These Apps Are Enabling Families to Cut Down on Grocery and Dining Expenses Significantly

Recent visits to grocery stores or restaurants likely revealed a sharp increase in food prices. Staples such as eggs, bread, and orange juice remain pricier compared to last year, while restaurant menus have seen an 8 percent hike since 2022.

As prices continue to climb, consumers are searching for smarter ways to save. Although budgeting and opting for store brands or seasonal produce can help, many are now embracing coupon apps to stretch their dollars further. Here, we explore two top apps for grocery savings that also contribute to reducing food waste.

Flashfood

Leading the way is Flashfood, an app designed to slash prices by up to 50 percent on essential supermarket items like milk, bread, butter, and eggs. These discounted products are close to their “use by” date, but instead of being discarded, Flashfood partners with grocery stores across North America to offer them at a fraction of the cost. Every item available is fresh and perfectly safe to eat.

To begin, simply download the Flashfood app on your iPhone or Android device. Once you’ve registered for the free service, you can explore discounts from local retailers, including Stop & Shop, Giant Eagle, Meijer, Tops, and others (find a full list of participating stores here).

Select the items you need and add them to your virtual cart, then complete your purchase directly through the app using a debit or credit card. Flashfood also accepts SNAP EBT cards for qualified users. After payment, collect your groceries from the store’s customer service counter.

The company’s latest Impact Report reveals that over 2.9 million users utilized the service in 2022, preventing more than 28 million pounds of food from ending up in landfills. This initiative also saved shoppers across the U.S. and Canada approximately $56 million collectively, with produce, ground beef, and chicken breasts being some of the most sought-after discounted items on the app.

Too Good To Go

Another standout is Too Good To Go, a platform that collaborates not only with grocery stores but also with restaurants, bakeries, and cafés. Rather than discarding unsold food, businesses offer it to customers at a steep discount—up to one-third off the original price. The service works with several well-known chains, including Blue Bottle Coffee, Cava, Eataly, and Just Salad.

Here’s the process: Start by downloading the Too Good To Go app on iOS or Android and create a free account. Businesses provide “surprise bags” packed with assorted items instead of selling individual products. As reported by The Washington Post, these bags typically cost between $4 and $6 and contain a variety of goods depending on the establishment. For instance, at We, The Pizza in Washington, D.C., customers scored three pizza slices and garlic knots for just $6, saving $12 off the usual price.

Using the app, you can explore available deals, reserve a bag, and pay for it, then collect your order during a designated pickup window. Too Good To Go boasts over 4 million users and nearly 10,000 participating businesses, including more than 4000 restaurants, 3000 bakeries, and 2000 supermarkets. With partners spanning the U.S.—such as Los Angeles, Manhattan, Chicago, Boston, and Central Texas—and globally, this certified B Corp is making significant strides in tackling food waste and insecurity.

For those aiming to cut costs on weekly meals, these food-saving and waste-reduction apps are worth exploring. Additionally, you can discover these handy tips to maximize every trip to the grocery store.