Ordering takeout can be a time-saver, but it doesn’t have to be a one-and-done meal. With a few smart strategies, you can turn a single fast-casual order into two satisfying meals—maximizing both convenience and your budget. From portion-aware ordering to reheating techniques and cashback rewards, this guide will help you get more out of every order.
Choose Meals That Are Easy to Split
Not all takeout is created equal when it comes to portion size. Fast-casual restaurants often serve large bowls or entrees that can easily be split into two meals—especially when you’re adding extra toppings or proteins.
Best Chains for Meal Splitting:
• Cava: Order a grain bowl with double protein, extra toppings, and all the free sauces. The portions are generous, and the flavors reheat well or taste just as good cold.
• Chipotle: A burrito bowl with both beans, rice, and two proteins can easily be divided into two smaller meals. Ask for both fajita veggies and extra salsas (free add-ons) to bulk it up.
• Panera Bread: Their warm grain bowls, soups, and sandwiches are filling. Pairing a half sandwich with a side salad can stretch across lunch and a light dinner.
• Sweetgreen: A fully loaded salad or warm bowl with premium ingredients like lentils, tofu, and wild rice can be split—especially if you store wet and dry components separately to preserve texture.
Optimize Portion Control
To make sure your takeout stretches further:
• Order with intent: Choose a bowl or plate format rather than a sandwich or wrap, which is harder to split evenly.
• Request dressings and sauces on the side: This preserves freshness and prevents sogginess for the second serving.
• Add extra bases: Many restaurants let you combine grains and greens or offer double rice/lettuce at no extra cost.
• Go heavy on free toppings: At places like Cava, Chipotle, and Just Salad, you can add extras like corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled onions at no additional charge.
Reheat Without Losing Flavor
If you’re planning to stretch your meal into tomorrow’s lunch or dinner, reheating properly is key:
• Grain bowls: Separate cold and hot elements. Reheat the rice and protein in the microwave or on the stove, then add fresh greens, sauces, and toppings afterward.
• Sandwiches and wraps: Reheat protein and bread separately if possible. Use a toaster oven to keep the bread crisp.
• Soups and stews: These usually reheat well in the microwave or on the stove. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Invest in a few airtight containers if you plan to make this a habit—keeping sauces, greens, and warm ingredients apart helps maintain texture.
Stack Your Savings with Cashback Apps
Even if you’re only ordering once, stretching it across two meals means you’re already doubling your value. Add cashback apps like Fluz or Rakuten into the mix and the savings go even further.
Here’s how:
• Fluz: Buy a digital gift card through the Fluz app right before ordering at chains like Cava, Panera, Sweetgreen, or Chipotle. Use the gift card immediately at checkout—either in-store or online—and earn instant cashback.
• Rakuten: If ordering through a restaurant’s online portal or delivery partner (like DoorDash or Grubhub), go through Rakuten first to earn percentage-based cashback on eligible purchases.
Combining Fluz gift cards with Rakuten online orders means double savings—plus any loyalty rewards from the restaurant itself.
Final Thoughts
Ordering takeout doesn’t have to mean overspending or wasting leftovers. With a little planning, you can choose meals that serve you twice—once now, and again later—with minimal effort. The key is knowing where to order, how to portion, and how to save.
With apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and others working in your favor, you’re not just buying convenience—you’re building a smarter, more budget-friendly routine.
