The Complete Guide to Getting Discounts on Food and Drink Delivery

Few things feel quite as satisfying as that moment your food delivery arrives, especially when you know you saved on it. From late-night pizza cravings to next-day groceries, food and drink delivery brings convenience to every table. And with the right know-how, those costs can shrink fast.

Promo codes (short alphanumeric codes you enter at checkout) unlock instant savings on everything from meal kits to restaurant orders. Delivery subscriptions like DashPass or Uber One offer long-term perks such as waived fees. Add Rakuten to the mix, and you can earn Cash Back every time you order from partners such as HelloFresh and Grubhub.

The best part? You can stack promo codes, loyalty rewards and Rakuten Cash Back for layered savings that make every bite (and sip) more rewarding.

Categories of food and drink you can have delivered

Food and drink delivery covers everything from coffee beans to family dinners. With Rakuten, you’ll find offers across a wide range of categories to fit any appetite, occasion or schedule.

Meal kits

Meal kits deliver fresh, pre-portioned ingredients with step-by-step recipes, which is perfect for busy families or anyone tired of meal planning. Brands such as HelloFresh and Home Chef offer introductory deals and free shipping for new subscribers. They simplify dinner while saving time and reducing food waste. And when you start through Rakuten, you can also earn Cash Back on every order.

Coffee and tea

Coffee and tea delivery makes any morning easier. Specialty roasters and tea brands on Rakuten, such as Peet’s Coffee and Black Rifle Coffee Company, offer flexible subscriptions, sampler packs and first-time-customer discounts. Whether you love espresso or chai, these subscriptions let you earn Cash Back while keeping your kitchen stocked and mornings smoother.

Groceries

Grocery delivery brings the supermarket to your doorstep with no lines, no traffic and no forgetting the milk. Rakuten partners with several major grocery delivery services, such as Misfits Market and Instacart, that offer Cash Back on everything from pantry staples to fresh produce. Save even more by hitting order minimums for free delivery or choosing sale items featured through Rakuten partners.

Desserts and sweets

From a late-night cookie craving to birthday cake delivery, dessert services such as Baked By Melissa make indulgence easy. Many bakeries and candy shops offer first-time-customer promos, two-for-one deals or rotating seasonal specials. It’s perfect for gifting or treating yourself, with the added bonus of earning Cash Back.

Restaurant delivery

Restaurant delivery connects you to your favorite local spots and national chains with just a few taps. Through Rakuten, ordering on platforms such as Grubhub can also earn you Cash Back. Watch for app-exclusive promos, free delivery windows and limited-time menu discounts, and then start your order with Rakuten to make every meal more rewarding.

Wine and alcohol

Alcohol delivery services legally deliver spirits, beer and wine (depending on state laws). Rakuten partners such as Wine.com and Minibar Delivery offer curated selections, bundle pricing and first-order discounts. It’s an easy way to stock up for weekend gatherings or at-home celebrations. Plus, you’ll earn Cash Back while you sip!

Snacks and pantry essentials

Keep your kitchen ready for snacking or hosting with pantry item delivery. Rakuten’s snack partners, such as Thrive Market, feature themed boxes, healthy treats and bulk deals. Look for flash sales or subscribe-and-save offers to make everyday convenience even more rewarding with Cash Back.

Ready-to-eat meals

Ready-to-eat meals are fully prepared dishes that heat up in minutes. Brands like Factor make nutritious eating effortless for busy schedules. Many services run recurring Cash Back offers or provide discounts for auto-renewing weekly plans, offering easy savings and stress-free dining.

How to get discounts on food and drink delivery

There’s no shortage of ways to save on food delivery, but it’s all about strategy. Here are the top methods for snagging serious deals and making every order count.

Use delivery service subscriptions and membership passes

Delivery subscriptions are paid monthly memberships that waive delivery fees or grant exclusive perks.

If you order often, these subscriptions can quickly pay for themselves while layering additional savings, and many pair seamlessly with Rakuten Cash Back offers.

Join loyalty and rewards programs

Loyalty programs let you earn points or credits with each purchase, redeemable for future discounts or freebies. Members often get perks such as free drinks, birthday treats and priority promos. Regulars reap the biggest rewards, especially when combining points with Cash Back through Rakuten.

Find and apply promo codes and referral offers

Promo codes offer quick, reliable discounts at checkout. Always check Rakuten and the brands’ official sites for verified, limited-time codes before you order. Pairing a promo with Cash Back creates easy double savings!

Bundle orders and order during off-peak times

Bundling means combining multiple items or meals into one order to reach free-delivery minimums or reduce small-order fees. You can often save more by placing orders during off-peak times, when some apps lower surcharges.

Quick strategy:

1. Plan your family meals for the week.
2. Combine two or three orders into one delivery.
3. Choose weekdays or early evenings for the best pricing.

How to earn Rakuten Cash Back on food and drink delivery orders

Cash Back from Rakuten turns every order into a mini reward. It’s simple:

1. Start at Rakuten.com or open the Rakuten app.
2. Click your preferred food or drink partner, such as Grubhub or HelloFresh.
3. Complete your purchase; your Cash Back will be recorded automatically.

Many partners offer bonus Cash Back during holidays or seasonal promotions. Make it a habit to start each order with Rakuten for effortless, ongoing savings that add up fast.

Tips for stacking discounts and payment perks

Stacking combines multiple savings types, such as Rakuten Cash Back, promo codes and credit card rewards, for the best payoff.

Use dining-focused credit cards that earn extra points. Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, earns 3x points on dining, while Amex Gold earns 4x. Just make sure the retailer’s terms allow multiple savings methods, and review for exclusions.

Do:

• Activate Rakuten Cash Back
• Use a rewards credit card for payment
• Keep confirmations for tracking Cash Back

Don’t:

• Stack expired or overlapping codes, since they may cancel out

How to avoid hidden fees and markups on delivery orders

Hidden fees can sneak up quickly. Many restaurant-delivery apps charge service fees, surge pricing or raised menu prices compared to dining in.

Ways to stay alert:

• Compare prices on the restaurant’s website
• Review the final price breakdown before checkout
• Look for small-order or delivery-adjustment fees
• Choose delivery times that avoid peak-hour surcharges

Frequently asked questions

What are the best apps for getting discounts on food delivery?

Rakuten partners with major platforms such as Grubhub so you can earn Cash Back while taking advantage of each app’s discounts.

How do promo codes and coupons for delivery apps work?

Enter the code at checkout and the discount applies instantly, usually as free delivery or a set amount off your total.

Are delivery subscription programs worth the cost for savings?

If you order multiple times per month, subscriptions such as Grubhub+ typically pay off fast, especially when linked with Rakuten Cash Back.

Can you stack multiple discounts or promo codes on one order?

You can usually combine Rakuten Cash Back with one promo code per order for maximum savings.

How do loyalty programs help save money on food and drink delivery?

They reward repeat customers with points, credits or free items. When used with Rakuten, those perks add up even faster.