Gourmet vouchers: how their use has evolved in companies

Here are a few options for translating "cheque gourmet" into UK English, depending on the exact nature of the 'gourmet cheque': **Most likely and direct:** * Gourmet voucher * Meal voucher **If it's more like a specific payment card for food:** * Food benefit card * Meal card **If it's a more general discount for high-end restaurants:** * Gourmet dining voucher * Fine dining voucher **Therefore, a good general translation for the question would be:** How does the gourmet voucher work in digital format?

The gourmet cheque, offered through the service Edenred Restaurant Ticket, is a convenient and flexible solution to facilitate access to meals during the working day. Companies can offer it under different modalities, adapting it to their compensation and benefits policies. Here's how it works according to the chosen model:  
 

As flexible remuneration
 

• At the beginning of each month, the company charges to Ticket Restaurant on amount agreed with the employee, as part of its Flexible remuneration. 

• The worker chooses to allocate part of his gross salary to this benefit, obtaining tax advantages through products exempt from personal income tax. 

• It can be used directly in restaurants and food establishments, presenting physical or digital proof of payment. 

• The system auto-deduct the amount consumed until the balance is exhausted. 

• If the expense exceeds the balance, the employee can complete payment by credit card or cash. 
   

As a social benefit

• The company assumes the cost of the gourmet cheque as a additional employee benefit, without affecting the salary. 

• Each month, the card is topped up with the amount determined by the company. 

• Enables employees to access to quality food during the working day, promoting well-being and work-life balance. 

• It is easily used in restaurants, with real-time balance and transaction monitoring from the Edenred app or online platform. 
   

In a mixed model

• The cost of the gourmet cheque is shared between the company and the employee, combining Flexible remuneration and social benefit. 

• Part of the amount is deducted from the employee's gross salary, while another part is deducted from the employee's gross salary. covered directly by the company. 

• It offers a balance between tax savings and business commitment to team wellbeing. 

• The operation of the bracket is the same, with Balance enquiry, restaurant finder and management from the app. 

From the printed gourmet cheque to digital support: why has  
changed the trend?

For years, the restaurant voucher – also known as the gourmet voucher – was one of the most valued social benefits by employees. However, its printed version presented certain drawbacks: 
 
1. Loss or deterioration of physical support 
2. Greater management complexity for the company 
3. Real-time limitations on checking balances or making payments 

The move to digital has removed all these barriers., The new system, allowing employees to enjoy their meal allowance directly from their smartphone.

All the advantages of implementing the digital gourmet cheque in your company

Advantages for the company
 

1. Savings on social security contributionsThe amount allocated for meals is exempt from contributions up to €11 per day per worker. 

2. Flexible Remuneration OptimisationImprove the benefits package without increasing the direct wage cost. 

3. Simplified managementIntegration with Human Resources and accounting systems to issue detailed usage and budget reports. 

4. Talent retentionTurning food into a tangible benefit reinforces employee satisfaction and retention. 

5. Digitalisation of processesThe digital format of Ticket Restaurant reduces administrative burden and eliminates the logistics of delivering physical cards or cheques, optimising time and resources. 
    

Employee benefits
 

1. Cost savingsReduction in average daily food expenditure. 

2. Extensive network of establishmentsAccess to traditional restaurants, fast-food chains, tapas bars, and home delivery services. 

3. Convenience of useEliminate reimbursement procedures and the need for cash. By integrating into a mobile device via Google Wallet or Apple Wallet, employees always have their Ticket Restaurant accessible, without the need for physical cards. 

4. Control and transparency: Real-time balance and transaction inquiries via the platform Edenred Flex and mobile app. 

5. Payment flexibilityPossibility of combining the gourmet cheque balance with other payment methods in case of exceeding available credit. 

Where can I use the Edenred digital gourmet cheque?

Edenred's affiliate network exceeds thousands of restaurants and cafeterias. distributed throughout the national territory. To find out which participating establishments are available, we offer you online restaurant finder with location filter.  

With just the city or postcode entered, the user gets an interactive map and an up-to-date list of establishments where they can use their gourmet cheque. 

And what if you still use the physical card?

If your company still uses the traditional physical card format, you can request the change to the digital version at any time. The transition is quick and free.