What is Too Good To Go?

Too Good To Go is an innovative app that fights food waste by connecting consumers with restaurants, supermarkets and bakeries that sell leftover food at a reduced price. The concept is simple but effective: instead of throwing away good food at the end of the day, stores sell it through the app to price-conscious consumers.

The app was founded in Denmark in 2016 and is now active in many European countries, including the Netherlands. Millions of meals have already been saved through the platform, which is not only good for your wallet but also for the environment. Food waste is, after all, a major source of CO2 emissions.

How does the Too Good To Go app work?

The principle of Too Good To Go revolves around so-called "Magic Boxes", or surprise bags. At the end of the day or at specific times, stores put together a bag of products that would otherwise be thrown away. You don't know in advance exactly what's inside, but you pay much less for it than the normal store price.

The contents of a Magic Box depend on the type of store. At a bakery, for example, you can expect bread, croissants and pastries. At a supermarket you might get fresh vegetables, dairy or ready-made meals. Restaurants often offer complete meals. The surprise is part of the charm, although many stores do give a rough indication of what you can expect.

Downloading the app and creating an account

Too Good To Go is free to download from the App Store for iPhone and the Google Play Store for Android. After downloading, you create an account with your email address or through Facebook. Then you set your location so the app can show stores near you.

It's a good idea to turn on push notifications. That way you get an alert when your favorite stores make a new Magic Box available. Popular locations sell out fast, so speed is key.

Reserving a Magic Box

On the map in the app you can see all participating stores in your area. Each store shows information about the type of Magic Box, the price, the original value and the pickup time. The price usually ranges from 3 to 6 euros, while the contents are often worth two to three times as much.

When you see an interesting offer, you reserve it by tapping the store and paying through the app. You can pay with iDEAL, credit card, PayPal or Apple Pay. After payment you receive a confirmation with the pickup time and the address.

Pay close attention to the pickup times. They are often limited, for example between 18:00 and 18:30. If you're not on time, your reservation expires and you don't get a refund. So plan your pickup carefully.

Participating stores in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, many well-known chains and local businesses take part in Too Good To Go. On the platform you'll find, among others, Albert Heijn, Jumbo, HEMA, Bakker Bart, La Place and many local bakeries, restaurants and caterers. The selection differs by city and region.

Big cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht have the most offers. But the number of participants is growing steadily in smaller towns too. It pays to check the app regularly, because new stores keep joining.

Tips for scoring the best deals

The most popular Magic Boxes often sell out within minutes. To improve your chances, you can use several strategies. Mark your favorite stores as favorites in the app, so you get a notification right away when they offer a new box. Check the app around the times new boxes often appear, usually in the morning or early afternoon.

Be flexible with your planning. Sometimes last-minute boxes appear that have to be picked up the same evening. If you're spontaneous, you can save even more this way. Also try stores you haven't been to before. You might discover new favorites.

What can you expect in a Magic Box?

The contents of a Magic Box are by definition a surprise, but you can make an estimate based on the type of store. At bakeries you typically get bread, rolls, croissants and sometimes cake or pastries. The amount is usually enough for several days or to freeze.

Supermarket boxes often contain a mix of fresh products such as vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat or fish. Sometimes there are shelf-stable products too. Restaurant boxes contain complete meals or individual dishes you can reheat at home.

The quality is generally good. These are products that are still perfectly fine to eat but, for various reasons, can no longer be sold through regular sales. Think of products nearing their best-before date, overproduction or products that look cosmetically less than perfect.

Benefits of Too Good To Go

The biggest benefit is of course the savings. You pay a fraction of the normal price for good-quality products. This makes it an excellent option for students, families on a tight budget or anyone who likes to shop smart.

In addition, you actively help reduce food waste. Every year, an enormous amount of food that is still perfectly edible is thrown away worldwide. By taking part in Too Good To Go, you help shrink this problem and indirectly lower CO2 emissions.

The app is also a fun way to discover new products and stores. Because you don't know exactly what you'll get, you're challenged to cook creatively with what you have. This can lead to new favorite dishes.

Drawbacks and points of attention

The surprise element isn't for everyone. If you have specific dietary requirements or are a picky eater, it can be hard to make good use of the contents of a Magic Box. Although some stores list allergen information, it isn't always complete.

Pickup times are often limited and not always convenient. If you're a working parent or have irregular working hours, it can be difficult to be at the store at the right time. Make sure you put the pickup time in your calendar.

Popular boxes sell out quickly, which can be frustrating. It takes some dedication and speed to regularly get your hands on the most sought-after boxes.

Too Good To Go and sustainability

Too Good To Go's mission goes beyond the app itself. The company works to raise awareness about food waste and lobbies for clearer date labels on packaging. The well-known "vaak goed tot" label (often good after) that you see more and more is partly the result of their efforts.

By using the app, you become part of a larger movement against food waste. Every Magic Box saved means less food in the trash and a smaller ecological footprint. A win-win for your wallet and the planet.

Frequently asked questions

What's in a Too Good To Go Magic Box?

The contents of a Magic Box are a surprise and depend on the type of store. At bakeries you get bread and pastries, at supermarkets fresh products and at restaurants complete meals. The value is usually two to three times the price you pay.

Can I cancel my reservation?

You can cancel a reservation up to two hours before the pickup time. After that, canceling is no longer possible and you won't get a refund. You can cancel in the app under 'Mijn reserveringen' (My reservations). So only reserve if you're sure you can pick it up.

How do I know whether products are still good to eat?

All products in a Magic Box are still fine to eat. It is food that would otherwise be thrown away because of an approaching best-before date, overproduction or cosmetic reasons. Check the dates when you receive it and eat fresh products quickly.

Is Too Good To Go suitable if you have food allergies?

This is tricky because you don't know in advance what you'll get. Some stores list allergen information, but it isn't always complete. With severe allergies, it's wise to ask about the ingredients when you pick up your box or to be careful with unfamiliar products.

Looking for an email address? See our plans.