Rescuing surplus food is a smart choice 💚
When you buy surplus food, you’re doing good for both the environment and your wallet. Surplus food is perfectly edible food that would otherwise go to waste – for example, because the best before date is approaching or the food was left unsold after lunch.
Food gets saved from being thrown away, and you get a more affordable meal – sounds like a pretty good deal, right? 😏
In this article, we’ll explain what surplus food actually is (and what it isn’t), so you’ll know what to expect when buying food through ResQ. 🤗
Is surplus food the same as a freshly prepared meal at a restaurant?
Is surplus food the same as a freshly prepared meal at a restaurant?
Not exactly – and that’s totally okay.
When you buy surplus food, it’s good to keep in mind that it’s leftover food, most likely prepared earlier and stored for a while. It might not be at its absolute freshest anymore, but it’s still safe and good to eat. 😋
What kinds of "imperfections" are normal for surplus food?
What kinds of "imperfections" are normal for surplus food?
These things are completely normal for surplus food:
The food may no longer be warm.
The texture or appearance may have changed a bit during storage.
The taste or consistency might be slightly different from a freshly prepared meal.
The portion size might differ from what you'd get when ordering the same item at full price.
However, note that the price should always be reduced accordingly – all ResQ items must be at least 30% cheaper than their original price.
A few practical examples:
🍣 Sushi rice might feel drier or harder than in freshly made sushi.
🥗 Salad leaves might be slightly wilted, especially if dressing has been added beforehand (this often softens the greens).
🍝 In pasta or potato dishes, the sauce might have been absorbed, so the dish may look different than when freshly made.
🍰 Pastries and cakes might be a bit softer or drier — but still tasty!
For example, it’s totally normal that cake slices in surplus sales vary in size. In regular sales, sellers often cut cake slices very precisely to a specific size. Surplus slices, on the other hand, are often those that were left over from less precise cuts or ended up being slightly smaller.
When is it good to file a complaint?
When is it good to file a complaint?
Of course, sometimes mistakes or real problems happen – and in those cases, it’s good to let us know so we can help.
Examples of situations where you should contact us:
There are clear signs that the food has gone bad (like an unpleasant smell, taste, or visible mold).
You received the wrong product (for example, chicken instead of beef).
The portion size promised doesn’t match what you actually received.