Be it a greasy kebab, succulent smashed burger, or sushi platter, many of us enjoy indulging in the odd takeaway every now and again.
And thanks to delivery apps like UberEats, Just Eat, and Deliveroo, Brits now have myriad of ways to satiate their cravings at the touch of a button.
However, most of these apps often levy hefty delivery feels and service charges that can leave a bitter taste in the mouth.
Fortunately for frugal foodies, one UberEats driver has revealed a handful of little-known hacks to score free meals and treats on the company’s food delivery app.
Tom, 33, who has more than 7,000 deliveries under his belt, shared the tricks and tips for nabbing complimentary dinners that companies like Uber don’t advertise – but that are still completely legal.
‘There are just things the apps don’t advertise clearly – but once you know them, you’ll start spotting the patterns,’ he told Number 1 Plates, adding that customers needn’t break the law or lie to get their hands on free food.
‘You don’t need to scam anyone or lie about your order,’ he prefaced.
Many of us are unknowingly missing out on unredeemed treats, whether it be unclaimed meals or birthday rewards that people forget to cash in.
With delivery apps including UberEats, Just Eat and Deliveroo, Brits now have myriad of ways of satiating their cravings – all at the touch of a button (stock image)
With most eateries now using loyalty schemes to entice new patrons, its easier than ever to pick up reduced – or even completely free – meals, the delivery veteran explained.
Directing penny-pinching food lovers, Tom listed a handful of high-street names that offer free food.
Popular for their delectable sandwiches and iconic bakery hits, Greggs offer their customers a free hot drink when they joining their loyalty scheme, allowing patrons to snag a free tea, coffee or caramel latte.
Similar to Greggs, Burger King offers a free Whopper or fries for first-time customers while burger lovers that favour McDonald’s can choose from a free cheeseburger, McFlurry or chips.
Those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can pick up a free original glazed donut from Krispy Kreme just by signing up to their loyalty scheme.
One of the nation’s best loved roast dinner outlets, Toby Carvery also offers complimentary munch to new customers, throwing in a free starter or dessert with any main course ordered.
Foodies can also sign up to Subway’s rewards programme to earn 250 bonus points that they can trade for a free drink or cookie.
Fried chicken chain KFC, on the other hand, have a spin-to-win feature where customers can nab a range of tasty freebies, including a zinger burger, fries, wings, wraps and more.
The 33-year-old, who has more than 7,000 deliveries under his belt, has revealed his insider tips for nabbing complimentary dinners – including using birthday freebies and sign-up deals (stock image)
Those seeking a caffeine fix can also get their hands on a free beverage from Starbucks once they’ve accumulated a certain amount of stars, and the company provides daily bonuses for the chance to pick up additional treats.
And it’s not just loyalty programmes that hand out complimentary food and drink, according to Tom.
‘Honestly, if you’ve got a birthday, you’ve got free food. Some people use this every year like clockwork,’ the delivery driver said.
Listing his favourite places to bag a birthday treat, Tom suggested Krispy Kreme, where patrons can get a free donut, Greggs, who offer a free sweet treat, and Costa Coffee for a free cake.
Luxury chocolate makers Hotel Chocolat also give a free selector box to people on their birthday – so long as they have the app and an account.
Chain Mexican eateries, Barburrito and Chiquito, also give free burritos to patrons on their special day.
In addition, TGI Fridays will gift a free dessert or cocktail, and Subway will serve free cookies to customers for the duration of their birthday month.
Chain restaurants, Beefeater and Brewers Fayre, give free meal vouchers via their rewards programme.
It comes after UberEats revealed its 25 ‘hottest bites’ for 2025 as the delivery platform predicts this year’s best takeaways.
To celebrate making their one billionth delivery in the UK since launching nine years ago in 2016, UberEats shed light on this year’s growing food trends.
The final list includes on-trend meals, from burgers and sushi to desserts and snack items.
Taking the crown for the trendiest meal was the Pad Thai from Rosa’s Thai – a beloved classic featuring stir-fried noodles with tamarind sauce, eggs and crushed peanuts, with the option to choose between veg and tofu, chicken and king prawns.
In second place was the chicken gyro from Going Greek, which has six locations across North London and Essex.
The classic gyro is the eatery’s most liked item at £9.25, including chicken inside a pita wrap with tomatoes and red onions, parsley, paprika, oregano fries and house sauce, with the option to add halloumi for an extra £2.75.
Also making the top five is the Shack Burger from Shack Shack, and the ever-popular chilli chicken ramen from Tonkotsu.
Meanwhile the Curry Goat Pon Fries from Natty’s Jerk, finished with apple & mango slaw, is also set to be a popular choice this year.
The Jamaican restaurant, based in Bournemouth, Portsmouth and Southampton, was previously crowned the best takeaway in the UK and Ireland in the UberEats 2024 awards.
But it’s not just main meals that have made the running this year, as desserts and snacks also featured in the competitive top 25.
The list also contains sweet items, such as Subway’s 1,344 ‘world first’ footlong cookie and the ‘Nutella Crustbonara’ from Crust Bros – a decadent take on a classic pizza.
