In a world where food waste is a growing concern, Lindsay Dodgson embarked on an intriguing experiment. For one week, she relied solely on the Too Good To Go app to source her meals. This innovative platform allows users to purchase surplus food at discounted prices, aiming to reduce waste and save money. Despite some disappointments, Dodgson was largely impressed by the experience, highlighting both its benefits and limitations.
A Week of Surprises in London’s Culinary Scene
In the heart of London, during the early days of December, Lindsay Dodgson tested the Too Good To Go app for seven days. The app, available in 19 countries, connects consumers with local businesses that offer unsold food at a fraction of its original cost. On her first day, Dodgson discovered the app's map feature, which made finding nearby cafés and stores effortless. She picked up pastries from a high-street café for just £3.90 ($4.95), a significant saving compared to their usual price.
The following day, Dodgson ventured into fresh produce, purchasing "surprise bags" from local grocery stores for £4 ($5.08) each. These bags contained a variety of items like Padron peppers, garlic, tomatoes, mushrooms, radishes, beets, pita bread, sourdough baguettes, and fresh herbs. The assortment offered not only savings but also culinary inspiration, as Dodgson and her partner experimented with new recipes. By Wednesday, she had bought another pastry bag, this time including a sourdough loaf and a slightly squashed Portuguese custard tart.
Thursday brought a less satisfying experience, with Starbucks pastries that were not as fresh as hoped. However, the value proposition remained strong, with a selection of baked goods for only £2.50 ($3.18). Friday evening saw Dodgson indulging in a Bangladeshi curry bag, featuring bhajis, chicken, rice, veggie curries, and okra. While some items were slightly stale, the overall meal was flavorful and well-priced.
By the end of the week, Dodgson had spent £26.08 ($33.11) on food worth £78.40 ($99.54). The experiment taught her valuable lessons about flexibility and the importance of assessing food quality through sight, smell, and taste before discarding it.
The CEO of Too Good To Go, Mette Lykke, emphasized the broader impact of the app. "It’s win-win for businesses, for consumers, and for the planet," she said. The app operates in major stores across the UK and US, offering a wide range of food options from bubble tea to Turkish cuisine. Users can enjoy good deals without compromising on quality or variety.
This week-long experiment underscores the potential of apps like Too Good To Go in promoting sustainable consumption. It challenges consumers to rethink their relationship with food, embracing flexibility and mindfulness in their purchasing habits. As Dodgson concluded, while not every item may be perfect, the overall experience is rewarding and environmentally friendly. For those willing to embrace a bit of surprise, it’s a step towards a more responsible and sustainable lifestyle.