In the UK, over 40 million Surprise Bags have been saved since the app’s launch in 2016, avoiding as much carbon as 18,770 flights and water equivalent to nearly 12,800 Olympic swimming pools.
Aldi UK alone has sold over a million Surprise Bags since February 2023, enabling shoppers to save more than £17 million by purchasing food near its sell‑by date for just £3.30, at least £10 worth of food
Clearly, the scheme is making a tangible impact in reducing food waste and offering value to consumers.
Are the Surprise Bags real bargains?
In many cases, yes:
One user reports saving £80 a month by using Too Good To Go weekly, receiving a varied haul of fresh produce, meat, baked goods and more; enough to last over two weeks and inspire creative cooking.
Reddit users on r/ChoosingBeggars share stories like “£3 … that’s dinner and dessert for two,” and “fruit, veg, pastries … great value” from outlets like Morrisons and Greggs.
Some businesses even prepare fresh food using ingredients that might otherwise spoil, for example, baking fresh rolls or pies that are still reducing waste, but delivering excellent value to customers
However, user experiences vary:
Some Reddit discussions note rising bag prices and shrinking contents, with bags feeling like “standard meal bag rather than lucky dip.”
A user from Asda got a bag filled almost entirely with iceberg lettuce, usable, but disappointing for variety and practicality.
On balance, many users still report genuine bargains, but it does depend heavily on the business, individual staff members and location.
Is the food safe to eat?
Generally, yes, but with some caveats:
Businesses are expected to include items nearing their best‑before date, not past it. One UK review found all items were still within best‑before dates and tasted fresh, especially bakery goods, when processed quickly or frozen if needed.
Yet there are occasional reports of poor quality: moldy fruit or stale produce, and rarely even extremely off items such as sandwiches well past expiry. Some users felt justified in discarding such portions and reporting for refund.
Experts caution that some outlets may prioritise moving unwanted inventory, leading to concerns over hygiene standards and inconsistent safety checks.
Too Good To Go does refund visibly spoiled items, but it's vital users promptly report issues.
Summary: is Too Good To Go working well?
Pros:
Substantial impact in reducing food waste and emissions.
Clear value for many users — often saving 2–3× retail price.
Easy to use, integrates sustainability with savings
Cons:
Inconsistent bag quality and quantity between outlets.
Some bags priced higher or contents reduced over time.
A few instances of unacceptable quality or expired goods have occurred.
Tips for getting the best experience:
Check business ratings carefully. Avoid outlets with low TGTG or Google ratings.
Be prepared to be flexible. Contents vary, bring freeze bags or plan meals creatively.
Report problems quickly. If food is visibly mouldy or past its date, request a refund.
Think environmentally. Avoid driving solely for a bag, the carbon savings must be real.
Final verdict
Too Good To Go remains a commendable, well‑used scheme in the UK and beyond. It delivers strong environmental savings and often excellent financial value.
But success hinges on consistent quality control at partner businesses. Users willing to accept some unpredictability often reap the rewards, both for their wallet and the planet.
Would you like help finding good-rated locations in your area, or tips on what to do with Surprise Bag contents?
