How To Get Free (or Incredibly Cheap) Food

Elevate Your Dining Experience without Breaking the Bank

Is the concept of a free lunch just wishful thinking? From corner cafes to upscale dining establishments, we’ve curated 16 genuine ways to help you snag complimentary meals or, at the very least, indulge in budget-friendly dining experiences. Brace yourself for unprecedented savings, including ingenious methods to actually get paid for enjoying a meal out too!

1. Dine on the House: Uncover the Secrets of Apps & Clubs

Fast-food chains are rewriting the rules, offering enticing discounts and freebies through exclusive apps and membership clubs. Don’t miss out – here are some ongoing offers:

• Greggs: Score a free pizza slice and hot drink by signing up on the app.
• Krispy Kreme: Enjoy a free doughnut upon new sign-ups.
• Taco Bell: Snag a complimentary crunchy taco through the app.

Don’t stop here; keep your eye on other major players like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Subway for periodic freebies.

2. Undercover Dining: Get Paid as a Mystery Diner

Ever dreamt of being a secret agent? Well, now you can be a mystery diner without the disguise. Restaurants like Giraffe, Leon, and Wagamama enlist mystery-shopping companies to ensure top-notch service. Plus, you may find yourself not just with a free meal but also getting paid. Here’s how:

• Apply online to mystery-dining firms like Mystery Dining by HGEM, Market Force, or Service Scan.
• Follow specific instructions for each assignment, ensuring a thorough evaluation.

The perks? You might end up earning while relishing high-quality meals.

3. Food Liberation: Embrace the Olio Revolution

Say goodbye to food waste with the Olio app, connecting you to free surplus food from local stores, cafes, and even your neighbours. Dive into this sharing community where you can both give and receive, turning excess into community abundance.

• Download Olio from the App Store or Google Play.
• Sign up and explore free goodies from nearby neighbours and renowned establishments.

Get ready for an assortment of offerings, from Pret and Costa to local bakeries, all at your fingertips.

4. Tech Rewards for Foodies: Indulge in O2’s and Vodafone’s Offerings

If you’re a Virgin Media, O2, or Vodafone customer, leverage loyalty apps for exclusive offers and freebies. Even if you’re not a direct customer, there are ways to tap into these perks.

• Download O2 Priority for deals like sausage rolls at Greggs and chocolates from Thorntons.
• Explore VeryMe, Vodafone’s rewards app, for freebies like hot drinks at Greggs or Costa.

Unlock these digital treasure troves for delectable surprises.

5. Coupon Mastery: Hunt for Totally Free Products

While many supermarket coupons offer discounts, some go a step further, offering products completely free. Explore current options and keep an eye out for generous giveaways.

• Check out our Supermarket Coupons Guide for a list of coupons and cashback deals.
• Past offerings include free Covent Garden Soup, Warburtons bread, and Dr Oetker pizza.

6. Sip and Shop: Enjoy Free Hot Drinks with Loyalty Cards

Several shops offer complimentary hot drinks to customers as an incentive to join their loyalty programs. It’s a win-win situation – you get a free drink, and they get to keep you coming back.

• Visit Ikea for a free cup of tea or filter coffee with the Ikea Family card.
• MyWaitrose members can grab a free coffee from Waitrose, but remember to bring your reusable cup.

7. Birthday Bonanza: Treat Yourself to Freebies

Make your birthday extra special by claiming freebies from various restaurants and cafes. Just sign up for their mailing lists, and you’ll receive vouchers for complimentary treats.

• Krispy Kreme: Register on the ‘Friends of Krispy Kreme’ app for a free doughnut.
• Greggs: Download the app for a voucher valid for a free cupcake, cream cake, or doughnut.

Discover more birthday delights by exploring our Birthday Freebies Deals Page.

8. Age Advantage: Get Paid to Drink at 18 or 19

Believe it or not, if you’re 18 or 19, you can get paid to visit pubs. Serve Legal employs mystery shoppers to check ID verification when selling alcohol. Earn while ensuring establishments comply with age restrictions.

• Sign up with Serve Legal to become a mystery shopper.
• Enjoy payments ranging from £6 to £20 per visit, along with reimbursement for expenses.

9. Nature’s Bounty: Forage for Free Food Safely

Take your culinary adventures outdoors by foraging for seasonal delights like blackberries, elderflowers, and raspberries. It’s not only about free food but also a connection with nature.

• Familiarise yourself with seasonal foraging through the Woodland Trust’s guide.
• Stay legal and safe by respecting landowner permissions and avoiding rare species.

Explore the wonders of nature while filling your basket with delightful free finds.

10. Training Restaurants: Dine Lavishly on a Student Budget

Experience fine dining without breaking the bank by visiting training restaurants at colleges and universities. Indulge in a three-course meal at a fraction of the cost while supporting aspiring chefs.

• Search online for training restaurants near you.
• Examples include Taste at South Thames College, Pillars at the University of West London, and Scholars’ at the City of Glasgow College.

Explore the culinary talents of budding chefs while enjoying substantial savings.

11. Pay-As-You-Feel: Support the Environment and Your Wallet

The Real Junk Food Project has revolutionised dining by operating cafes where you can pay as you feel for food that would otherwise go to waste. It’s not just about affordability; it’s an environmental concept making a positive impact.

• Explore the Real Junk Food Project’s cafes and supermarkets offering ‘pay-as-you-feel’.
• Offer a contribution, whether in money, time, or skills, based on your comfort.

Join the movement to reduce food waste while relishing a diverse menu.

12. App Magic: Too Good To Go for End-of-Day Discounts

Unlock significant savings with the Too Good To Go app, connecting you with local establishments offering end-of-day food at discounted rates. Purchase a ‘magic bag’ and enjoy a meal worth three times its cost.

• Download the Too Good To Go app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Reserve ‘magic bags’ from local stores and collect during the set time.

Take advantage of this app’s expanding network, including major supermarkets like Aldi.

13. Yellow Sticker Hunt: Nab Discounts on Clearance Goods

Keep your eyes peeled for yellow stickers in supermarkets, signalling clearance discounts on perfectly good items. It’s a strategic way to save on your grocery bill.

• Time your visits to supermarkets to coincide with clearance times.
• Look for discounted items nearing their expiration date.

Master the art of yellow sticker hunting for substantial savings on your grocery haul.

14. Cashback Connoisseur: Get Money Back on Dining Out

Turn your dining experiences into cashback opportunities with apps like TopCashback and Quidco. Discover exclusive deals and earn money back when you dine at participating restaurants.

• Sign up for cashback platforms and explore dining offers.
• Activate cashback offers before making a purchase.

Enjoy not just a delicious meal but also a percentage of your spending back in your pocket.

15. Social Media Savvy: Follow, Like, and Share for Discounts

Harness the power of social media to unlock exclusive discounts and promotions. Many restaurants and cafes offer special deals to their followers and fans.

• Follow your favourite establishments on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
• Participate in social media campaigns for a chance to win free meals or exclusive discounts.

Stay connected for a steady stream of mouthwatering offers.

16. Travel Taste Buds: Explore the World with Airlines’ Culinary Offerings

Embark on a culinary journey without leaving the ground by exploring airline meal options. Several airlines sell their premium meals for a fraction of the price, allowing you to savour first-class dining at home.

• Visit airline websites for meal options available for purchase.
• Experience diverse cuisines from around the world without the need for a boarding pass.

Unleash your inner globetrotter with airline-inspired meals without the hefty airfare.

Conclusion: Savouring Success in the World of Budget-Friendly Dining

Elevating your culinary experiences while saving money is not just a dream; it’s a tangible reality. By tapping into various strategies, apps, and opportunities, you can transform your dining adventures into a feast for your taste buds and your wallet. From mystery dining to foraging and leveraging loyalty apps, the key to unlocking savings lies in creativity and resourcefulness. So, go ahead – savour the flavour of success in the world of budget-friendly dining!