Ordering food has changed. What used to be a weekend treat is now a regular part of life for millions of Americans. In 2025, food delivery isn’t just growing — it’s exploding. Restaurants, apps, and consumers are all shifting their habits. If you’re in the business, or just curious about how people eat today, the numbers speak for themselves.
This article breaks down the latest food delivery statistics, what’s changing in online ordering, and what it all says about how we eat.
Where the Market Stands in 2025?
The global food delivery market is expected to hit 1.39 trillion dollars in revenue this year. In the US, the total value is forecasted to reach around 429.9 billion dollars. That’s up over 22% from last year. Recent restaurant delivery industry data confirms this surge, with more operators prioritizing delivery channels over dine-in.
DoorDash is still the top player in the US, with over 65 percent market share. Uber Eats and Grubhub are still competing, but falling behind. Meanwhile, apps are trying to do more than just deliver food — some are offering groceries, alcohol, even retail goods. It’s all about convenience.
Food Delivery Stats You Should Know in 2025?
Let’s get into some figures. They tell the story better than any trend report:
- Around 61 percent of people in the US order food delivery every single week,
- Most orders, about 78 percent come through mobile apps,
- One out of three users switches between two or more delivery apps,
- The average wait time in urban areas is now just under 30 minutes,
- Subscription plans like DashPass are growing — 22 percent year over year.
And there’s more. According to a recent survey, 92 percent of users expect delivery live tracking. If they can’t see where their food is, they’re less likely to order again.
Online Food Ordering Trends 2025
How people order food is changing. A few years ago, it was all about the app with the best restaurants. Now, it’s about speed, offers, and how easy it is to reorder what you love.
Direct from the Restaurant
More restaurants are setting up their own online ordering to skip the high fees from third-party apps. This also gives them more control over branding, and better profit margins.
Voice and Smart Ordering
Smart speakers are being used more for food ordering. It’s still new, but catching on, especially in smart homes.
Small Orders, Big Demand
People are ordering snacks more than ever. In cities like New York and LA, a significant number of orders are now for smaller meals or just a dessert.
Memberships Are Winning
Services like Uber One and DashPass make people feel like they’re getting better value. That’s driving frequency up, which is great for platforms, and good for the restaurants too.
What Customers Really Care About
Let’s talk about the human side. People don’t just want food. They want the right food, fast, from a brand they trust. And they want to know exactly what it’s going to cost. No surprises.
Here’s what they look for:
- Real-time delivery updates,
- Clear breakdown of fees and taxes,
- Ability to customize or change their order easily,
- More sustainable packaging and delivery methods.
Older customers want simplicity. Younger ones expect apps that feel fast and smart. And everyone wants food to arrive HOT! Consumer behavior in food delivery continues to evolve, driven by demand for speed, control, and transparency.
Technology Behind the Scenes
Kitchen tech has quietly become one of the biggest delivery trends. It’s not flashy, but it’s what makes on-time delivery possible.
Ghost Kitchens
These kitchens don’t have dining rooms. They exist purely to handle delivery. Expect to see a lot more of them in 2025 and beyond. Some estimates say 50% of all takeout will come from ghost kitchens by 2030.
AI in the Kitchen
Big chains are starting to use AI to take orders, prep food faster, and reduce mistakes. Wendy’s, for example, shaved 22 seconds off average wait times by using AI at the drive-thru. Those seconds matter when you’re scaling.
Rising Costs and the Take-Out Comeback
Even as delivery gets more popular, there’s a new twist. Some customers are starting to walk in and pick up food again. Why? Fees. Between delivery charges and tips, it adds up. Domino’s reported a small dip in delivery orders, but saw take–out rise. People want savings wherever they can get them.
Still, delivery isn’t going away. 75 percent of restaurant traffic is still off-premises, and most of that is delivery.
Delivery First Trend – What This Means for Restaurants and Delivery Brands?
If you’re in the restaurant business, here’s what the data is really saying:
- Build your own direct ordering if you haven’t already,
- Keep orders accurate and delivery times fast, people notice,
- Offer different delivery speeds or bundles or memberships to stand out,
- Think about loyalty perks in the long run, not just discounts.
It’s not just about food anymore. It’s about how you deliver the experience. Restaurant delivery industry data shows that brands offering direct ordering see higher repeat rates and better margins.
What’s Coming Next
The industry isn’t slowing down. Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- Drones and robot delivery pilots in large metro areas,
- AI that predicts what you want to eat based on mood, weather, time of day,
- Platforms combining multiple services — food, groceries, even daily essenials,
- Hyper personalization — from menu recommendations to custom meal combos.
Final Thoughts
Delivery is no longer just a side hustle for restaurants. It’s a core part of the business. Whether you’re a small local spot or a major chain, the expectations are the same: fast, accurate, convenient.
The more you know about food delivery statistics, and how people are ordering in 2025, the better your chance of standing out. These aren’t just trends they’re habits forming in real time.
Keeping up with online food ordering trends can help restaurants adapt faster and stay ahead of shifting consumer habits.
FAQs
What are the most important food delivery statistics for USA 2025?
The US delivery market is set to hit 429.9 billion dollars. Around 61 percent of people order food at least once a week, mostly via mobile apps.
How big is the food delivery industry right now?
Globally, it’s valued at 1.39 trillion dollars. The US contributes nearly 430 billion of that total.
What are the major trends in online food ordering?
More people are using direct restaurant apps, ordering snacks, subscribing to loyalty plans, and trying voice-activated orders.
How is customer behavior changing?
Consumer behavior in food delivery reflects expectations for speed, better tech, and more personalized app experiences. While younger generations like gen-z want app features that feel seamless and tailored.
Are more people choosing delivery over dining out?
Absolutely. 67 percent of US consumers prefer ordering food for delivery over going to a restaurant. This trend is strongest among Millennials and Gen Z, who value speed, convenience, and being able to eat wherever they want.
How important are mobile apps in the food delivery industry?
In 2024, a massive 90 percent of all food delivery orders were placed through mobile apps. That number is expected to stay high in 2025 and beyond. Whether it’s a mainstream app or a restaurant’s own branded app or webstore, mobile phones are now the main channel for digital food orders.
