Right now, many households in the UK are feeling the squeeze as the cost of living continues to bite – and for most people, rising food prices are front and centre of that pressure. In fact, 95 % of people whose cost of living went up said it was because food shopping had increased in price – more than any other expense.
That is why finding small ways to cut costs can really matter. That’s where Olio comes in.
Olio is helping people cut waste while also giving them more breathing room in their budgets. In a time when every penny counts, these small actions add up – whether it’s finding a free meal, getting things like books, toiletries and even furniture at no cost, or discovering discounted up-to-date food on the app.
What started as a way to tackle food waste has grown into a way for people to support each other, save money, and rethink how they shop and consume.
We’ve even been featured in MoneySavingExpert’s feature on money saving tips and articles in The Sun and Manchester Evening News, just to name a few.
And as the stories show, there’s no single way Olio helps to save money. Its impact is as varied as the people who use it.
Ways people use Olio to save money
For Amy, a single mum of two, the savings go straight to her family’s table:
“I’m a single mum of two so having Olio has helped with expenses of my weekly grocery shop. It’s made such a difference when I’ve needed something and haven’t had the money to go shopping.” Amy from North Somerset, UK
For others, that means checking the app for reduced food before heading to the shops – knowing what’s available in advance and avoiding paying full price where possible.
“The reduced food items on the app were in store at the correct price displayed. This was so helpful as I knew what was available from the comfort of my home. My trip to Iceland was not wasted and I got what I needed by looking at the app. I will be using Olio more frequently now to look for reduced deals near me!” Olio-er from London, UK
Some Olio users, value-for-money options like Lucky Dip can be especially helpful on fixed incomes:
“Fantastic value as I’m an old age pensioner with a basic pension – thank you so much, the Lucky Dip bag was indeed very helpful.” Robert, Olio-er from Wishaw, Scotland
For students, who don’t have big budgets, Olio can make settling into life away from home much easier. In fact, it’s been highlighted as one of the essential apps for students by the London School of Economics.
“I arrived at an unfurnished apartment in Scotland. Through Olio I’ve been able to get a TV, bed, pots, toaster – even furniture to make the flat feel like home. This platform has helped me so much in settling down.” Vivian from Dublin, Ireland
Rebekah, also a student, has found that Olio makes day-to-day living more affordable, while also helping her connect with people.
“I started using Olio at university. Every week I’d get free Pret food that would otherwise go to waste, and now I’m collecting from Tesco Express. As a uni student, I really appreciate the opportunity to help prevent food waste and save money at the same time! It’s helped me save money and I’ve loved meeting the volunteers along the way.” Rebekah from Birmingham, UK
However, Olio isn’t just about saving money on the good days – it’s also been a source of comfort during the harder times.
“Olio has helped me through my journey with cancer, when money was extremely tight as I wasn’t working as much. I was able to get clothing and food – it made a huge difference.” Lucy from Didcot, UK
And for some, Olio has even played a role in the most joyful milestones. Heather shared how she and her wife wove Olio into their wedding day:
“Olio rescued items included Gu jars repurposed into tealight holders, colourful paper lanterns, and curtain rings turned into decorations. We even painted a children’s easel from Olio to use as a welcome sign, and my mum created a DIY photobooth filled with fancy dress items collected from the app. It was a beautiful day, and it felt even more special to know that it didn’t cost the earth.” Heather from Norwich, UK
From easing weekly food bills, to helping students save money on essentials, to supporting people in times of crisis, Olio is proof that small acts of sharing can add up to something incredible.
In every story, one theme is clear: Olio helps people save money, cut waste, and feel part of a caring community. And in today’s cost of living crisis, that combination has never been more powerful.