Restaurants: AI-Picks and Chill Drinks: New DoorDash Survey Data Unpacks What Diners Really Want in 2025
- InsightTrendsWorld
- May 16
- 11 min read
Why it is the Topic Trending:
Annual Report Release: DoorDash, a major player in the food delivery industry, releases its annual trends report, which is inherently newsworthy for industry professionals, merchants, and consumers interested in the evolving landscape of dining and delivery.
Insight into Consumer Behavior: The report provides data-driven insights into what consumers are ordering, their preferences, and their motivations, making it a valuable resource for understanding current market trends.
Highlighting Significant Shifts: The report points out major changes in consumer behavior, such as openness to AI recommendations, the rise of low/no-alcohol beverages, and the influence of viral food trends, which are all compelling topics in today's digital world.
Helping Merchants Reach Customers: The stated purpose of the report is to help merchants understand these trends and reach more customers, making it a relevant and practical topic for businesses in the food and beverage sector.
Overview
The DoorDash 2025 Delivery Trends Report presents findings from a national survey of U.S. consumers, along with anonymized data from DoorDash itself, to reveal the latest trends in dining and delivery. The report focuses on how consumers are using delivery for convenience, to satisfy cravings, participate in cultural moments, and express their lifestyles. Key themes include the increasing openness to AI recommendations in dining, the continued rise of low- and no-alcohol beverages, the significant impact of viral food trends on orders, and evolving patterns in ordering frequency.
Detailed Findings
AI in Dining: Consumers are open to AI recommending restaurants based on past orders (52%) but are hesitant about AI preparing their meals (only 15% fully trust it).
Personalized Delivery: Satisfying cravings (98%) is the top reason for ordering delivery, with one in five ordering more often than last year.
Generational Preferences: Guilty pleasure delivery orders vary by generation (Gen Z/Millennials: fast food; Gen X: pizza; Boomers: dessert).
Viral Food Influence: A significant majority of Gen Z (74%) and Millennials (69%) have ordered food seen on social media.
Frequent Ordering: Many consumers order delivery multiple times a day (35% twice, 22% thrice).
Alcohol Trends: Alcohol delivery is up (42% ordering more), with a strong preference for low/no-alcohol options (80% of alcohol orders included these). Non-alcoholic beer orders rose significantly (82%), and interest in hemp THC beverages and edibles also saw growth.
Key Takeaway
The key takeaway is that the food delivery landscape is dynamic and influenced by factors like technology (AI), social media, generational preferences, and evolving attitudes towards health and moderation (low/no-alcohol). DoorDash is becoming a central platform reflecting these diverse consumer behaviors.
Main Trend
The main trend is the Evolving Digital Dining Landscape, where technology, social media, and changing consumer preferences are significantly reshaping how people discover, order, and consume food and beverages.
Description of the Trend
The trend can be named "The Omni-Channel Appetite." This trend describes how consumers are increasingly engaging with food and beverages through multiple digital and physical channels, blurring the lines between online and offline experiences. This includes using delivery apps for convenience and cravings, being influenced by social media for culinary inspiration, considering AI recommendations, and showing a growing interest in both indulgence and health-conscious options, all accessible through various platforms and experiences.
What is Consumer Motivation
Consumer motivation behind this trend is driven by several factors:
Convenience and Efficiency: Delivery apps offer unparalleled convenience and save time, especially for busy individuals and families.
Satisfying Immediate Cravings: The ability to instantly access a wide variety of cuisines and food items fulfills immediate desires and comfort food needs.
Social and Cultural Participation: Ordering food delivery allows consumers to participate in trending culinary moments and share experiences with their online communities.
Exploration and Discovery: Platforms like DoorDash, especially with AI recommendations, can introduce consumers to new restaurants and cuisines they might not have otherwise encountered.
Lifestyle Expression: Food and beverage choices are increasingly becoming a way for individuals to express their personal values, preferences, and lifestyles, whether it's indulging in specific treats or opting for healthier, low-alcohol options.
What is Driving Trend
Several factors are driving this trend:
Technological Advancements: The proliferation of user-friendly delivery apps and the integration of AI are transforming the ordering experience.
Social Media Influence: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram play a significant role in shaping food trends and influencing consumer choices.
Changing Lifestyles: Busy schedules and a desire for convenience are driving the demand for delivery services.
Increased Awareness of Health and Wellness: Growing consumer interest in health and moderation is fueling the rise of low- and no-alcohol beverages.
Generational Differences: Varying preferences and digital savviness across generations contribute to the diverse trends observed in the report.
What is Motivation Beyond the Trend (Detailed Description)
Beyond the immediate act of ordering food, the underlying consumer motivations include:
Seeking Comfort and Emotional Well-being: Food often provides comfort and can be a source of emotional satisfaction. Delivery services make accessing these comforting foods easy.
Building Social Connections: Sharing meals, whether in person or virtually, is a fundamental aspect of social connection. Food delivery facilitates group ordering and shared culinary experiences.
Personalization and Customization: Consumers appreciate services that cater to their individual preferences and offer personalized recommendations.
Optimizing Time and Effort: By outsourcing meal preparation, consumers can free up time and energy for other activities.
Description of Consumers Article is Referring To (What is their age?, what is their gender? What is their income? What is their lifestyle)
The article refers to a broad range of U.S. consumers, as the survey aimed to be nationally representative, including individuals from "a variety of ages, careers, and income levels." However, the report does highlight some generational differences:
Age: Spans across generations, with specific mentions of Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers.
Gender: The survey included both men and women, with a noted difference in comfort levels regarding AI-prepared meals (men more comfortable).
Income: Includes individuals from various income levels to ensure a comprehensive representation.
Lifestyle: Reflects a diverse range of lifestyles, including busy professionals, families, and individuals seeking convenience, indulgence, health-conscious options, and social engagement through food.
Conclusions
The 2025 DoorDash Delivery Trends Report paints a picture of a dynamic and evolving digital dining landscape. Consumers are increasingly reliant on delivery for convenience and to satisfy their cravings, with technology and social media playing significant roles in shaping their choices. The rise of low- and no-alcohol beverages indicates a growing emphasis on health and moderation. For merchants, understanding these trends is crucial for staying competitive and meeting the evolving needs of their customer base.
Implications for Brands
Optimize for Digital Platforms: Restaurants and CPG brands need a strong presence and seamless integration with delivery platforms like DoorDash.
Leverage AI and Personalization: Explore opportunities to use data and AI to offer personalized recommendations and enhance the customer experience.
Monitor and Engage with Social Media Trends: Stay informed about viral food trends and consider how to incorporate them into offerings or marketing efforts.
Cater to Diverse Dietary Needs and Preferences: Recognize the growing demand for low-alcohol, non-alcoholic, and potentially healthier options.
Understand Generational Differences: Tailor marketing messages and offerings to resonate with the specific preferences of different age groups.
Implication for Society
Increased Convenience and Accessibility of Food: Delivery services continue to make a wide range of food options more accessible to a broader population.
Potential Shifts in Eating Habits: The ease of ordering delivery could influence eating habits, potentially leading to more frequent takeout or restaurant meals.
Impact of Social Media on Food Culture: Viral food trends can rapidly shape what people eat and influence cultural food norms.
Implications for Consumers
Greater Choice and Convenience: Consumers have access to a vast selection of restaurants and food items at their fingertips.
Influence of Algorithms and Social Media: Food choices may be increasingly influenced by AI recommendations and viral trends.
Potential for Higher Costs: Frequent delivery can lead to increased spending on food compared to cooking at home.
Access to Moderation Options: The rise of low/no-alcohol beverages provides more choices for those seeking to reduce alcohol consumption.
Implication for Future
The future of dining will likely be even more integrated with technology. AI could play a larger role in meal planning and discovery. The trend towards convenience and personalization will continue to grow. The food delivery ecosystem will likely see further innovation in terms of speed, efficiency, and sustainability.
Consumer Trend (Name, Detailed Description)
Name: Algorithmic Appetite & Social Cravings
Detailed Description: This trend highlights how consumer food and beverage choices are increasingly influenced by both algorithmic recommendations from digital platforms (like delivery apps) and the viral trends and social validation observed on social media. It represents a convergence of personalized technology and collective online behavior shaping individual dining decisions.
Consumer Sub Trend (Name, Detailed Description)
Name: Mindful Indulgence via Delivery
Detailed Description: Consumers are using delivery services not just for pure indulgence but also to access options that align with their health and wellness goals. This includes the rising popularity of low- and no-alcohol beverages ordered alongside traditional comfort foods, indicating a nuanced approach to balancing enjoyment with mindful consumption.
Big Social Trend (Name, Detailed Description)
Name: The Blended Reality of Food Consumption
Detailed Description: This refers to the merging of online and offline experiences in how people interact with food. From discovering new restaurants through apps and social media to ordering for home delivery or takeout, and then potentially sharing their experiences online, the entire food consumption journey is becoming increasingly digitized and integrated into daily life.
Worldwide Social Trend (Name, Detailed Description)
Name: Global Convenience Culture
Detailed Description: The desire for convenience in accessing food and beverages is a global phenomenon. Delivery services are experiencing growth worldwide, reflecting a broader societal trend towards optimizing time and effort in daily routines, driven by urbanization and busy lifestyles.
Social Drive (Name, Detailed Description)
Name: Digital Validation & Trend Participation
Detailed Description: Consumers are often motivated to try and order certain foods and beverages based on their popularity and visibility on social media. The desire for social validation through sharing trendy items and participating in online cultural moments significantly influences their choices in the digital age.
Learnings for Brands to Use in 2025 (Bullets, Detailed Description)
Embrace AI as a Discovery Tool: Understand that consumers are increasingly open to AI recommendations on delivery platforms and optimize your presence to be featured in these suggestions.
Harness the Power of Social Media: Actively monitor food trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram and develop strategies to capitalize on viral moments, potentially by offering related menu items or engaging with trending hashtags.
Personalize the Customer Experience: Leverage data from delivery platforms to understand individual customer preferences and offer tailored promotions or recommendations.
Cater to the Growing Demand for Low/No-Alcohol: Expand your offerings to include a diverse range of appealing low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages to capture this expanding market segment.
Ensure High-Quality Visuals for Online Presence: Since visual appeal drives social media trends and online orders, invest in high-quality photography and videography of your food and beverages.
Optimize Delivery Operations: Ensure efficient and reliable delivery services to meet the expectations of convenience-driven consumers.
Strategy Recommendations for Brands to Follow in 2025 (Bullets, Detail Description)
Integrate with AI Recommendation Systems: Ensure your menu data is accurate and optimized for delivery platform algorithms to improve visibility in AI-driven recommendations.
Develop Agile Social Media Marketing Strategies: Create content that can quickly react to and leverage emerging viral food trends. Consider partnering with social media influencers to promote your offerings.
Implement Loyalty Programs and Personalized Offers: Use delivery platform data to identify loyal customers and offer them personalized discounts or recommendations to encourage repeat orders.
Partner with Low/No-Alcohol Beverage Brands: Collaborate with popular brands in the low-alcohol and non-alcoholic space to offer attractive bundles or featured menu items.
Invest in Professional Food Photography and Videography: Showcase your menu items with high-quality visuals across all online platforms to attract customers.
Streamline Order Fulfillment and Delivery Processes: Optimize your kitchen operations and work closely with delivery partners to ensure timely and accurate order delivery.
Final Sentence (Key Concept) Describing Main Trend from Article (Which is a Summary of All Trends Specified)
The DoorDash report highlights a digital-first dining era where technology, social media, and evolving health consciousness are converging to shape consumer appetites and delivery habits.
What Brands & Companies Should Do in 2025 to Benefit from Trend and How to Do It
Brands and companies in the food and beverage industry should fully embrace the digital ecosystem and adapt to evolving consumer preferences by:
Establishing a strong and optimized presence on major delivery platforms like DoorDash, ensuring accurate menu information, attractive visuals, and efficient order processing.
Actively monitoring social media for emerging food and beverage trends and being prepared to quickly respond with relevant offerings or engaging content. This might involve creating limited-time menu items inspired by viral trends.
Leveraging data analytics provided by delivery platforms to understand customer preferences, identify popular items, and personalize marketing efforts.
Investing in digital marketing strategies that target consumers through relevant online channels, including social media advertising and influencer collaborations.
Exploring partnerships with technology providers to enhance the customer experience through features like AI-powered recommendations and personalized offers.
Final Note:
Core Trend:
Name: Tech-Influenced Delivery Consumption
Detailed Description: Technology, particularly AI algorithms on delivery platforms and the influence of social media, is fundamentally changing how consumers discover, choose, and consume food and beverages through delivery services.
Core Strategy:
Name: Digital Agility and Engagement
Detailed Description: Brands must be agile in their digital strategies, actively engaging with trends on social media, optimizing their presence on delivery platforms, and leveraging technology to personalize the customer experience.
Core Industry Trend:
Name: The Rise of the Delivery-Centric Consumer
Detailed Description: A growing segment of consumers prioritizes the convenience and accessibility offered by food delivery services, making these platforms increasingly central to the food and beverage industry.
Core Consumer Motivation:
Name: Seamless Convenience and Experiential Discovery
Detailed Description: Consumers are primarily motivated by the desire for seamless convenience in accessing their food and beverage needs, coupled with the opportunity to discover new and exciting culinary experiences through digital platforms and social media.
Final Conclusion: The 2025 DoorDash Delivery Trends Report underscores the paramount importance of digital integration and consumer-centricity for brands to thrive in the modern food and beverage landscape, where technology and online culture play an ever-increasing role in shaping how people eat and drink.
Core Trend Detailed (Name: Tech-Influenced Delivery Consumption)
Description: Tech-Influenced Delivery Consumption describes the significant and growing impact of technology, particularly the integration of AI algorithms on delivery platforms and the pervasive influence of social media, on how consumers discover, select, and ultimately consume food and beverages through delivery services. This trend signifies a fundamental shift in the dining landscape where digital interfaces and online content play a central role in shaping consumer preferences and behaviors related to out-of-home eating.
Key Characteristics of the Trend (Summary):
Platform Dependence: Consumers increasingly rely on delivery apps as primary interfaces for accessing restaurant meals.
Algorithmic Guidance: AI-powered recommendation systems within these platforms influence discovery and choice.
Social Media Driven Discovery: Viral food trends and peer recommendations on social media heavily impact what consumers order.
Digital Convenience Prioritized: Speed, ease of use, and personalization offered by technology are key drivers.
Data-Driven Interactions: Consumer data informs personalized experiences and marketing efforts by brands and platforms.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend (Summary):
Dominance of Delivery Platforms: The widespread adoption and usage of services like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Growth of AI in Consumer Applications: Increasing consumer comfort with and reliance on AI-driven recommendations in various aspects of life.
Pervasive Social Media Engagement: The central role of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in shaping cultural trends, including food.
Demand for Convenience: Modern lifestyles often prioritize efficiency and time-saving solutions like food delivery.
Expansion of Digital Literacy: Growing familiarity and comfort with using digital platforms for everyday tasks.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior (Summary):
Discovery Shifts Online: Consumers are less reliant on traditional advertising or word-of-mouth for restaurant discovery, turning instead to apps and social media.
Impulse Ordering: The ease of delivery apps facilitates spontaneous and craving-driven ordering.
Trend-Driven Consumption: Consumers are more likely to try foods they see trending online to participate in social conversations.
Increased Spending on Delivery: The convenience factor can lead to more frequent delivery orders and potentially higher overall spending on food.
Personalized Expectations: Consumers expect delivery platforms to understand their preferences and offer tailored recommendations.
Implications Across the Ecosystem (Summary):
For Brands and CPGs: Requires significant investment in online presence, digital marketing, and optimization for delivery platforms. Understanding and leveraging social media trends is crucial.
For Retailers: Traditional grocery retailers face competition from the ease of ordering prepared meals. Opportunities exist for partnerships with delivery platforms or developing their own ready-to-eat options.
For Consumers: Offers unparalleled convenience and access to a wide variety of cuisines. However, it can also lead to increased costs and potential over-reliance on delivered meals.
Strategic Forecast: Tech-Influenced Delivery Consumption will continue to be a dominant force, with further integration of AI and personalization. Expect to see delivery platforms expand their offerings beyond food, and the lines between restaurant dining, home cooking, and delivered meals will continue to blur. Brands that effectively leverage digital channels and data will thrive.
Final Thought: The future of food consumption is inextricably linked to technology, and understanding how digital platforms and online culture shape consumer choices is essential for all players in the food and beverage industry.
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