As a Londoner, I
am very used to the prices here, they are my norm. And as a university student
– I do not appreciate it whatsoever. I will never forget the day I saw a coke
can and Oreos for 50p while visiting my aunt in Leicester - my mind was
literally BLOWN. I mean, the fact that Freddos are now 40p here will still infuriate me. So, take it from this (currently) unemployed uni student, I know my
way around getting a good deal.
1) Olio
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| image via olio.com |
This is a similar
premise to too good to go, except this is completely free. If you’ve got 1 too
many beans in your cupboard, too many carrots in the fridge or baked too many
scones for the house, you can simply give it away to anyone. Set up a pickup
point, you can simply arrange a spot to put the food then the person picks it
up (of course not from their address) and you don’t even necessarily have to
ever speak in person. The app also offers non-food related items for free
(similar to gumtree but with no money). This app is available on google play
and apple store.
2) Birthday freebies
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| image via google images |
A lot of companies
will offer free products to customers on their birthday, usually in conjunction
with a loyalty scheme. Some are along with a purchase, but others are
completely free! Check out my latest YouTube video where I show how accessible
these freebies are (plus a little food vlog)
This article also
tells you all the freebies you can get for your birthday if you’re planning on
getting the most for your buck check this the week of your birthday because
some require you to obtain a card before your birthday.
3) Points
app/Loyalty cards
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| image via google images |
A lot of companies
offer free products on your birthday or for simply downloading the app.
Apps such as:
Greggs
Costa
Cafe Nero
Krispy Kremes
Subway also has a
points scheme where you can get free food once you have enough points, but
their free cookie birthday scheme is no longer from what I’m aware of.
4) Supermarket loyalty cards
images via google images
Nectar cards,
Tesco Clubcard, Morrison loyalty cards (and more) as most Brits know offer a
points currency system. These points obviously come as a result of purchases,
normally this is £1=1 point ratio, but it can differ store to store. Waitrose
also offers free hot drinks to customers who bring reusable cups and make a
purchase.
You can also get
discounts in a lot of coffee shops (local and chains) for bringing a reusable
cup – eco-friendly and wallet-friendly, double win! The app Punti shows
you all the coffee shops near you that offer discounts for using a reusable
cup.
5) Foraging
images via google images (Winfieldoutdoors/Experiencefreedom)
Okay, this one is
kind of out there buuuut there a lot of fruit trees and bushes that have free
fruit for the public’s consumption. Of course, there are also other herbs and
such you can find in larger parks such as Hampstead Heath but it is a bit
risker with herbs and such so stick to the things you can recognise unless you
have access to someone who is knowledgeable on foraging. Remember to wash your
fruit!
Here are a couple
of websites that have maps of available fruit trees in London for you to go
apple picking.
6) Coupons!
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| image via google images |
Couponing isn’t as
big in the UK as it is in the US, however, you can look online for available
coupons in your supermarket that sometimes allow you a freebie or a least a
very good discount.
Here are some websites you can use to get couponing:
7) Too good to go (app)
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| image via toogoodtogo.com |
This is an app
that is focused on reducing food waste. The premise is simple, a restaurant
will have food that would otherwise get thrown out. Now, of course, this isn’t
for free but you can get major good deals if you’re on a budget. They’ll put a
variety of items into the deal (some places are more generous than others) and
you get them for a fraction of the price. And I mean a FRACTION, I’ve gotten a
box of 3 sets of sushi for £3 via this app. As a previous restaurant worker, I
highly recommend this as we used to throw so much food away at the end of
shifts. Some of the food might not be at it’s most amazing as usual, this is
food about to be thrown out but still safe for public consumption (no mould,
don’t worry) but you’ll still be getting restaurant-quality food. You would
really be doing the earth a favour while making your stomach happy. This app is
available on google play and apple store.
8) Communal fridges
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| image via norfolkrecycles.com |
Depends where you
live but some areas offer communal fridges for people in the area. A lot of
these are aimed towards reducing food waste but also massively help to provide for homeless people. So, use these according to your morals but keep in mind
there are less fortunate people who benefit greatly from these resources so
this isn’t the best place to grab everything and go.
Link to find your local community fridge:
9) Reduced section
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| image via google images |
Okay if you’re
British, you probably know this already but here’s to my international readers
visiting or new to living in the city. Supermarkets will lower their prices for
selected items near the end of the day (this differs store for store). You can
get some amazing deals, but this differs every day. You can usually always find
bread discounted but for the most part, it’ll be an allotment of random
takeaways, maybe a bit of fruit and the odd yoghurt 4 pack with a mysterious
missing yoghurt. So not the best for your daily shop but great for trying new
items or when you’re in a pinch.
Tips on
supermarket reduction times:
If you have any more tips feel free to comment down below! I'll keep the post updated with any more useful tips and links
- Jess
DISCLAIMER: The recommendations I am making are options available to the wider public use. I will not be listing resources such as charities and food banks that offer free food to those in crisis as these resources are already very limited and should be left to those who are in desperate measures. There are plenty of options that will be listed for those who are trying to save a bit of money, in a pinch, broke-ass students (like myself) or people just like free food.
