Save Money on Food & Cut Down on Waste…Let’s Eat!
Sometimes, perfectly good food gets tossed out just because it looks a little funny. Maybe a carrot has a weird shape or a pepper has a tiny bruise. It’s a shame to waste it, especially when it’s still fresh and tastes great. And sometimes perfectly good food is tossed just beause its getting near its “‘Best used by” date. It’s still good to eat but it gets thrown away.
A few services are now making it easy to save that food, save some money, and/or get groceries delivered right to your door or pick up from a local shop.
You will need an Android or an iPhone to take full advantage of these special services – and they are available in the USA only (for now).
Let’s dig and see how it works.
Misfits Market & Imperfect Foods
These two companies teamed up to help cut down on waste. They source “ugly” produce—fruits and vegetables that stores won’t buy because they aren’t “perfect” looking—and deliver them to your home.
What you get
Boxes filled with fresh produce and pantry basics for less than you’d pay at a typical supermarket.
It’s convenient, the quality is high, and you’re keeping good food out of the landfill.
Learn more at misfitsmarket.com
Too Good To Go
This one is a little different. It’s an app that connects you with local restaurants, bakeries, and cafes that have extra food at the end of the day that didn’t sell.
What you get
You purchase a “Surprise Bag” through the app and pick it up at the shop before they close. It’s a great way to get a deal on fresh bread, pastries, or even a full lunch.
You help out local businesses, cut down on waste, and get a bargain.
Learn more at toogoodtogo.com
Flashfood: A Great Way to Save on Groceries
If you’re looking for another helpful tool to add to your list, Flashfood is a fantastic option. While some apps focus on “surprise bags” or produce boxes, Flashfood works directly with grocery stores to help them sell items that are nearing their “best-by” date.
What you get
You can browse real-time inventory from local grocery stores right in the app, picking out specific items like meat, dairy, produce, and bakery goods at a steep discount (often 50% off or more).
Unlike other services where you don’t know exactly what you’re getting until you pick it up, Flashfood lets you handpick exactly what you need for your weekly meals. It’s perfect for planning your groceries around what’s on sale.
How it works
You buy the items through the app, then head to the store’s designated pickup zone—usually near the customer service desk—to collect your order.
Learn more at flashfood.com
These three services—Misfits Market/Imperfect Foods, Too Good To Go, and Flashfood—all offer different ways to rescue great food while keeping a bit more money in your pocket.
Saving food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re ordering a box for the week or grabbing a surprise bag from a local shop, it’s a simple way to make sure good food gets eaten.