In today’s busy world, fast doesn’t have to mean low quality—especially when it comes to meals. Whether you’re on a tight lunch break, commuting home, or managing a packed schedule, certain fast-casual chains make it easy to grab gourmet meals in under 10 minutes.
This guide spotlights 10 standout meals from Sweetgreen, Panera Bread, Shake Shack, and more that offer both speed and flavor. Plus, we’ll cover how to use cashback apps like Fluz and Rakuten to save money while streamlining your routine.
1. Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
Estimated pickup time: 5–7 minutes (with app pre-order)
This fan-favorite bowl features roasted sweet potatoes, apples, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette. Ordering through the Sweetgreen app ensures it’s ready before you even arrive.
Tip: Choose a pickup time and skip the line.
Cashback: Buy Sweetgreen gift cards on Fluz and earn instant cashback.
2. Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken
Estimated pickup time: 6–8 minutes
This warm grain bowl is nutrient-packed and easy to grab using Panera’s Rapid Pick-Up feature. Pre-pay and walk in to collect without waiting.
Customization: Remove feta or swap for extra grains if needed.
Cashback: Get Panera Bread gift cards via Fluz for added savings.
3. Shake Shack ShackBurger
Estimated pickup time: 7–10 minutes (with app pre-order)
This classic burger with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce is quick to prep and available for mobile pickup at most locations.
Pro tip: Pair it with fries and skip the line by choosing the “scheduled pickup” option.
Cashback: Earn cashback on Shake Shack with Fluz.
4. Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
Estimated pickup time: 5–7 minutes
Build your bowl in the Chipotle app and have it ready in minutes. Fajita veggies, beans, and brown rice make this a filling and fast lunch.
Add-on trick: Load up on no-cost extras like salsa and veggies.
Cashback: Order through Fluz for Chipotle savings.
5. Cava Greens + Grains Bowl
Estimated pickup time: 6–9 minutes
This Mediterranean bowl includes your choice of greens, grains, hummus, roasted veggies, and protein. The Cava app makes it simple to pre-order and modify your build.
Why it’s fast: Bowls are assembled assembly-line style, even during peak hours.
Cashback: Use Fluz to buy Cava gift cards.
6. Just Salad Thai Chicken Crunch Bowl
Estimated pickup time: 7 minutes
Combining cabbage, chicken, crispy wontons, and spicy peanut dressing, this bowl is perfect for pickup via the Just Salad app.
Pro tip: Their app allows for reusable bowl rewards and skip-the-line pickup.
Cashback App: Pair with Fetch Rewards for receipt-based cashback.
7. Panera Bread Turkey Chili in a Bread Bowl
Estimated pickup time: 5–8 minutes
Warm, hearty, and comforting, this meal is easy to grab fast using Panera’s kiosk or mobile app.
Ideal for: Cold days or quick dinner between errands.
Cashback Tools: Use Rakuten or Fluz for double rewards depending on your payment method.
8. Sweetgreen Shroomami Bowl
Estimated pickup time: 6–9 minutes
This plant-based bowl with roasted tofu, wild rice, and miso sesame dressing is easy to pre-order in the Sweetgreen app.
Efficiency tip: Order ahead before leaving your office for a no-wait pickup.
Cashback: Available with Fluz here.
9. Dig Charred Chicken Market Plate
Estimated pickup time: 8–10 minutes
Served with roasted veggies and grains, this meal is prepared fresh but available fast with online ordering. DIG focuses on real food and fast service.
Pro tip: DIG often separates online and walk-in lines to expedite pickups.
10. Shake Shack Chicken Bites + Fries Combo
Estimated pickup time: 6–8 minutes
Craving crispy comfort? This combo offers high flavor and speed—especially when pre-ordered. It’s great for evening commutes or a quick bite before an event.
Bonus: Use the Shack App for seasonal deals and check-in promos.
Cashback: Order with Fluz for Shake Shack savings.
App Pre-Orders vs. In-Store Speed
Ordering through mobile apps drastically reduces wait times. Here’s why:
• Kitchen prioritization: Orders are prepped in sequence as they come in online.
• No register delays: Skip lines and payment processing.
• Customizations saved: Apps remember your favorite builds, so reordering is one tap away.
Most fast-casual chains now support app-based ordering with pickup shelves, QR code kiosks, or curbside options. Combine this with cashback apps for extra efficiency and value.
Using Cashback Apps for Meal Savings
Beyond just speed, using apps like Fluz and Rakuten can reduce the real cost of your meals.
• Fluz: Buy gift cards instantly, use them at checkout, and earn cashback. Works with Sweetgreen, Shake Shack, Cava, and more.
• Rakuten: Earn cashback when placing orders through partner websites or apps.
• Fetch Rewards: Scan receipts from dining purchases and earn points toward gift cards.
• Ibotta: Occasionally features restaurant gift card deals or dining rebates.
Combining mobile ordering with these tools makes every quick meal a smarter financial choice.
Final Thoughts
Eating fast doesn’t mean sacrificing quality—or paying more. These 10 meals prove that with the right app and a little planning, you can get a gourmet-quality lunch or dinner in under 10 minutes and still save money.
