5 Ways To Save Money on Takeout

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1. Replace Soda Orders With Drinks From Home

You know what really sneaks up on your wallet? The $3 sodas that come with every takeout meal.

It’s wild how those small “extras” turn into a full grocery trip’s worth of cash by the end of the month.

Try this instead: skip the drink order and bring your own from home.

You’ll save money and probably feel better drinking something not loaded with sugar.

Here’s how that adds up fast:

• Skip the markup: Restaurants charge 300–500% more than stores for the same drink.
  
• Use a reusable bottle: Keeps your drink cold, saves money, and cuts waste.
  
• Try fun alternatives: Infused water, iced tea, or sparkling water from home feels just as special.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Fill a reusable tumbler before leaving home or keep chilled drinks ready for quick grab-and-go meals.

Make It Easy: Consider a stainless steel tumbler with a straw that keeps drinks cold for hours.

2. Share Orders or Family Combos to Stretch Your Dollar

You’ve probably noticed that ordering two meals costs more than one combo meant for “two.”

So, why not just share?

Most takeout portions are huge anyway, and splitting saves money without sacrificing satisfaction.

Here’s where it works best:

• Family combos: Usually feed 2–4 people for less than individual orders.
  
• Large sides: Sharing fries or pasta adds up to major savings.
  
• Leftovers for lunch: Eat half now, save the rest for tomorrow’s lunch win.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Check for “family meal” deals or share a single entrée next time you order. No one’s going hungry.

Make It Easy: Try reusable divided containers for easy portioning and reheating the next day.

3. Choose Pick-Up Instead of Paying Delivery Fees

Delivery apps are super convenient… until you see the total and realize you just paid $12 in random fees.

You can cut that instantly by choosing pick-up instead. It’s the same food, minus the sneaky surcharges.

Here’s how it makes a big difference:

• No service fees: Most apps add 10–30% just for using them.
  
• No driver tip: Save that extra $5–10 while still getting hot food.
  
• Faster service: Some restaurants prioritize in-person pickups, so your food’s ready quicker.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Call in your order or use the restaurant’s own app to skip third-party platforms completely.

Make It Easy: Consider an insulated food carrier bag to keep your order warm on the drive home.

4. Skip Add-Ons Like Extra Sauce or Appetizers

You know that moment when you think, “Oh, I’ll just add one more thing”? Yeah, that’s the trap.

Extra sauces, sides, or appetizers are tiny splurges that can double your order total before you even realize it.

Want to see where you’re overspending?

• Extra sauces = hidden fees: Many apps charge up to $1.50 per dip.
  
• Small sides = big totals: Little items like fries or rolls quietly stack up.
  
• DIY appetizers: Air fry something at home instead. It’s cheaper and faster.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Stick to your main meal, skip the extras, and focus on the food you actually crave.

Make It Easy: Keep a mini air fryer at home for quick, budget-friendly sides when you want a little extra crunch.

5. Use Reward Programs or Points Apps for Discounts

If you’re going to order takeout anyway, you might as well get something back for it, right?

Reward programs are like secret coupons hiding in plain sight. They actually give you cash or freebies for stuff you already buy.

Here’s where it pays off fast:

• Restaurant loyalty apps: Free meals, points, or discounts on repeat orders.
  
• Credit card cashback: Earn 2–5% back on dining categories.
  
• Reward extensions: Auto-apply promo codes and cash rewards while you order.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Sign up for your favorite restaurant’s loyalty app and always order through it instead of third-party apps.

Make It Easy: Use Capital One Shopping to earn points or cashback automatically every time you order online.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌