Approved Foods thread

moggymutt

I find that DPD, the parcel company , is great in this area (possibly other areas varying depending on individual drivers). 2 days ago took delivery of masses of poppadoms and glutenfree oatcakes. The gluten free stuff is a godsend when they sell it because I'm on a limited budget, and gluten free stuff is just so expensive. It's the snacky things like crackers/oatcakes that I miss most since I've been gluten free, so the oatcakes were a real find for me.

pinkypig

Hi knowing what a friendly and frugal bunch you are I thought I'd have a go at my first thread - I hope it works!

I am trying really hard to cut don on unnecessary spend at the moment as Mr PP is off sick and is only getting SSP . I do work full time and I am very grateful for that , however, we do need to move house to be closer to our family as Mr PP's health is likely to deteriorate long term. So saving for the move is the new name of the game...

I joined the Fiscal Fasting thread which is brilliant and has drastically cut the cost of our weekly food bill :A However, I have an urge to do more!

I have noticed a few people chatting about Approved Foods and I would really like to have a go but I don't know much about it and worry a bit about food safety. I really need a few tips and some advice.

Hoping you can help me...

PP xxx

Hootie19

Well, I took the view that "back in the olden days" before they introduced dates on all our products, we used our eyes, noses and common sense as to whether or not stuff was ok to eat. And we're still around to pass on the wisdom . I have used Approved Foods and lived to tell the tale.

Oh, and not all of the stuff is out of date. They do have stuff which is close to the best before date, and some which is well within date.

Give it a go - I don't think you'll regret it.

Possession

I use AF food a lot with very few problems. The only problem I've had lately has been the ready to wok noodles so I'm not buying them, otherwise all has been good. If you are on Facebook, 'like' them and they post regular updates and sometimes discount codes there. You need to watch the weight of your parcel as well so that you don't just slip into the next price level for shipping.

katieowl_2

Approved foods don't sell anything that is unsafe to eat. A lot of their stuff hasn't even HIT it's date, but supermarkets etc won't accept stuff into their stores that doesn't have a long date.

I look at it like this...if it's pickled, bottled, jammed or tinned...it can't possibly go off. If it's dried, like beans or pasta, it can't go off, but it might need boiling for a few more minutes.

Crisps, biscuits, cakes can go a bit soggy if they are loads past their date, but most of the time they are fine.

I've not had anything from them ever that has been inedible. I've been using them for over four years.

You have nothing to lose...we've had some real treats from them over the years apart from saving money!

Kate

Barneysmom

I've used them loads of times, they're pretty good in general.

Perfectly safe

katieowl_2

Possession wrote: »

I use AF food a lot with very few problems. The only problem I've had lately has been the ready to wok noodles so I'm not buying them, otherwise all has been good. If you are on Facebook, 'like' them and they post regular updates and sometimes discount codes there. You need to watch the weight of your parcel as well so that you don't just slip into the next price level for shipping.

Were they the rice ones, if so I couldn't get them to look pretty, but they were still edible

Kate

CCP

I've started using Approved Food in the last year and have turned into a bit of a fan. As Hootie says, not all the stuff is out of date - some is stuff where the maker is changing the packaging and just wants to get rid of what's left of the old packaging. The stuff they do sell that's 'out of date' is past its best before date, meaning it might not be in perfect condition (although I've rarely had anything that isn't) - they don't sell things past their use by dates (these are things like meat or dairy products that will go bad if not used in time), so you're not likely to get food poisoning from anything they sell.

The only bad thing I can see about them is their delivery charges - even at the lowest level it's quite expensive (unless you're lucky enough to get a free shipping offer, which they do occasionally) so you need to order a decent quantity of stuff to make it worthwhile.

Hope that helps!

Uniscots97

Pinky, do you have a B&M or Home Bargains near you? I agree with CCP about the delivery charges so I decided to compare the prices of what I wanted to buy on AF compared to Home Bargains and B&M (I'm lucky enough that there is both almost back to back in the next town), some things were a penny or two more others a penny or two less so I decided for me if I'm over in the next town (so as I'm not using petrol unnecessarily) then I have a list and I'll buy from B&M and HB. This may not work for everyone and as I said I think it will depend on what you buy.

pinkypig

Thank you all so much - feeling very brave and will have ago using all your hints and tips :A

I do have a HB near so i will have a good look next time I go into town .

Thanks again


PP xx