Martin Lewis ’ MoneySavingExpert has explained how to get free food from Tesco and Pret a Manger.
The savings trick involves using the food waste app Olio.
Olio is a free sharing app where people give away food and other household items to people living nearby.
The idea is that everything listed on Olio is free, as it is being given away, so you shouldn't have to pay for anything.
Olio works with companies such as Pret and Tesco, as well as independent bakeries and cafes, to send out volunteers to collect surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away.
These volunteers then list the free grub on Olio so people who live nearby can come and collect it without spending a penny.
Olio is free to download via the App Store or Google Play and also allows people to list used toys, clothing and other household goods.
Writing in their latest newsletter, the MSE team said: " The Olio app is mainly known for offering up grub for nowt - the idea being instead of binning surplus food, people or stores offer it to their local community.
Have you used the Olio app? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
"When we checked on Mon, we saw bread, fruit and veg, pastries and more offered.
"People also give away other items, such as clothes, furniture and toys - it's hit and miss, but often hit."
Olio is an easy and free app to use.
You start by signing up for a new account using your email address and confirming your location.
After you’re logged in and ready to go, browse food items nearby and once you’ve found something you like, click on the listing to request it.
The Mirror previously reported on how one Tesco shopper got £12.75 worth of food for free by using Olio.
Some of the foods that Laura Gaga, a 40-something civil servant from North West London, was able to get include fresh vegetables, hummus and Greek yoghurt.
Another app that could help you lower your food costs is Too Good To Go.
Too Good To Go has partnered up with brands such as Costa, Greggs and M&S, along with independent shops, to sell “magic bags” of food that would otherwise be thrown out at the end of the day.
Prices start from around £2 for a bag, going up to £5ish, depending on the store you pick.
The only downside is you can’t choose what food you get - it depends on what is available that day.
