Plant-based dining has often been viewed as a premium lifestyle choice, but that perception is changing fast. While it’s true that some vegan products can be costly, dining plant-based at fast food chains can actually be just as affordable—if not cheaper—than traditional meat-based meals. With the right strategy and tools like Fluz, it’s possible to eat consciously and still stay on budget.
Many fast food restaurants now offer meatless alternatives that are competitively priced. At Chipotle, for example, a burrito with rice, beans, veggies, salsa, and guacamole costs about the same as one with chicken or steak, and Chipotle’s tofu-based Sofritas option is often included at no extra charge. At Panera Bread, vegan soups and grain bowls can be priced even lower than meat-based sandwiches. Meanwhile, Starbucks charges slightly more for plant-based milks, but choosing simpler, dairy-free drinks like iced shaken espressos or herbal teas can keep costs down. Even traditional burger spots like Shake Shack and Burger King offer meatless sandwiches that are on par with their regular menu pricing.
Still, eating out adds up—especially for those incorporating more plant-based options into their routine. That’s where Fluzcomes in. By purchasing a gift card for your favorite plant-forward restaurants through the Fluz app, you earn instant cashback that can be used toward your next meal. It’s a simple system: open the app, search for a merchant like Chipotle, buy a gift card for the exact amount you plan to spend, then pay with that gift card at checkout. Cashback is deposited into your Fluz wallet instantly, and you can apply it to future gift card purchases.
This approach is especially helpful for flexitarians—those who eat mostly plant-based but occasionally include meat or dairy. Sticking to meatless options a few times a week, using cashback strategically, and choosing chains with flexible menus makes it easier to maintain both dietary goals and a manageable food budget.
To see how it adds up, consider a sample day of plant-based dining using Fluz. You start your morning with an oat milk latte from Starbucks, earning around 2 percent cashback. For lunch, you grab a grain bowl at Panera Bread, earning up to 3 percent back. Dinner might be a Sofritas burrito bowl at Chipotle, where you get another 2 percent cashback. Over time, these rewards stack up, giving you an ongoing discount on meals you’re already planning to eat.
The myth that plant-based dining has to be expensive is quickly fading, especially with the growing number of affordable vegan options at fast food chains. When paired with the Fluz app, eating more sustainably becomes even more practical. By stacking rewards and planning your meals strategically, you can keep your budget intact while exploring a variety of meatless options that are both delicious and accessible.
