Digital meal allowances allow companies to provide employees with flexible and tax-advantaged digital meal subsidies instead of using physical meal vouchers or canteen coupons. These digital subsidies are typically managed via an app, a dedicated card, or a digital platform, offering a modern alternative to traditional meal benefits.

Options for digital meal allowances

Companies partner with providers that manage meal allowances digitally. Employees are given access to an app or card that is "loaded" with their monthly allowance. The amount can then be used at restaurants, supermarkets, or delivery services that are part of the provider's network.

Some common solutions:

Digital meal vouchers

Digital meal vouchers are apps or digital cards that employees can redeem at partner restaurants, supermarkets, or even delivery services.

They are flexible and easy to use, as employees can benefit from various providers and restaurants regardless of their location.

Subsidies via food delivery services

Some providers partner with food delivery services (e.g., mobile canteens) so that meals can be delivered directly to the office. Employees can redeem their subsidies directly through these platforms.

Regular meal delivery is particularly convenient for employees who want to eat at the office or need home office allowances. Digital canteens and other delivery services offer a wide selection and high flexibility.

Prepaid meal cards

These are reloadable debit or prepaid cards that can be used specifically for meal allowances. The employer loads the tax-free amount onto the card each month.

The cards are flexible and can be used in various stores and sometimes online, provided they are recognized as "meal expenses."

Mobile payment via app

Mobile apps that enable contactless payment in restaurants, cafés, or supermarkets and automatically calculate the meal allowance. Companies and employees then only need to use the app for billing.

The benefits are flexibility and low barriers to entry, as no physical card is required. Mobile payment is often possible directly via a smartphone or the provider's app.

Meal cashback programs

In this model, the company reimburses employees for meal expenses submitted as work-related.

This option is highly flexible, as employees can buy food anywhere without being tied to specific partner restaurants. Billing is handled through a simple receipt system.

Practical benefits

The digital meal allowance is not only a modern solution but also offers numerous advantages for both companies and employees.

Leveraging tax benefits

In many countries, meal allowances are tax-free or tax-advantaged up to a certain amount. Companies can pass this benefit on to employees, effectively increasing their net salary without incurring high tax burdens.

Digital solutions make it easier to comply with tax regulations by providing features such as automatic spending limits and proof of usage.

Flexibility for remote teams

Digital meal allowances are particularly beneficial for hybrid or remote teams. Employees can use the allowance whether they are working from the office, from home, or on the go.

They are not restricted to a specific restaurant or canteen but can choose from a wide range of partners.

Simple administration and transparency

Companies benefit from the easy administration of these allowances. Processing via a digital platform minimizes administrative effort and ensures clear billing.

Many platforms also offer reports and analytics, allowing companies to track usage and employee satisfaction.

Improving employee motivation and benefits

Meal allowances are a valued perk that can help companies motivate employees and increase their attractiveness as an employer.

They can also be an important component of employer branding strategies as they show employees that their needs, such as flexible meal solutions, are being taken seriously.

Use the digital meal allowance for heykantine!

Digital meal allowances allow companies to meet the needs of modern work structures while making the most of tax benefits. heykantine!, the mobile canteen solution from heycater!, gives you an easy way to flexibly subsidize your team's meals. You simply set a fixed daily amount per employee, a percentage, or a maximum limit. Your employees choose their preferred dishes from the weekly selection and can see exactly how much the meal allowance and their own contribution are at the time of ordering.

Would you like to try out heykantine! and treat your team to freshly cooked meals at the office? Let us advise you; we will discuss your needs and how you can make the most of this mobile canteen solution.