Food rescue apps like FlashFood are revolutionizing how Canadians shop, offering a way to save money on groceries while reducing food waste. Through partnerships with retailers like Loblaw, these apps are diverting millions of pounds of food from landfills and helping customers access high-quality products at discounted prices.
Scarborough resident Crystal Tong, a single mother, has been using FlashFood for years to purchase items nearing their best-before dates at reduced prices.
“This allows me to buy high-quality products at a significant discount,” Tong said while picking up groceries at a FlashFood zone in The Real Canadian Superstore.
FlashFood allows shoppers to browse available items through the app, place orders, and pick them up at participating stores.
Since partnering with FlashFood five years ago, Loblaw stores have saved customers $238 million and diverted 86 million pounds of food waste from landfills. In 2024 alone, the partnership helped customers save over $50 million.
“There is a tonne of value in the program, whether you are buying meat, produce, or whatever it might be to build a meal or the whole meal,” said Evan Magee, district manager for The Real Canadian Superstore in Toronto.
One of the most popular items on the app is a $5 produce bag containing about five pounds of fruits and vegetables. In 2024, 900,000 produce bags were sold through the app. Other discounted items, like pies, bagels, salads, and even seafood, are available at up to 50% off.
“For a $30 piece of fish, you’ll find it in the app for $15, which is an incredible value,” Magee added.
Retail analyst Bruce Winder noted that food rescue apps are becoming increasingly popular as grocery prices rise.
“Consumers have really identified with these kinds of apps,” Winder said. “It’s a mega growth area, and I think you will see more apps in this field, whether it’s a restaurant or a grocer.”
Other apps like Food Hero and Too Good To Go also help consumers save money while reducing food waste, offering a variety of discounted items.
FlashFood is available in 850 Loblaw stores across Canada. The app is free to download, though some may charge service fees. Popular items often sell out quickly, so users are encouraged to check the app frequently to snag the best deals.
For shoppers looking to save money and contribute to sustainability, food rescue apps offer an innovative way to make a difference while cutting grocery bills.