As a digital nomad, your budget is your lifeline. And one of the biggest, most consistent drains on that budget is food. Eating out in major European cities is a fantastic experience, but doing it every day can burn through your savings faster than anything else.
But what if I told you there’s a secret weapon used by savvy locals and travelers across Europe? A way to get delicious pastries from a Parisian boulangerie, fresh pasta from a Roman deli, or a full meal from a trendy cafe, all for the price of a single coffee.
That secret weapon is an app called Too Good To Go, and it has fundamentally changed the way I eat and budget on the road.
What Exactly is "Too Good To Go"?
Too Good To Go is a brilliant app with a simple mission: to fight food waste. Restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and grocery stores often have perfectly good, unsold food at the end of the day. Instead of throwing it away, they pack it into anonymous "Surprise Bags" and sell them on the app for a massive discount—usually around 70-80% off the retail price.
It’s a win-win-win. The business makes some money back, you get an incredibly cheap meal, and perfectly good food is saved from the landfill.
How it Works: A 4-Step Guide
The process is incredibly simple and satisfying.
Download the App & Browse: Open the app and it will use your location to show you a map of participating stores nearby. You can filter by category (Bakery, Meals, Groceries) and see what's available.
Reserve Your "Surprise Bag": See something you like? Tap "Reserve" and pay directly through the app. A bag from a high-end bakery might cost just €3-€4.
Check the Collection Time: This is the most important part. Each store has a specific, often narrow, window for pickup (e.g., between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM). This is usually near the store's closing time.
Collect Your Food: Head to the store during your collection window, show them the receipt in your app, and they'll hand you your delicious, mysterious bag of food.
The Nomad Strategy: How I Use It to Manage My Budget
As a digital nomad, I've developed a few key strategies for using Too Good To Go to its full potential.
The "Breakfast for Days" Bakery Hack
This is my number one strategy. I'll reserve a bag from a well-rated bakery in the evening. For about €4, I'll often get a huge haul of fresh bread, croissants, and other pastries. This covers my breakfast and snacks for the next two or even three days. It's a massive money-saver.
The "Spontaneous Dinner" Restaurant Hack
If I don't feel like cooking, I'll check the app in the late afternoon for restaurant or cafe "meal" bags. It's an adventurous way to eat. I might end up with a couple of huge slices of pizza, a hearty pasta dish, or a fresh poke bowl. When I was living in Rome, I'd often grab a bag from a local gastronomia and have an amazing, authentic meal for less than €5.
The "Stock the Airbnb" Grocery Hack
Many supermarkets and organic food stores use the app. This is a fantastic way to stock your Airbnb fridge with fruits, vegetables, yogurt, and other staples for a tiny fraction of the retail price.
Tips for Getting the Best "Surprise Bags"
Check the Ratings: The app has a star rating for each store. I generally only reserve from places with a rating of 4.0 or higher.
Read the Reviews: Users often leave reviews describing what they typically get in a bag from a specific store. This helps manage your expectations.
Learn the "Drop Times": Popular places sell out fast. Pay attention to when your favorite spots usually list their bags each day and be ready to reserve.
Be Flexible and Adventurous: The contents are always a surprise. If you're a picky eater or have strict dietary restrictions, this might not be for you. But if you're open to trying new things, it's a culinary adventure every time.
Too Good To Go is more than just a budget app; it’s a sustainable, fun, and delicious way to engage with the local food scene. It allows you to eat well in Europe's most beautiful cities without destroying your budget, freeing up more of your money for what really matters: the experience.
Have you used Too Good To Go? Share your best haul or a pro-tip in the comments below!
