Reviewed by our editorial team Updated
If you’re the kind of traveller who loves finding a hidden café or grabbing a great bite on a budget, the Too Good To Go app is a genuine game-changer. This clever tool helps you rescue unsold food from local restaurants, bakeries, and shops, all at a discounted price. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe or enjoying a short city break, it’s a simple way to save money, reduce waste, and sample local food you might not otherwise try.
The Too Good To Go app is available in 21 countries and connects you with nearby eateries offering “Surprise Bags”, which are mystery bundles of leftover items that would otherwise be thrown away. You can search by location, time, or price, then reserve and collect in just a few taps. Most pick-up windows are short and fixed, making it easy to fit into your sightseeing plans without disrupting your day.
Beyond the savings, the app puts you at the centre of a global sustainability movement. You are supporting local businesses while helping to reduce unnecessary food waste. Because listings change daily, it also adds a sense of spontaneity, turning mealtimes into a low-cost food discovery experience.
What Is Too Good To Go?
The Too Good To Go app is a mobile platform that connects users with restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and cafés that have unsold food at the end of the day. Instead of throwing it away, these businesses offer “Surprise Bags”, previously branded Magic Bags, which are discounted bundles of surplus food, often priced at 50 to 70 percent below retail value.
Founded in Denmark in 2015, the app now operates in 21 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific, including the UK, France, Germany, and the United States. In major cities, you will often find dozens of listings every day. The process is straightforward. Open the app, browse nearby offers, pay securely, and collect your food at a set collection time, usually close to closing hours.
What makes the Too Good To Go app stand out is its simplicity and ease of use. There is no bidding system and no complicated setup. You do not select individual items. Instead, you receive a pre-packed mix of food that would otherwise go to waste, which can range from fresh pastries and sandwiches to hot meals or sushi trays. That element of surprise adds a fun and engaging twist to your travel routine and often introduces you to places you would not have discovered on your own.
Why We Love It
For travellers, the Too Good To Go app offers a rare mix of convenience, value, and purpose. It is perfect for anyone who wants to eat well without overspending, but it also appeals to travellers who enjoy trying local food in a more authentic way. Whether you are in London, Copenhagen, or New York, the app gives you access to real local food at a fraction of the usual price.
One of the biggest strengths is the feel-good factor. You are not just saving money. You are actively helping to reduce food waste and support more sustainable consumption habits. That makes every purchase feel more meaningful. The scale of the problem is huge: the UN Environment Programme Food Waste Index Report 2024 found that households worldwide wasted more than a billion meals a day in 2022, with food service businesses responsible for a further 28 percent of global food waste.
There is also a strong element of discovery and surprise. Each Surprise Bag is different, which can turn an ordinary meal into something unexpected. You might end up with items you would never normally order, which adds a sense of adventure to your food choices.
The app itself is refreshingly simple. There are no complicated filters, no upselling, and no long-term commitment. You can use it occasionally or build it into your daily routine while travelling. Either way, it consistently delivers value, convenience, and a smarter way to eat on the move.
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Check dealsPro Tips for Travellers
To get the most out of the Too Good To Go app, a few simple strategies can make a big difference.
Check early in the day. The best locations often sell out quickly, sometimes before lunchtime, especially in busy cities.
Enable notifications. This allows you to see when new Surprise Bags are released nearby, giving you a better chance of securing popular spots.
Be on time for collection. Pick-up windows are usually strict. If you miss it, your order may be gone and refunds are not guaranteed.
Read reviews carefully. Some locations are known for generous portions and high-quality food, while others can be inconsistent.
Use it across multiple countries. Your account works internationally, so you can continue using the app as you travel between destinations.
The app is particularly useful in expensive cities or near transport hubs like airports and train stations, where food prices are typically high. If you are staying somewhere with a fridge, such as a hostel or apartment, you can also collect a Surprise Bag in the evening and save it for the next day, making it even better value.
Where You’ll Use It Most
The Too Good To Go app works best in busy urban areas where food businesses generate large amounts of surplus. You will find the widest selection and best value in major cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, and New York, where bakeries, supermarkets, and restaurants regularly list unsold food throughout the day.
In city centres, it is perfect for grabbing a quick lunch or dinner while sightseeing. You can pick up fresh food without needing to sit down in a restaurant, which keeps your day flexible and efficient.
Around train stations and airports, the app becomes especially useful. Food in these areas is often overpriced, but Too Good To Go allows you to pick up quality food at a much lower cost before travelling.
In university areas, listings are often generous and budget-friendly, as many businesses cater to students and produce high volumes of daily food. This makes it one of the best-value locations to use the app.
In residential neighbourhoods, you will often find supermarkets and local grocery stores offering Surprise Bags, which are ideal for stocking up on food for the next day. This is particularly useful if you are staying in Airbnbs, apartments, or hostels.
For travellers, this flexibility is what makes the app so powerful. You can use it for a quick snack, a full meal, or even next-day food planning, depending on your situation.
Download Too Good To Go
Getting started with the Too Good To Go app is quick and straightforward. The app is available on both iOS and Android, and once installed, you can begin browsing nearby offers immediately.
After creating an account, simply allow location access and you will see available Surprise Bags in your area, along with collection times and pricing. Payment is handled directly through the app, making the process secure and seamless.
For travellers, this simplicity is key. You can land in a new city, open the app, and within minutes have a low-cost meal reserved and ready for collection.
App availability and prices vary by country. Some of these may not appear in your local App Store or Google Play.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Exploring a new city and want to eat well without overspending? Rupert has picked up a few clever tricks while hunting down the best local bites:
- Check early for the best spots: popular bakeries and restaurants often sell out before midday.
- Stay flexible with timing: collection windows are short, so plan around your sightseeing route.
- Use it near stations and airports: avoid overpriced food and grab something much better for less.
- Read reviews before booking: some locations are known for bigger and better Surprise Bags.
- Think ahead for the next day: grab an evening bag and save it for breakfast or lunch.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Too Good To Go free to use?
Yes. The app is completely free. You only pay when you reserve a Surprise Bag.
Can I choose what’s in the bag?
No, it’s a surprise. That’s part of the appeal. However, listings often hint at what’s typical.
Is it vegetarian or allergy-friendly?
Sometimes. You can look for tags or reviews, but there’s no guarantee. It’s not ideal for those with severe allergies.
What if I miss the pickup time?
Unfortunately, you likely won’t be refunded. Be punctual, as pickup windows are often just 30 to 60 minutes.
Which countries is it available in?
Too Good To Go is active in 21 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia Pacific. Coverage varies by region.
Can I use it while travelling?
Absolutely. Your login works internationally, and it’s a brilliant way to sample local food affordably.
Further Reading & Related App Guides
Want to prepare for every part of your journey? These related guides will help you stay informed, connected, and ready to travel with confidence. If budget-friendly eating is what brought you here, it’s worth pairing this guide with our HappyCow App of the Month feature, another great pick for travellers hunting down good food without overspending.
Once your Surprise Bag is sorted, it’s worth thinking about the rest of your dining plans too. Our Restaurant Table Booking Apps Guide can help you book meals in advance and avoid the queues, while our Food Delivery Apps Guide is handy for ordering food straight to your door on evenings when you’d rather stay in.
Beyond food, a few other tools make travelling on a budget easier still. Our Travel Bank Accounts Guide covers how to save money on the go with the right account, and our Luggage Storage Apps Guide explains how to store your bags safely while you explore.
Finally, if your trip crosses borders, our eSIM Apps Guide explains how to stay connected with a single data plan, so you can keep browsing for the next Surprise Bag wherever you land.
