The indignity of getting excluded from free cake is not an economic calculus.

Lots of people could go to the grocery store and buy themselves a sheet cake. They don't.

But you're assuming that one likes cake/pizza/whatever cheap mediocre food product that's been mentioned. If I was that manager, I'd raise your cake/pizza/whatever with a freshly grilled filet and baked potato with a nice glass of wine. Remind them just what possibilities they are missing for being in the office like peasants! After all, isn't that the point of having direct reports being in the office while you're at home?

To be clear, I've worked remotely for a decade. It's worth it on balance, but there's no need to try to sugarcoat missing office food. It's lame!

I’m currently hybrid and the in-office food is absolutely one of the main reasons I like going in.