for comparison, in germany it is compensation and taxed as income. as far as i know almost everything an employee in germany receives is considered compensation to avoid tax loopholes. even actual free meals served in the office (not just vouchers) are assigned a monetary value and taxed. only snacks, drinks or exceptional meals (like pizza for the all-hands meeting) are exempt.

It certainly counts as part of the compensation package.

That said, it's compensation employees accepted with conditions in its use, and to intentionally violate those conditions is not ethically supportable.

I don't think they do, at least for tax purposes. Some have suggested this is one reason companies are sensitive around the topic.

Work meals are not W-2 taxable compensation if they meet several conditions, such as being consumed outside normal working hours and on premises.

A gift card to buy food or whatever you want is w-2 taxable income. A meal voucher so people can eat while working late is not.

https://www.henssler.com/employer-provided-meals-are-they-ta...