Free Food Apps UK: Get Free Food Through Apps in 2025
Are you looking to save money on your food bills or just love getting freebies? Free food apps can help you get complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the UK.
Whether you’re dealing with the cost of living crisis or simply enjoy a good bargain, there are plenty of apps that will help you get free food without spending a penny.
In this guide, we’ll share the best apps that give you free food UK options, from those that help reduce food waste to restaurant apps that offer sign-up bonuses and loyalty rewards.
Key Takeaways
- Food Waste Reduction Apps: Discover apps like Too Good To Go and Olio that help you get free or heavily discounted food while helping reduce food waste and making a positive impact on the environment.
- Restaurant and Fast Food Apps: Learn about the best apps that give you free food when you sign up like Krispy Kreme, KFC, and Taco Bell that offer freebies just for downloading their app.
- Maximising Free Food Opportunities: Get tips on how to make the most of loyalty programmes and other strategies to consistently get free food from apps throughout the year.
Apps That Reduce Food Waste and Give You Free Food
Olio
Olio is a fantastic free food app that connects you with people in your local area who have excess food they don’t want to waste. It’s a local sharing app that lets you pass on things you no longer need to people who live nearby, helping others while fighting waste and supporting our planet.
According to research from Olio’s website, the app has over 7 million users worldwide making a difference in their local communities. That’s a lot of people sharing food that would otherwise go to waste!
Olio partners with various businesses including Tesco, which means you can often find quality meals and branded items completely free. It’s particularly useful in larger cities where more people and businesses participate.
This app is completely free to use and can be a goldmine for getting everything from fresh vegetables to packaged foods without spending a penny.
Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go focuses on reducing food waste from restaurants, cafes, and shops by offering surprise bags of food at heavily discounted prices. The app makes it easy to make a positive impact on the planet while saving money on your favourite foods.
What we love about Too Good To Go is the surprise element – you never know exactly what you’ll get, but it’s always worth more than what you pay. You’ll find everything from bakery items and coffee shop treats to full meals from nearby restaurants.
While not completely free, the massive discounts (usually around 70% off) make it worth including in this list. Plus, according to the app, every Surprise Bag helps avoid 2.7kg of CO2e emissions, so you’re also helping tackle climate change while enjoying discounted food.
Karma
Similar to Too Good To Go, Karma connects you with restaurants and shops that have surplus food to sell at reduced prices. It’s another great option for those looking to save money while helping restaurants reduce their food waste.
The app tends to focus on smaller independent shops rather than major chains. You’ll find some great bargains with good food at a fraction of the regular price. The only drawback is that Karma is relatively new to the UK market and currently operates mainly in major cities.
Fast Food Apps That Give You Free Food When You Sign Up
Many popular fast food chains and restaurants offer free food just for downloading their app and creating an account. Here are some of the best options for getting apps that give you free food when you sign up UK:
Subway
Subway is one of the most generous apps that give you free food when you first sign up. By downloading the Subway app, new users can enjoy a free sub or cookie depending on the current promotion. The specific reward can vary, with some users getting a free sub and others a cookie.
The Subway Rewards programme also gives you 10 points for every £1 you spend. When you have 150 points, you can convert them to £1 to spend at Subway on anything you like. Make sure to check the app regularly for additional promotions and deals on subs and combo meals.
Greggs
The Greggs app is another excellent choice for free food offers. New users typically get a free hot drink when they first download the app, and sometimes there are promotions for a free sausage roll.
Additionally, the app offers rewards points for purchases, which can be redeemed for more free food items. The loyalty scheme lets you collect stamps towards free items, making it one of the most popular food apps with free food in the UK.
Krispy Kreme
For a sweet treat, the Krispy Kreme app is perfect. Download the app and get a free doughnut just for signing up. You can pick up the free donut either in a Tesco with a Krispy Kreme counter or in an actual store.
This saves you around £2.50 – not a huge amount, but definitely a tasty freebie! The app also allows users to earn rewards points called ‘Smiles’ for each purchase, which can be redeemed for more free treats. For every £1 you spend, you’ll earn 10 Smiles.
KFC
The Colonel’s Club at KFC has a rewarding loyalty programme. If you have never signed up to the Colonel’s Club at KFC (its loyalty app), you can get a free side just for signing up. When you’ve submitted your details when downloading the KFC app, you’ll receive 3 chicken stamps – enough for a free side.
Your choices include Small Popcorn Chicken, 2 Hot Wings, a Soft Drink, Sundae, or Regular Fries. The app also features exclusive discounts and promotions, such as combo meal deals and limited-time offers.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is expanding across the UK and offers a generous welcome bonus. You can get a free taco at any restaurant when you sign up. You’ll also receive 50 Taco Bell Supreme rewards points (which makes you 150 points away from free Churros or Cinnamon Twists).
For every £1 you spend, you collect 10 points, and once you reach 200 points, you can swap them for a side, dessert, or regular drink. The app also offers exclusive deals and promotions that aren’t available to non-app users.
McDonald’s App
The McDonald’s App provides several ways to get free food. New app users can often get a free hot drink from the McCafé as a welcome offer. The concept is simple and rewards you with points when you make a purchase.
These points can be exchanged for free items, such as fries, burgers or coffee. You earn 1 point for every penny spent, and 4,000 points will get you a free Big Mac. The app also frequently offers exclusive deals and free item promotions.
Burger King
Burger King offers free burgers or free fries through their app. New users can often get a free Whopper or free fries upon signing up. The app also features exclusive discounts and promotions, such as buy-one-get-one-free deals and combo meal discounts.
It’s definitely one of the more generous apps that give you free food UK options available. The offers change regularly, so it’s worth checking back often.
More Apps That Offer Free Food and Drinks
IKEA Family
If you’re an IKEA Family member, you can enjoy a free hot drink every time you visit. The IKEA Family loyalty card also provides other benefits such as discounts on selected items, access to special events, and extended warranties on purchases.
Signing up is free and can be done online or in-store. It’s a nice little bonus if you’re already planning to spend some time browsing through their massive stores. Who doesn’t need a free coffee while shopping for furniture?
John Lewis
John Lewis has reintroduced a free hot drink for loyalty card members. This benefit is available in their in-store cafes and adds extra value to their loyalty program.
The loyalty card also offers other perks, such as exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and special events. If you’re already shopping at John Lewis, this is an easy way to get a free drink to enjoy while you browse.
Dusk
If you live in a larger city, the Dusk app offers a free drink at local bars. This app is perfect for anyone who enjoys a night out and wants to save money on drinks.
Continue using the app to earn points for future free drinks, making your nights out more affordable. The app also provides information about local events and promotions, helping you find the best deals in your area.
Costa Coffee Club
New users of the Costa Coffee Club app can enjoy a free breakfast item and a free coffee. Use a referral code to earn bonus points, which can be redeemed for additional free treats.
The app also features exclusive discounts and promotions, such as buy-one-get-one-free deals and seasonal offers. Costa has hundreds of locations throughout the UK, making this a convenient option for most people.
Chipotle
Chipotle has launched a new app and website that lets you skip the queue and order online. As part of the launch, they offer a free meal after your first digital purchase.
The app also provides users with exclusive offers and rewards points for each purchase, which can be used to get more free meals and discounts. If you enjoy Mexican food, this is definitely worth checking out.
Nando’s
Nando’s Rewards is one of the UK’s most popular loyalty programmes. Spend £7 and you’ll earn yourself a Chilli. When you reach three, you’ve earned a free 1/4 chicken or starter. Six Chillies mean a 1/2 chicken or a single burger, pitta or wrap. And ten Chillies gives you a free whole chicken, combo meal or salad.
According to a YouGov survey, Nando’s is one of the most popular restaurant chains in the UK, particularly among younger diners. Their rewards program is a big part of what keeps customers coming back.
Dunkin Donut
Dunkin Donut offers a free hot drink to new users who sign up, though this offer is only available in selected stores. The app also provides access to exclusive deals and promotions, such as discounts on breakfast items and combo meals.
Users can earn rewards points for each purchase, which can be redeemed for free drinks and snacks. It’s a great option for coffee and donut lovers.
Toby Carvery
This is a bit of a limited loyalty scheme but still worth knowing about. When you buy a dessert from Toby Carvery, you’ll receive a stamp (only 1 stamp per day though). When you reach 3 stamps, you’ll qualify for a free pudding.
If you’re a fan of traditional British roast dinners, the Toby Carvery app can help you save money on your meals while enjoying free desserts from time to time.
Supermarket Cashback Apps
While not providing completely free food upfront, these apps can get you cashback on grocery purchases, sometimes even giving you 100% cashback on certain items:
Shopmium
Shopmium offers cashback on specific products from major supermarkets. Sometimes they offer products completely free, while other times you’ll get a significant discount.
After purchasing eligible products, you simply scan your receipt and the product barcode to receive your cashback. It’s a simple way to get free food from apps or at least heavily discounted items during your regular shopping trips.
CheckoutSmart
CheckoutSmart works similarly to Shopmium but with different offers. The app frequently features 100% cashback offers, meaning completely free food or household products.
The process is straightforward: buy the featured product, upload your receipt, and get your money back. Brands use this as a way to get more people to try their products, and we get to benefit with free food.
GreenJinn
GreenJinn focuses on healthier and eco-friendly products. The app offers cashback on products from major supermarkets like Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Tesco.
What’s great about GreenJinn is that it often features fresh produce and healthier options, making it easier to get cashback on good food and veggies rather than just processed items.
Tips for Maximising Free Food Opportunities
Getting the most out of free food apps takes a bit of strategy. Here are our top tips for maximising your savings:
First, download multiple apps. The more apps for free food you have on your phone, the more opportunities you’ll have to get freebies. Each restaurant chain has its own app, and there are multiple food waste and cashback apps available.
Second, check apps regularly. Offers and freebies change frequently, and some are only available for a limited time. Setting aside a few minutes each week to check your apps can help you spot new opportunities for free food.
Third, use different email addresses for sign-ups. Many offers are for new users only, so having multiple email aliases can sometimes help you benefit from welcome offers more than once.
Fourth, be ready to act quickly with food waste apps. The best items on Olio and Too Good To Go often get claimed within minutes of being listed. Set notifications and be prepared to reserve items as soon as they appear.
Finally, follow your favorite brands on social media. Many restaurants announce flash freebies and special app promotions on their social channels. This is often how limited-time promotions are first announced, giving you a head start on claiming the best free food offers.
According to a recent study by Statista, food delivery apps have seen massive growth in the UK with millions of downloads. By using these same apps strategically, you can often get food for free or at a fraction of the regular price.
Overall
Free food apps are a brilliant way to save money while enjoying treats from your favourite restaurants and shops. From apps that help reduce food waste like Olio and Too Good To Go, to fast food apps that give you free food when you sign up like KFC and Taco Bell, there’s something for everyone.
The best approach is to download multiple apps and check them regularly for new offers. Remember that while some provide completely free food, others offer heavy discounts or require you to earn points through purchases. Either way, these apps can make a significant difference to your food budget while often helping reduce food waste and supporting the environment.
With the cost of living continuing to be a challenge for many in 2025, these apps for free food are more valuable than ever. Whether you’re trying to stretch your budget or simply enjoy getting freebies, these apps are well worth exploring.
According to Business of Apps, the food delivery market is expected to grow to £213 billion by 2030, showing just how important mobile apps have become in how we access food. By taking advantage of these apps, we can all get a little slice of that pie for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which app gives completely free food in the UK?
Olio is the best app for completely free food in the UK, as it connects you with people and businesses giving away surplus food for free. Too Good To Go and Karma offer heavily discounted food rather than completely free items.
Do I need to pay for any of these free food apps?
No, all the apps mentioned in this article are free to download and use. Some like Too Good To Go require you to pay for discounted food, but the apps themselves cost nothing.
How often can I get free food from fast food apps?
Most fast food apps offer a one-time freebie when you sign up. After that, you typically need to spend money to earn points towards more free items. However, many apps also offer occasional promotional freebies throughout the year.
Can I get free food delivered?
Most free food apps require you to collect the food yourself. Delivery services like Deliveroo and Uber Eats occasionally offer free delivery promotions, but the food itself isn’t usually free.
Are these apps available throughout the UK?
Yes, most of these apps work throughout the UK, but your experience may vary depending on your location. Major cities typically have more options available than rural areas, especially for apps like Olio, Too Good To Go, and Karma.
How much food can I save with these apps?
It varies widely depending on which apps you use and how frequently. Some users report saving hundreds of pounds per year by regularly using a combination of these free food apps UK options. The average UK household spends approximately £6.40 per week on takeaways according to Zego, so the savings potential is significant.
Are there any restrictions on who can use these apps?
Most apps require users to be at least 18 years old and have a valid email address or phone number. Beyond that, there are generally no restrictions on who can use these apps to get free food.
Do these apps help reduce food waste?
Yes, apps like Olio and Too Good To Go are specifically designed to help reduce food waste by connecting people with surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away. By using these apps, you’re not just getting free food or discounts – you’re also helping to fight food waste and make a positive impact on the environment.
Which fast food app offers the best value freebies?
Based on our research, the KFC, Taco Bell, and Burger King apps tend to offer the most valuable free items just for signing up. However, the offers change frequently, so it’s worth downloading several apps to compare the current deals.
