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4 Clever Apps That Save You Money and Reduce Food Waste

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/11 .. s-that-save-you-money-and-reduce-food-waste.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 8:25 GMT by CNET
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Save Money and Reduce Food Waste with These Four Must‑Have Apps

In a world where the average American throws away enough food to feed 70 million people every year, tech solutions that help us keep more groceries on our tables (and out of landfills) are becoming as essential as grocery lists and pantry checklists. A recent CNET guide highlighted four standout mobile apps that make it easier than ever to cut waste, stretch your grocery budget, and even support local communities. Below is a detailed rundown of each app, how it works, the benefits it offers, and why you might want to download it today.

1. Olio – The Community Sharing App

What it does
Olio is a neighborhood‑centric platform that lets users give away, swap, or purchase surplus food and household items from people in their area. After signing up, you can post items you no longer need—everything from fresh produce to baked goods or even gently used kitchen tools. Other users can claim these items for free, or pay a small fee for non‑perishables.

How it cuts waste
Instead of tossing edible goods, Olio turns them into free or inexpensive local meals. The app’s “Share” and “Swap” features ensure that leftovers get a second life, turning what would have been garbage into a delicious dish for a friend or neighbor. According to the app’s own data, users have saved millions of pounds of food, and many have reported a notable decrease in their weekly grocery bills.

Beyond food
Olio is not limited to groceries; it also supports community building by connecting people around shared resources. Many users report that the app fosters a sense of neighborhood solidarity, and the social aspect encourages them to think more critically about what they actually consume.

Why download?
If you live in a city or suburb with an active community, Olio is a great way to avoid waste and build relationships. The app’s user interface is simple, and the “Free” filter lets you quickly see what’s available in your zip code. The only potential drawback is that it relies on local participation; if you’re in a sparsely populated area, the selection might be limited.

2. Too Good To Go – Food Rescue From Restaurants & Stores

What it does
Too Good To Go works with restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and other food establishments to sell surplus meals at a fraction of their original price. After ordering through the app, you pick up the “Food Rescue” package at a set time and location. Each package contains a selection of items that were close to their sell‑by date but still safe to eat.

How it cuts waste
By giving businesses a way to monetize food that would otherwise be discarded, Too Good To Go keeps more edible items out of landfills. For consumers, it provides an affordable alternative to dining out or buying brand‑name foods, especially during times of rising grocery prices. The app’s “Daily Deals” feature allows you to discover a variety of cuisines—from pizza and sushi to sandwiches and desserts—each tailored to local availability.

Financial perks
Users typically pay between 10–30 % of the regular price for a “package” that contains multiple items. The savings can be significant, especially for those on tight budgets or for families looking to reduce meal costs without compromising variety. Some users also mention that the app’s “sustainability” badge on each order helps them feel good about their purchase.

Community impact
Too Good To Go partners with a global network of food‑rescue organizations, and a portion of the proceeds goes to food‑bank charities. This gives you a chance to support charitable causes while also enjoying a tasty meal.

Why download?
If you’re often tempted to throw away food that’s not quite fresh, Too Good To Go offers an easy, wallet‑friendly way to rescue it. The app is especially popular in European cities, but it’s rapidly expanding in the United States. The main limitation is that you must be in a city with enough participating vendors; otherwise, your choices will be limited.

3. FridgeCheck – Smart Inventory & Recipe Suggestions

What it does
FridgeCheck turns your smartphone into a “smart” kitchen assistant. After adding items to your virtual fridge—by scanning barcodes or typing in manually—you can see an up‑to‑date list of what’s inside and when it will expire. The app even generates recipe ideas that use the ingredients you have on hand, helping you plan meals that reduce waste.

How it cuts waste
By providing a clear view of inventory and expiration dates, FridgeCheck reduces the chances of forgetting perishable items. The recipe feature ensures that you’ll use everything before it goes bad, which cuts both food waste and the need to purchase last‑minute replacements. Additionally, the app’s “Smart Shopping List” helps you buy only what you truly need, preventing over‑purchasing.

Financial perks
The primary savings come from reducing spoilage and avoiding unnecessary grocery trips. Users report that they spend less time in the grocery aisle and often discover that they already have ingredients for a dinner recipe that would have cost them an extra dollar or two to buy.

Community & sustainability
FridgeCheck offers tips and tricks for proper storage and food preservation, drawing on USDA guidelines and other reputable sources. Some versions of the app also connect to local food‑sharing initiatives, making it a versatile tool for eco‑conscious consumers.

Why download?
If you’re the type who likes to keep track of inventory but often forgets about it, FridgeCheck is a practical solution. Its barcode scanner is reliable, and the recipe engine is surprisingly accurate. The app is free to use, with a premium version offering advanced features such as multiple virtual fridges and grocery budget tracking.

4. FoodKeeper – USDA‑Backed Storage & Expiration Guide

What it does
FoodKeeper, developed in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is a data‑rich app that tells you how long you can safely store various foods in the fridge, freezer, or pantry. It uses official USDA storage guidelines and includes tips on proper handling and storage methods.

How it cuts waste
By informing you how long each item lasts under different conditions, FoodKeeper helps you avoid premature spoilage. The app’s “Shelf Life” feature lets you plan meals according to what you already have and what you’re going to purchase. In addition, it includes a “Check for Spoilage” mode that prompts you to examine items at regular intervals, reducing the risk of consuming bad food.

Financial perks
The savings are indirect: by preventing spoilage, you avoid the need to replace foods prematurely. The app is also educational; it helps you understand how to best use leftovers and store items to keep them fresh longer, which is a small but meaningful cost‑saving practice.

Why download?
FoodKeeper is particularly useful for people who love cooking from scratch and need a reliable reference for storage times. Its data comes from reputable government research, giving it a level of trust that few other apps can match. The interface is straightforward, and the app is free, making it an ideal companion for any kitchen.

Bringing It All Together

While each of these apps targets a different aspect of the food‑waste cycle—community sharing, rescue from businesses, inventory management, or storage knowledge—they share a common goal: turning everyday kitchen habits into a force for sustainability and cost savings. Downloading one or more of them can help you:

• Reduce household food waste – by either sharing or rescuing surplus items that would otherwise end up in the trash.
• Save money – by buying discounted rescued meals, avoiding spoilage, and purchasing only what you need.
• Support your local community – through neighborhood sharing and charitable contributions tied to food rescue.
• Learn smarter kitchen practices – through data‑driven storage advice and recipe suggestions.

Which app is best for you?
- Olio is ideal if you’re comfortable sharing with neighbors and want to keep your pantry stocked without spending more.
- Too Good To Go is perfect for those who crave affordable, ready‑made meals and enjoy supporting local businesses.
- FridgeCheck works best for consumers who want to keep a meticulous inventory and discover new recipes on the fly.
- FoodKeeper is a must‑have for anyone who wants authoritative guidance on food safety and shelf life.

In a nutshell, the four apps spotlighted by CNET offer a holistic toolkit for anyone looking to eat smarter, spend less, and do their part for the planet. The next time you’re at the grocery store, consider downloading one (or all!) of these apps and watch how quickly your food waste—and your grocery bill—declines.