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FREE food and drink deals are everywhere – if you know where to look.
We reveal some of the best ways to get deal on your next snack or refreshment, and from your favourite chains like Costa, Greggs Nandos and McDonalds.
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With prices rising across the board, a sneaky saving here and there could add up and help you stay on budget.
Take advantage of these food and drink perks and you could be quids in.
Join a rewards scheme
If you visit the same restaurant or coffee shop frequently then signing up for their loyalty or rewards scheme could see you land a regular treat.
Customers can sign up for the Nando’s rewards card, which allows you to earn points, or chillies, which turn into “free peri-peri”.
The rewards range from a starter to a whole chicken, depending on when you redeem the points.
McDonald’s is trialling a loyalty scheme at 75 branches you can earn points to free food like Big Macs and Nuggets.
KFC and pizza hut also have rewards up for grabs when you spend enough with them.
Costa Coffee, Cafe Nero and Starbucks are among the coffee shops where you eventually get a free cuppa – we compared them all to see the best value for money.
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Each scheme works differently, like how much you have to spend to get a reward, so check first so you’re no left disappointed later on.
You’ll usually have to share some information with them when signing up, like name, age and location, among other details.
You might get extra points more quickly and without spending cash by sharing more information.
Independent places near you might offer rewards too, so it’s worth checking with your favourite haunts.
Of course remember, it’s only a freebie if you were planning on spending the cash anyway.
Celebrate your birthday
It’s just once a year, but you could save a big amount if you hoover up all the freebies available for your birthday.
Places giving away free cake and sweet treats on your big day include Costa Coffee, Cafe Nero, Greggs and Krispy Kreme.
Frankie and Benny’s and Pizza Express offer a bottle of b’day fizz for free too.
Check out our full round up of annual perks you could get your hands on.
Check the terms and conditions for when you have to use them so you don’t miss out. Many last for the month of your birthday rather than just the day itself.
Some treats may require you make a purchase first, so don’t be tempted into spending if you didn’t intend to, otherwise it’s not really free.
To get your freebie you’ll usually have to sign up to their website 9r app first and share some details, including your date of birth so they know when to give you the deal.
You might find freebies on other big days to the year too, like Father’s Day and Valentines.
Check your service perks
Using a certain service could entitle you to a free drink or snack.
For instance mobile network O2 regularly gives away free Greggs, including sausage rolls and coffees.
Vodafone’s VeryMe Rewards has weekly freebies which sometimes includes food and drink.
Meanwhile comparethemarket’s customer rewards can often include freebies.
You’ll need to be a customer with these providers but its’ worth checking what yours offer.
Watch deals sites
If you’re not committed to one food chain and just want to find what freebies are available at the time, deals sites can help you find them.
Websites like HotUkDeals, Money Saving Expert and LatestDeals are among those where people share the freebies they’ve spotted.
Facebook groups like Extreme Couponing and Bargains also takes the hard work out of searching for you.
Some even offer deals themselves, like Vouchercodes which gave away free Greggs sausage rolls, though numbers can be limited.
Get app freebies
On top of loyalty schemes and birthday treats, many chains also give regular deals and offers to people who have downloaded their apps.
For instance McDonald’s regularly offers promotions like via the MyMcDonald’s app, including a free coffee.
There are also bespoke deals that only go out to certain people.
Costa gave away a free iced drink this week – though you had to buy a drink first to get the deal.
It has also promised a new deal next week, but you’ll need to have the app and be a Costa Club member.
Deals vary but M&S Sparks card giveaways have included chocolate bars and popular Percy Pig sweets, along with non-food items like candles and flowers.
Other chains also offer in app deals and discounts, so check if your fave place has one.
Of course these are designed to tempt you to spend, so hold out for a freebie rather than money off, so you don’t spend cash you didn’t intend to.
Sign up to emails and follow on social media
It’s not just apps where you’ll find offers and discounts.
Newsletters and updates via email are sent out by many food and drink places.
For instance pub chains often give away free drinks, though these can be limited.
And social media like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter are also places where brands shout about promotions
It’s worth keeping an eye on these for any freebies – but again don’t be tempted to spend if you weren’t planning to in the first place.
Complain
If you’re not happy with service you get or there’s something wrong with your order, tell someone.
If you raise the issue, they might offer you compensation like a free food or drink voucher if they agree with you, although that’s not guaranteed.
Want more freebies? We’ve rounded up all the ways you can get toys, holidays and more – without spending a penny.
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