Whole Foods Launches Affordable Surprise Bags

Whole Foods has introduced a new initiative aimed at reducing food waste by offering customers "surprise bags" filled with surplus food items at discounted prices. These bags include "Prepared Foods Surprise Bags," which contain ready-to-eat meals and soups, as well as "Bakery Surprise Bags" filled with baked goods. This initiative is part of a partnership with the social impact company Too Good to Go, which aims to tackle global food waste. The "surprise bags" are available through the Too Good to Go app and were launched nationwide last month, with over 450 Whole Foods locations participating. The grocery chain has set an ambitious goal to halve its food waste by 2030, and this partnership is a significant step towards achieving that target. Whole Foods operates more than 500 stores across the U.S., along with nearly 20 locations in Canada and the U.K. Pricing for the "Prepared Foods Surprise Bags" is set at $9.99, which offers approximately $30 worth of food, while the "Bakery Surprise Bags" are priced at $6.99, providing around $21 worth of baked goods. This pricing strategy is particularly appealing to consumers facing inflation, as many are actively seeking ways to save on grocery expenses. The initiative not only helps reduce food waste but also provides an economical option for customers, reflecting a growing trend among retailers to address sustainability while catering to budget-conscious shoppers.