.6 million tonnes of food wasted annually, initiatives like TGTG are a step towards a more sustainable future, benefiting consumers and the environment.

The app presents a gamble for those concerned about dietary restrictions.


While vendors do their best to accommodate allergens and food intolerances, the surprise bag's contents are uncertain.

‘They have a guarantee to the value they get... they will get three times the value that they pay for,’ Mr Rietveld clarified.

‘You can also see that the app will show you not only what you're paying but also the original value that you would get. So that's something you can rely on.’

This ‘trade-off’ enabled Australians to purchase food at lower prices.


Still, it can be challenging to know precisely what they're buying, especially when accommodating allergens and food intolerances.

Nonetheless, Rietveld noted that vendors generally strive to offer appropriate options for their customers or provide refunds if necessary.

‘This is the trade-off of getting that value but then accepting you don't know what you'll get,’ he added.
Key Takeaways
  • Australians are finding ways to purchase meals at significantly reduced prices through the Too Good To Go app amidst rising living costs.
  • The app connects consumers with hospitality venues selling leftover food that would otherwise be wasted, allowing them to pay a fraction of the original price.
  • Every year, Australia wastes approximately 7.6 million tonnes of food, and initiatives like Too Good To Go help to address this issue while providing economic benefits.
  • While the system offers a 'surprise bag' without the exact content details, customers are guaranteed to receive three times the value they paid for.
Have you tried the Too Good To Go app or a similar service? Share your experiences and your best surprise meals in the comments below.
 
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Many food halls already do this. Hi I to a shopping centre around closing time and snap
Up Chinese, and all sorts of last minute specials.
 
Eat out!!!!! what is that......haven't eaten out in 10 years
 
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Reactions: Gsr
Hello - $24 for a sandwich and croissant - normal price? Even $8 is too much for a stale sandwich & cold croissant! Still better than wastage but sorry - home made sandwich and store bought croissant from bakery - $5 tops and fresh too!
 

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