Cheapest Takeaway Apps in the UK: How to Get the Best Food Delivery Deals

Food delivery apps are now a staple of modern convenience, especially when you’re craving a night off from cooking. But with rising menu prices and increasing delivery fees, regular takeaways can take a serious toll on your budget.

Luckily, not all delivery platforms are priced equally. Some offer better value, exclusive promotions, or cheaper service fees — if you know where to look. In this guide, we break down the cheapest takeaway apps in the UK and reveal how to get more for your money every time you order.

Whether you're loyal to one app or open to switching, these money-saving strategies will help you enjoy your favourite meals for less.

Why Food Delivery Costs Are Rising

Before diving into the app comparisons, it’s helpful to understand what makes your food delivery bill more expensive:

• Service fees: Many platforms now charge separate service, delivery, and small order fees.

• Inflated menu pricing: Some restaurants raise their app prices compared to in-store or phone orders.

• Surge pricing: Charges may increase during peak hours or weekends.

• Driver tips and packaging costs: Often added at checkout, increasing your total spend.

That’s why choosing the right app — and using it wisely — matters more than ever.

Top Takeaway Apps Compared by Price & Perks

Below is a breakdown of the most popular UK food delivery apps, with insights on which ones offer the best overall value.

1. Too Good To Go – Best for Huge Savings on Surplus Food

While not a traditional takeaway app, Too Good To Go lets you pick up surplus meals from local restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets at a fraction of the price.

Why It’s Great:

• Meals typically cost between £2–£4.

• Ideal for budget-conscious users who don’t mind a mystery meal.

• Great way to cut food waste while saving money.

Unique Tip: Use it around closing time for the best variety and portion sizes.

Read our guide on: How to Save Money on Your Weekly Food Shop

2. Just Eat – Widely Available and Often the Cheapest Mainstream Option

Just Eat has one of the largest networks of restaurants and often works with independent local takeaways that set their own prices.

Pros:

• Lower service fees compared to Uber Eats or Deliveroo.

• Frequent in-app offers and promo codes.

• Accepts cash in some areas — helpful for budget control.

Savings Hack: Use Just Eat’s “Deals” section to find discounted meal bundles near you.

3. Deliveroo – Good for Fast Delivery and Premium Restaurants

Deliveroo tends to focus on branded chains and higher-end restaurants, but it comes with higher service charges.

Pros:

• Fast delivery and reliable tracking.

• Offers “Deliveroo Plus” subscription — free delivery for a monthly fee (can be worth it if you order regularly).

Cons:

• Higher minimum spend for free delivery.

• Not as widely available in rural areas.

Smart Tip: Look out for trials of Deliveroo Plus, often free for the first month.

4. Uber Eats – Frequent Promo Codes and Student Discounts

Uber Eats is great for stacking discounts — especially for new users, students, or during promotional periods.

Advantages:

• Easy to use with real-time driver tracking.

• Partnerships with national brands like McDonald’s and KFC.

• Uber One membership offers free delivery and exclusive deals (if used regularly).

Watch Out For: Some local restaurants increase prices on Uber Eats versus their own sites.

Read our guide on: Best UK Discount Code Websites for Everyday Savings

5. Foodhub – Lowest Fees with No Commission for Restaurants

Foodhub positions itself as the cheaper alternative by not charging restaurants commission — often translating to lower prices for users.

Why Try It:

• Many takeaways offer lower prices on Foodhub than on Just Eat or Uber Eats.

• No service fees in many areas.

• Regular 10% off codes for first-time users.

Insider Insight: Always compare the same meal across apps — Foodhub often comes out cheapest even without a discount.

6. Domino’s & Pizza Hut Apps – Best for In-App Pizza Offers

Ordering direct from a brand’s own app can yield better deals than third-party platforms.

Benefits:

• App-exclusive vouchers and promotions.

• Loyalty schemes offering free pizzas after several orders.

• Cheaper collection deals that cut out delivery costs.

Pro Tip: Combine online promo codes with app-only deals to maximise savings.

How to Save Even More on Takeaways

The right app is only part of the equation. Here are some proven ways to cut costs regardless of where you order:

Sign Up for Multiple Apps

• Most platforms offer discounts for new users — use different email addresses to repeat the offer sparingly.

Use Cashback and Voucher Apps

• Apps like Shopmium, GreenJinn, or TopCashback may offer restaurant cashback promotions or discounted vouchers.

• Sign up to Quidco and check for takeaway promo cashback rates.

Set Deal Alerts

• Enable push notifications for your apps — many offer flash discounts during off-peak times.

Check Restaurant Websites Directly

• Sometimes it’s cheaper to order directly from the restaurant’s own site. They may offer collection-only discounts or skip platform fees.

A Unique Strategy: Rotate Delivery Apps Each Month

If you tend to stick to one app, you might be missing out on better deals elsewhere. Try rotating which app you use each month:

• Benefit from welcome-back discounts or loyalty rewards.

• Avoid stagnation in pricing — some apps quietly raise fees over time.

• Get exposure to different restaurants that may not be on every platform.

This simple tactic can net savings of £10–£30 a month for frequent takeaway users.

FAQs

Which food delivery app is cheapest in the UK?

Too Good To Go is the cheapest in terms of cost per meal, while Foodhub often offers the lowest prices among traditional takeaway apps.

Is it cheaper to use a restaurant’s own website?

Yes, in many cases. Restaurants can avoid paying commission to delivery platforms, allowing them to offer better prices or promotions on direct orders.

What’s the best app for pizza deals?

Domino’s and Pizza Hut apps tend to offer better discounts than when ordering through third-party platforms like Just Eat or Uber Eats.

Can I use more than one discount at a time?

Usually, only one promo code can be used per order — but you can often stack it with cashback, loyalty points, or first-time app discounts.

Is it worth paying for Deliveroo Plus or Uber One?

If you order more than 2–3 times per month, these subscriptions may save you money on delivery fees. Always calculate based on your order history.

Final Thoughts

Takeaways don’t have to take a bite out of your budget. With the right combination of app selection, discount codes, and cashback tools, you can enjoy your favourite meals for much less. Whether you’re after convenience, variety, or the absolute lowest price, there’s a food delivery app that fits your needs.

As with all spending, staying aware of costs and being willing to compare platforms is the key to consistent savings. Keep your notifications on, your eyes open for vouchers, and your loyalty flexible — and your wallet will thank you.

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