Grubhub, Chicago, launched “State of the Plate,” report, which checks in on the popular food trends, predicts what the industry can expect to see more of in the second half of the year and provides an update on where some of the “trendier” foods actually stand.
Vegan options are here to stay
Plant-based options are on the rise across America, and this trend is infiltrating home delivery services as well. Orders of vegan-friendly foods on the Grubhub platform increased by 25% so far in 2019 (as compared to Jan-May 2018), with orders for the Impossible Burger specifically rising overall by 82%.
Here’s a list of areas ordering the most vegan foods:
- Los Angeles
- Brooklyn, N.Y.
- Portland, Ore.
- Las Vegas, Nev.
- Rochester, N.Y.
- Philadelphia, Pa.
- Detroit, Mich.
- San Diego, Calif.
To determine the top places for vegans, Grubhub evaluated a variety of factors using data available through its platform, including the number of vegan restaurants, ratings, order volume and overall number of vegan items available on Grubhub in each respective city as compared to the rest of the country.
Seasonal favorites and forecasts
Whether it’s heartier foods to keep warm in winter or lighter bites for spring, each season has food they’re known for among diners. But, what’s to come for summer and fall?
Top Trends: Winter
- Chicken shish kabob: 240% more popular
- Chicken tinga: 131% more popular
- Spicy potato taco: 111% more popular
- Mushroom stroganoff: 90% more popular
- Cuban picadillo empanadas: 85% more popular
Top Trends: Spring
- Cauliflower bites: 536% more popular
- Ahi tuna salad: 467% more popular
- Mixed berry acai bowls: 411% more popular
- Chicken poblano : 336% more popular
- Quinoa taco: 285% more popular
Forecasts: Summer (in ranking order)
- Barbecue pork buns
- Truffle parm frie
- Quinoa and arugula salad
Forecasts: Fall (in ranking order)
- Pesto pasta
- Fried okra
- Lemongrass soup
For “Top Trends,” Grubhub took a look at the top foods on the Grubhub platform from winter (Dec 21, 2018-March 20) and spring (March 20-June 8) as compared to the same timeframe in 2018 to find the top items rising in popularity. For “Forecasted” items, Grubhub looked at the top foods on the Grubhub platform over the past two years, recently trending items and other seasonal favorites to forecast what America will indulge in this summer and fall.
Favorites to date, by region
Grubhub took a look at its most popular foods so far in 2019 across the four regions. The Midwest kept it vegan- and vegetarian-friendly, the Northeast mixed it up with a classic making an appearance, the South stayed with seafood and the West had a mix of “meat” options.
Midwest:
- Impossible Burger: 326% more popular
- Cheese quesadilla: 144% more popular
- Waffle fries: 135% more popular
Northeast:
- Harvest bowl : 340% more popular
- Guay tiew pad see eiw: 319% more popular
- Bagel and egg sandwich : 204% more popular
South:
- Shrimp linguini alfredo: 273% more popular
- Baked potato soup : 236% more popular
- New England clam chowder: 185% more popular
West:
- Glazed baby back rib: 412% more popular
- Pork burrito: 208% more popular
- Impossible Burger: 194% more popular
Grubhub took a look at the top foods on its platform from the specified regions from Jan 1-May 31 as compared to the same timeframe in 2018 to find the top items rising in popularity.
Favorite meals
Breakfast is leaning a bit more indulgent, dessert is a little chillier and late-night favorites lead with a vegan option.
Breakfast: It’s all about the salty-and-sweet combo.
- Chicken and waffles: 219% more popular
- Sausage egg and cheese biscuit: 179% more popular
- Pancakes and bacon: 145% more popular
Dessert: Who says ice cream won’t deliver well?!
- Brownie sundae: 273% more popular
- Cake batter frozen yogurt : 232% more popular
- Donut ice cream sandwich : 217% more popular
Late-night: It’s 2019 when a vegan burger leads the late-night trend.
- Impossible Burger: 529% more popular
- Steak quesadilla: 447% more popular
- Mashed potatoes and gravy: 325% more popular
Grubhub took a look at the top foods on its platform for the specified mealtimes/food types below from January-May as compared to the same timeframe in 2018 to find the top items rising in popularity.
