Every year, the meal allowance in the construction sector is re-evaluated to keep up with the rising cost of living and meals eaten outside the home. This increase varies by region, federation, or collective agreements, with an average adjustment rate typically ranging between 2% and 5%.

This article details the new amounts by region and answers your questions on the subject. It also provides a solution to simplify the management of meal allowances for your teams in the construction industry.

What is the meal allowance?

The meal allowance (also known as a meal indemnity or meal voucher) is a benefit paid to employees to cover meal expenses when distance or break time prevents them from eating at home.

This allowance is widely used in the construction sector, where workers often operate on remote sites. It is a social benefit that helps compensate for costs related to worker mobility.

The amount, expressed in euros, varies based on several criteria, including the region and collective agreements established within the company. Due to the nature of construction work, professionals often cannot eat at home, making this allowance essential.

The fixed-rate nature of this allowance ensures a clear framework for its allocation, making it easier for employers to manage the amounts granted. Depending on where the meal is taken—whether at a restaurant or on-site—the conditions for receiving this allowance may differ. Some agreements provide specific fixed rates tailored to the sector's realities.

Meal Allowance Amounts in 2025

In 2025, the meal allowance amounts in the construction sector vary by region in France. Each area benefits from specific adjustments based on local collective agreements or decisions made by regional federations.

The average meal allowance in the construction sector in 2025 generally ranges between 9.50 € and 14.00 € per day, depending on local conditions. It is essential to note that specific amounts may be set for each region through local collective agreements. To determine the exact amount applicable to you, it is strongly recommended to consult your regional federation or check your local collective agreement for the latest information.

Meal Allowance Amounts in 2025 According to the French Building Federation (FFB)

In 2025, the French Building Federation (FFB) set the standard meal allowance, commonly referred to as the "meal indemnity," at 10.30 € per day, compared to 10.10 € in 2024.

This allowance applies nationwide and is intended to cover meal expenses for workers who cannot return home for lunch. However, specific amounts may be set at the regional level based on local collective agreements.

Meal Allowance Amounts in 2025 According to the Confederation of Crafts and Small Building Enterprises (CAPEB)

Meal Allowance Amounts in 2025 According to the National Union of Building Workers' Unions (UNSBT)

It is advisable to regularly review regional collective agreements or contact regional construction federations for the latest updates.

Find the 2024 meal allowance amounts here

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How is the amount of the meal allowance determined?

The amount of the meal allowance is determined by several factors. It depends on the cost of living in the region, industry agreements, and collective negotiations. The flat-rate nature of this allowance ensures equal treatment among employees based on their geographical and professional situation.

More information about meal allowances

Here are some additional details to better understand the meal allowance.

Who can benefit from it?

The meal allowance is granted to employees in the following situations:

• The employee cannot eat at home due to distance or lack of time.
• The employee is required to have their meal outside for professional reasons.
• They do not have access to a company restaurant.
• The employee eats at their workplace due to irregular hours or night shifts.

The allowance is not due in the following cases:

• The employee can eat at home during the break.
• The employer reimburses the meal or provides it, whether at a restaurant or at the workplace.

How is it paid ?

The amount of the meal allowance is paid monthly, along with the salary, in the form of a fixed amount defined in advance. The exemption from social contributions may apply under certain conditions, depending on the applicable ceilings.

Is the meal allowance taxable ?

The meal allowance is considered a reimbursement for professional expenses. Its amount is therefore deductible from taxes within certain limits set each year by Urssaf :

• 7.40 € for a meal consumed at the workplace.
• 10.30 € if the meal is taken outside the company without the need to eat at a restaurant.
• 21.10 € when a meal is taken at a restaurant during a business trip.

This deduction allows the employer to optimize cost management while providing a benefit to employees.

Is it mandatory in the construction industry ?

The meal allowance is mandatory in the construction industry, provided it is specified in the employment contract and the company's collective agreement. The employer must adhere to the allowance scale to ensure compliance with social obligations.

Alobees helps managers manage meal allowances

Alobees is a mobile and web application for construction site tracking. It simplifies the management of meal allowances for construction industry managers.

The software allows for the automation of payroll variables (learn more), including meal allowances, in both standard and customized versions. Its weekly or monthly reports include:

• Working hours and overtime,
• Meal allowances,
• Travel expenses based on designated zones,
• Absences on construction sites.

The application facilitates budget tracking per project, enabling cost control against forecasts and improving visibility on project profitability.

Alobees offers many other features, such as:

• Document centralization: From production plans to meeting minutes, everything is stored in one place.
• All-terrain access: Your data is accessible from the site, office, or even on the go.
• Seamless communication: Sharing tools and project-specific news feeds (learn more).
• Planning: Organization of human and material resources (learn more).
• Task management: Precise tracking of work progress (learn more).
• Intervention management: Real-time access to schedules and intervention reports (learn more).

Alobees can save you up to 20% of your time. The app is free for 14 days—give it a try!

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