Chasing the Fionist Dream

Are you lucky enough to have a food program at your Israeli workplace? We’re talking about 10bis, Cibus, or the like. It’s a monthly food allowance originally intended to buy you lunch at work, but since COVID has become much more flexible and is considered an incredible perk. Fiona was privileged to have this in the past, but doesn’t have it in her current job. (But she does have a fabulous discount club instead.)

So, how does it work? What do I need to know? And how do I get it?

These app-based programs are common in the tech sector, but have started popping up in other sectors as well. They enable you to order lunch delivery from local restaurants, buy groceries, or even buy other things. Some companies give you a daily allowance, which you have to use or lose – while others give you a monthly stipend to use as you please. Cibus works with Wolt, which enables you to use it for anything Wolt delivers in your area. Both 10bis and Cibus allow you to roll over credit you haven’t used and more and more non-restaurant options are becoming available.

I heard it’s heavily taxed. Wouldn’t it make sense not to use it?

As it is a benefit with cash value, whatever portion of it you spend is taxed at whatever marginal tax bracket it would reach if it were a portion of your salary. So it will be taxed at 20% if you are in that bracket, 35% if you are in that bracket, etc. You will also be charged Bituach Leumi on whatever you spend. If you don’t touch it, it disappears by the next month. No extra taxes, but also no value.

While it’s true that these programs are taxed, the most financially smart way to use 10bis, Cibus, or the like is to max it out every month on things you’d buy anyway. Even if you never eat out or order in, we all buy groceries. These programs let you buy vouchers for some supermarket chains and food establishments and can be used as a credit card at many food establishments – including dining in at restaurants. They also allow you to roll over any unused credit for future months, which is handy. You pay the taxes that month and can spend the credit whenever you wish. As of 2025, Cibus now allows you to convert the remainder of your monthly allowance into BuyMe (!!!), which you know we love so much.

When we had 10bis, we made a point of never linking it to our credit card. That way, when our monthly allowance or whatever credit we had accrued was used up, we were done. No more 10bissing until the following month, when our allowance was replenished.

Bottom line:

Use it – and use all of it. Treat your food allowance like part of your salary, but spend it responsibly on things you’d buy anyway. Groceries, essentials, or the occasional treat. It all counts. Max it out, don’t waste it, and enjoy the extra boost.

Now go out and spend your 10bis/Cibus/whatever. Enjoy!

Do you have a food program at work? What do you use it for?

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