Home » Shopping Tips » How To Save Money On Online Food Orders

Shopping Tips

How To Save Money On Online Food Orders

Edited On: Jan 3, 2025

Pareeshti Rao

January 3, 2025

How often do you ignore pop-up notifications from Swiggy, Zomato, or other food delivery apps? While some of these notifications might seem cheesy, others are highly personalized and overly friendly too. But the idea is to read between the lines when you get these notifications, as there’s often a hidden deal waiting for you. With a few tricks up your sleeve, it is quite possible to order your food at the lowest possible price. After all, we all want to avoid those high delivery fees and catch additional discounts and cashback offers, right? On that note, here are some tried-and-true tricks and hacks to save money on your online food orders!

1. Use Promo Codes and Discounts

Promo codes are one of the easiest and fastest ways to save, and they’re not hard to find. Here’s how you can find them:

• Official App Notifications: Always allow notifications from food delivery apps like Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber Eats. They regularly send out special promo codes, especially during festivals, weekends, or cashback offers.
• Email Newsletters: Subscribe to newsletters of your favorite food delivery apps. Many send exclusive discounts directly to your inbox.
• Bank Partnerships: Check for discounts tied to specific bank cards or payment wallets like ICICI, HDFC, or SBI. Many banks run regular cashback or discount offers.
• Coupon Websites: Visit websites like GrabOn (more on this later) to find the latest and verified promo codes.

2. Subscribe to Membership Plans

If you’re a frequent user, subscription plans can save you a fortune over time. Both Swiggy and Zomato offer budget-friendly plans:

• Swiggy One: Ideal for regular users, this plan offers unlimited free deliveries and exclusive discounts. The savings multiply if you order in bulk or share with friends.
• Zomato Gold: This plan is perfect for foodies who dine at premium restaurants or frequently order high-value meals.

Evaluate your ordering habits to decide which membership is best for you. Make sure to check for offers even on these subscription plans. Especially during the holiday season, you could get the plan for as little as ₹30.

3. Order Strategically

Strategizing your orders can drastically cut costs:

• Combine Orders: Ordering for a group? Combine meals into one order instead of placing multiple smaller orders to save on delivery fees.
• Opt for Weekday Deals: Many apps offer discounts during weekdays to boost orders during less busy times. Keep an eye out for these.
• Avoid Peak Hours: During peak times like lunch and dinner, apps may charge surge fees. Ordering slightly earlier or later can save you extra costs.

4. Use Wallets and Cashback Apps

Cashback offers can make your orders significantly cheaper. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Use payment apps like Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay, which often come with cashback deals on food orders.
• Opt for credit card reward programs (e.g., ICICI Amazon Pay or HDFC Millennia cards). They’ll give you points or cashback for your purchases.
• Keep track of rotating offers from payment wallets to maximize savings.

5. Compare Before Ordering

Prices for the same restaurant and menu can vary across platforms. Be a smart customer:

• Check Multiple Apps: Before placing an order, compare prices for the same restaurant on Zomato, Swiggy, or Uber Eats.
• Order Directly from Restaurants: Many restaurants list lower prices or waive delivery fees when you order directly from their website or app. Always check for these options.

6. Avoid Impulse Orders

Control your cravings and save more with these simple tips:

• Plan Your Meals: A little planning can help you avoid sudden hunger pangs and expensive impulse orders.
• Use Grocery Apps: Consider ordering groceries or ready-to-cook items from apps like Dunzo or BigBasket. It’s cheaper than ordering food and allows you to prepare meals at home.

7. Track Spending

It’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending on food orders. Stay in control:

• Use budgeting apps like Walnut or Money View to monitor your expenses. Categorize “food delivery” as a separate expense for better clarity.
• Set a Monthly Cap to allocate a specific budget for online food orders and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending.

8. Use Coupons from GrabOn

GrabOn partners with top food delivery services across India to provide the latest and most exclusive coupons. They frequently update their website with new deals for Swiggy, Zomato, Uber Eats, and more. Perks of using GrabOn include:

• Verified coupons to ensure you’re getting real discounts.
• Wide range of offers for first-time users and regular customers alike.
• Additional promo codes on special occasions like festivals and national holidays.
• Bookmark their website to stay ahead of the game and maximize your savings.

Top Food Delivery Apps in India 

Wrapping Up 

Saving money on online food orders is not just about cutting costs; it’s about making smarter choices. With so many food delivery apps and promotions available, leveraging the right tools can help you enjoy delicious meals without having you spend too much. For instance, try using subscription plans and cashback apps to maximize your savings or explore newer platforms offering innovative deals. Lastly, consider supporting local restaurants through direct orders – this not only saves money but also contributes to your community. By staying informed and planning your orders strategically, you can indulge in your favorite meals guilt-free!