Approved Food UK Review 2025: Save Big on Surplus & Short-Dated Groceries
Overview
With the cost of living continuing to rise across the UK, savvy shoppers are constantly looking for ways to cut their grocery bills without sacrificing quality. Approved Food has positioned itself as the go-to online destination for bargain hunters, specialising in surplus and short-dated stock at heavily discounted prices. But is it actually worth your time and money? I put Approved Food to the test.
What Is Approved Food?
Approved Food is an online discount food retailer that tackles a massive UK problem: over 7 million tonnes of food and drink are thrown away every year, much of which has simply passed its “best before” date but remains perfectly safe to consume.
Their business model is straightforward:
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Source surplus and short-dated stock from manufacturers and wholesalers
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Sell it at significantly reduced prices
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Pass the savings directly to customers
Important distinction: They sell products near or past their “best before” date—not “use by” date. Best before is about quality, not safety.
Product Range & Selection
What’s Available?
Approved Food operates on a “treasure hunt” model with hundreds of new products added daily:
| Category | Examples | Typical Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Snacks & Crisps | Walkers, Doritos, premium brands | 30–70% off |
| Store Cupboard Staples | Pasta, rice, tinned goods, sauces | 20–60% off |
| Drinks | Soft drinks, juices, cordials | 25–50% off |
| Confectionery | Chocolate, sweets, biscuits | 30–65% off |
| Household Items | Cleaning products, toiletries | 20–40% off |
The Catch? Stock Rotation
Because they deal in surplus stock, availability changes constantly. That favourite biscuit brand you bought last month might not be there next time. This makes Approved Food ideal for:
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Flexible meal planners
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Bulk buyers who aren’t brand-loyal
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Bargain hunters who enjoy the thrill of discovery
Less ideal for: Anyone who needs specific ingredients for a recipe right now.
Pricing: How Much Can You Actually Save?
This is where Approved Food truly shines. During my review, I found consistent savings across the board:
Real examples from the site:
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Premium branded crisps: £0.50–£1.00 per bag (vs £1.50–£2.00 in supermarkets)
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Pasta and rice: Up to 60% off retail prices
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Soft drinks: Multi-pack deals at half price
The Maths
| Shopping Style | Monthly Spend | With Approved Food |
|---|---|---|
| Average UK household | £300–£400 | £200–£280 (potential 30% saving) |
| Single/couple | £150–£200 | £100–£140 |
Pro tip: The real savings come when you buy in bulk and combine with their delivery offer.
Delivery & Shipping
Free Delivery Threshold
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Free delivery when you spend £55—a reasonable threshold for a bulk grocery shop
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Standard delivery rates apply per box (up to 25kg)
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Delivery typically takes 2–3 working days after dispatch
Delivery Reliability
Approved Food uses tracked delivery, so you can monitor your order’s progress. During my test:
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Order placed: Monday
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Dispatched: Tuesday
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Delivered: Thursday
Packaging: Items arrived well-packed in sturdy boxes. No damage to fragile items like crisps.
First-Order Perk: 10% Off
New customers can sign up to the mailing list to receive:
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10% off your first order
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Exclusive offers and flash sales
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Notifications when popular items are back in stock
This is a solid incentive to try the service, effectively making your first shop even cheaper.
Customer Service
Support Hours
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Monday–Friday: 08:00–16:00
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No weekend support (something to note if you encounter issues on a Saturday)
Contact Options
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Email support
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Phone support during business hours
User feedback: Generally responsive during working hours, though the lack of weekend support could be frustrating if you have urgent delivery issues.
The Pros & Cons
✅ Why Approved Food Works
| Advantage | Details |
|---|---|
| Massive savings | 30–70% off retail prices consistently |
| Reduces food waste | Environmentally conscious shopping |
| Brand names at discount | Premium products at budget prices |
| Free delivery | Reasonable £55 threshold |
| New stock daily | Fresh bargains every day |
| Tracked delivery | Know exactly where your order is |
⚠️ Things to Consider
| Limitation | Details |
|---|---|
| No fresh food | Dry and packaged goods only |
| Stock inconsistency | Can’t rely on specific items being available |
| Best before dates | Some items near or past BB date (though still safe) |
| Weekday-only support | No weekend customer service |
| Bulk buying required | Best value comes from larger orders |
Who Is Approved Food Best For?
👍 Perfect If You:
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Want to slash your grocery bill by 30% or more
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Enjoy bulk buying and stocking up the pantry
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Don’t mind flexible meal planning around available stock
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Care about reducing food waste
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Love premium brands at budget prices
👎 Look Elsewhere If You:
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Need fresh produce, meat, or dairy
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Want guaranteed availability of specific items
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Prefer weekly small shops rather than monthly bulk buys
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Are uncomfortable with best before dates
Final Verdict
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Value for Money | 9/10 |
| Product Range | 7/10 |
| Delivery Speed | 7.5/10 |
| Website Experience | 7/10 |
| Customer Service | 6.5/10 |
| Overall Experience | 7.5/10 |
Overall: 7.5/10 — Approved Food isn’t trying to replace your weekly supermarket shop. Instead, it’s a brilliant supplement for non-perishable items, snacks, and household essentials. If you’re organised enough to plan around their stock and can hit the £55 free delivery threshold, the savings are genuinely impressive.
For families looking to cut costs or anyone building an emergency food stash, Approved Food is a no-brainer. The environmental benefit of reducing food waste is a welcome bonus.
🛒 Ready to Start Saving?
Sign up to their mailing list to unlock your exclusive 10% discount and start receiving alerts for the best daily deals.
