Israeli App SpareEat Offers Restaurant Food Surplus at One-Third Price
SpareEat, an Israeli app launched in 2019, enables consumers to buy surplus food from cafes, bakeries, and restaurants at about one-third of the original price. Operating in dozens of cities across Israel with hundreds of participating businesses, the app helps reduce food waste while offering significant savings to users. Customers purchase a "surprise basket" containing leftover food items, which vary daily and cannot be selected in advance, but are guaranteed to be worth more than the purchase price.
The app features a diverse range of vendors including bakeries, delicatessens, vegetable shops, and even pet stores offering food baskets for dogs and cats. Collection times vary, with some businesses allowing pickups as early as midday. For example, one user paid 40 shekels at "HaOfeh MiBagdad" bakery and received a box filled with sweet pastries and bagels valued at more than double the price. Another order from "Hanachat Lechem" in Rehovot included sourdough bread and savory pastries for 30 shekels.
SpareEat has cultivated a dedicated community, with a Facebook group where users share photos, reviews, and tips about the best deals and vendors. Some businesses are highly sought after, with users reporting difficulty securing baskets from popular locations. Regular users emphasize checking vendor ratings, favoring bakeries over fruits and vegetables due to freshness concerns.
One longtime user, Tova, highlighted the app's value during financial hardship, noting it allows occasional indulgences at affordable prices. However, she cautioned that the surprise nature means some baskets may be less satisfying. The app has become a secret shared among users who sometimes withhold information about top vendors to avoid competition.
Overall, SpareEat offers a practical solution for families facing high food costs during summer holidays and contributes to reducing food waste. While experiences vary, many users find the savings and variety worthwhile, depending on local vendor participation and a bit of luck.
