The Olio app is the must-have money-saving app for anyone who loves a good deal. It helps you unlock free food, discover discounted groceries and find free household items nearby.
It’s simple: save money, reduce waste and reconnect with your local community – all in one place.
If you’ve ever wondered how the Olio app works, here’s everything you need to know 👇
What can you do on the Olio app?
Olio is your local go-to for free food (and more). With our app, you can:
🥐 Pick up free food from local supermarkets, shops and bakeries
🛒 Discover discounted groceries happening near you
🛍️ Find free household items like furniture, clothes, books, toiletries and kitchenware
💷 Give away – or sell – things you no longer need to people nearby
🦸 Volunteer as a Food Waste Hero and collect surplus food from businesses nearby
🔄 Lend and borrow items instead of buying new
📍 Discover local events happening in your area
Get free and discounted food near you 🥐
With the Olio app, you can request free food from local shops and supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, and many more. Surplus food is collected by trained volunteers – known as Food Waste Heroes – and shared with people nearby.
Simply browse the free food listings, request what you’d like, arrange a collection time and pick it up.
You can also browse the Reduced Food section to see supermarket reductions happening in real time. That means you can plan your shop around what’s already discounted, saving both time and money (no more stalking the member of staff with the yellow stickers).
In fact, The Sun described the feature as “genius” for helping shoppers spot bargains before they even enter the store.
Find free household items 🛍️
Looking for a tent for a camping trip? Need to replace a broken toaster? On the Olio app, neighbours share everything from furniture and clothes to books, toys and kitchenware.
People have even used the Olio app to source decorations for their wedding and furniture for their first flat – proving you can find much more than just the basics.
You can browse what’s available nearby, or post a “Wanted” listing to let people know what you’re looking for. It’s a simple way to get what you need without buying new.
Declutter and earn extra cash 💷
The Olio app isn’t just about finding great deals – it’s also a trusted local marketplace.
List items for free or for sale and declutter without leaving your home. From furniture you no longer need to clothes your little one has grown out of, you can clear space, earn extra cash and give your items a second life.
What’s no longer useful to you could be exactly what someone nearby has been searching for.
Volunteer as a Food Waste Hero 🦸
Want to take your impact even further? Volunteer as a Food Waste Hero on the Olio app.
Food Waste Heroes collect unsold food from local businesses and redistribute it through the app – and they keep between 10%-100% of the food they keep. You can volunteer as little or as often as you like, making it flexible around your schedule.
It’s a powerful way to save food, support your community and make a real difference. Plus, many volunteers say it boosts their wellbeing – helping them feel more connected locally and more at home in their town.
Lend and borrow instead of buying new 🔄
Need a lawnmower for the weekend? Want to borrow a pasta maker for a dinner party? Lending and borrowing on the Olio app helps you make the most of items that are only used occasionally.
It’s a smart way to save money and cut down on overconsumption at the same time.
📍 Discover local events
The Olio app also helps you stay connected to what’s happening nearby. Find local events, car boot sales and community meet-ups – or share events you’re organising yourself.
It’s all about bringing neighbours together.
Why choose the Olio app?
Because it helps you:
✅ Save money on food and everyday essentials
✅ Find free household items locally
✅ Unlock free food from the shops you love near you
✅ Reduce waste without changing your lifestyle
✅ Connect with your community
Download the Olio app today via the App Store or Google Play and experience the Olio magic ✨