A savvy consumer has shared a simple money-saving hack that slashed £16 from their typical fish and chips order, sparking a major conversation about the true cost of convenience with food delivery apps.
The Reddit Revelation
The discovery was posted on Reddit on November 27, 2025, by a user who decided to collect their order directly from the chip shop instead of using the Just Eat delivery platform. The user was so shocked by the savings that they posted their receipt as proof, titling the thread: "I saved £16 earlier by collecting my fish and chips rather than getting it delivered on Just Eat."
They clarified that it was the exact same order from the same chip shop, with a minor item error corrected by the shop owner. The price comparison, however, was anything but minor.
A Stark Price Comparison
The receipt evidence revealed staggering markups on the delivery app. A portion of large chips that cost £3.80 in the shop was priced at £5.90 on Just Eat. The main event, cod, saw an even larger jump from £7.90 to £12.25—an increase of nearly £5. Even a simple can of drink cost 40p more through the app.
When delivery fees, service charges, and bag fees were added, the total bill on the app came to a hefty £38.03. The exact same items collected directly from the shop cost just £21.90—a saving of over £16.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
The post resonated deeply with other Reddit users. One commenter stated, "These apps are daylight robbery," while another simply called the price difference "ridiculous." A third user commented, "This is why I don’t get food delivered," highlighting a growing sentiment against delivery app markups.
Some suggested a strategic approach, advising others to only use takeaway apps when they have a discount code or promotion. The discussion evolved beyond mere cost, with many lamenting that the traditional experience of visiting your local chippy is being lost to the impersonal click of an app.
Users reflected that while these apps provided a crucial lifeline for restaurants during the Covid-19 pandemic, their continued use in a post-pandemic world is being questioned. The central debate now is whether the sheer convenience justifies the significant extra cost, or if the more personal, and far cheaper, method of collection is the smarter choice for both your wallet and the community.
