That's very true. Though 'pocket cash' isn't exactly how I would put it. Even with free breakfast, it can be hard for me to eat within the per diem for two reasons : 1. Usually, I get pulled into business dinners with colleagues, collaborators, partners, etc, that can be a bit costly, and 2. It isn't always cheap to eat healthily on the road (like I do at home). Replacing fries with fruit even at a cheap restuarant costs an extra $5. Choosing the cobb salad with chicken entree over the burger another is 10 bucks or more. at fast casual places (etc). A free breakfast is often the difference between having my costs covered by the per diem and being out another 20+ bucks a day.