Food can be one of the biggest expenses in a household budget, but thanks to technology, there are now apps that help Canadians save money on groceries, restaurant meals, and even surplus food. Whether you’re looking for discounted restaurant deals or trying to prevent food waste while saving cash, these discounted food apps can help. Here’s a list of the best apps in Canada for scoring great food deals.
1. Too Good To Go
- Best for: Saving on restaurant and bakery surplus food
- How it works: Too Good To Go connects users with restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores offering surplus food at discounted prices. Instead of throwing away unsold items, businesses sell them in “surprise bags” for a fraction of the original price.
- Why it’s great: Reduces food waste while letting customers get fresh meals and baked goods at up to 70% off.
2. Flashfood
- Best for: Discounted grocery items nearing their expiration date
- How it works: Partnering with major grocery chains like Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, and Maxi, Flashfood offers food close to its expiration date at up to 50% off. Shoppers can browse discounted items in real-time, purchase them through the app, and pick them up in-store.
- Why it’s great: Saves money while reducing food waste at major grocery stores.
3. FoodHero
- Best for: Grocery store discounts and meal deals
- How it works: FoodHero partners with select grocery stores in Canada to sell near-expiry food at significant discounts. Shoppers can browse and purchase food through the app, then pick it up at participating locations.
- Why it’s great: Offers discounts while promoting sustainability by helping stores minimize food waste.
4. Ampli by RBC
- Best for: Earning cashback on food purchases
- How it works: Ampli is a cashback app that rewards users for purchasing groceries and dining at select restaurants. Simply link your credit or debit card, shop at participating retailers, and earn cashback that can be transferred to your bank account.
- Why it’s great: Works seamlessly with major banks and gives cashback without needing coupons or codes.
5. Groupon
- Best for: Restaurant and meal discounts
- How it works: Groupon offers discounted deals at restaurants, cafes, and food delivery services. Users can purchase deals at a lower price and redeem them at participating businesses.
- Why it’s great: Offers a variety of deals, from dine-in restaurants to takeout and meal kits.
6. SkipTheDishes Deals & Perks
- Best for: Discounted food delivery
- How it works: SkipTheDishes frequently offers discounts, promo codes, and cashback on food deliveries from local and national restaurants. Users who subscribe to Skip Rewards can earn points and redeem them for discounts on future orders.
- Why it’s great: Ideal for those who frequently order food online and want to save on delivery.
Tips for Saving Even More on Food
- Check for Daily Deals: Many of these apps offer limited-time discounts, so checking regularly can score you bigger savings.
- Stack Discounts: Use cashback apps like Ampli along with deals from Too Good To Go or Flashfood for extra savings.
- Sign Up for Notifications: Enable app alerts to get first access to discounts before they sell out.
Final Thoughts
With the rising cost of food, using discounted food apps is a smart way to cut costs while still enjoying great meals. Whether you’re looking for grocery discounts, restaurant deals, or cashback offers, these apps make it easy to save money. Download one (or more!) and start saving today!