What can be submitted as part of the meal allowance?

When submitting supermarket receipts for the food allowance, uncertainties can sometimes arise:

Which items count as meals that can be eaten directly and which fall under stockpiling?

As there is no clear legal definition, we would like to provide you with some guidance in this article. Using examples, we will show you which products are generally recognized as suitable meals and what you can look out for when shopping to make submitting your receipt as easy as possible.

This way you can make the most of your meal allowance!

Ready meals and salads

• Fresh salads: Ready-mixed salads in the refrigerated section, often with dressing and toppings.

• Bowls: e.g. sushi bowls, quinoa bowls or vegan ready meals.

• Wraps and sandwiches: Ready-made wraps, baguettes or sandwiches.

• Soups in cups: Cold or heated soups (e.g. gazpacho or tomato soup).

• Frozen dishes: In single portions, pizzas (max. pack of 2).

• Express rice: Perfect in small size (note: rice bags in economy packs cannot be charged)

• Sushi: Pre-packed sushi boxes.

Breads and spreads

• Bread rolls or baguettes: Pre-packed bread rolls or baguettes; or self-smeared with cheese or spreads from the fresh food department (only in the quantity consumed directly as part of the working day's meal).

Snacks and small meals (only in combination with a full meal)

• Snack vegetables: carrot sticks, cucumber sticks or bell pepper strips.
• Hummus or dips: Combined with crackers, bread or vegetable sticks.
• Fruit bowls: Freshly cut fruit such as pineapple, melon or berries.

Milk products and alternative

• Yoghurt: Natural or fruit yoghurt, also plant-based varieties (only individual yoghurts).
• Cheese snacks: Mini Babybel, cheese cubes or mozzarella balls.
• Quark or Skyrbecher: Sometimes already with fruit or toppings.

High-protein options

• Meat snacks: e.g. bresaola, chicken breast strips or meatballs.
• Vegetarian/vegan alternatives: E.g. falafel, vegan nuggets or tofu sticks.

Tip: Combine several small snacks for a varied and balanced lunch!  

Examples of what cannot be accounted for, as this can be interpreted as stockpiling in the event of a tax audit:

Stockpiling

1. Bread in a special pack (as a loaf)
2. Several packages of cold cuts
3. Rice with several bags as contents
4. pasta
5. cornflakes

wholesome meal

1. protein shakes
2. protein bars
3. Snacks of any kind that are not bought in addition to a meal

You are also welcome to use our guide* on the subject of food subsidies.

*only available in german