Gen Z: Their Identity, Food Delivery Behavior, and Key Stats in 2025

Gen Z's food delivery behavior is characterized by convenience, speed, personalization, and a digital-first mindset. Their preferences are shaping the future of the food delivery industry, pushing brands to innovate and cater to their unique needs. Restaurants and food delivery platforms that understand and adapt to these trends will be well-positioned to capture the loyalty of this influential generation.

Key Takeaways

• Generation Z, Gen Z, or Genzers: These are terms to identify a demographic group of people born between 1997 and 2012.

• Digital Presence is Key: A solid online and app-based presence is essential to reaching Gen Z.

• Sustainability Matters: Eco-friendly packaging and sustainable food options are important to Gen Z.

• Customization and Personalization: Offering customizable meals and personalized recommendations will attract this demographic.

• Leverage Social Media Influence: Engage with social media influencers and create shareable content to appeal to Gen Z.

Who is Gen Z?

Generation Z, often abbreviated as Gen Z, is a demographic group born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. This generation is characterized by its deep connection to technology, unique cultural identity, and distinctive consumer behaviors. As digital natives, they grew up with the Internet, social media, and smartphones, which significantly influenced their preferences, including food delivery behavior.

• Age Group: Generally, individuals born between 1997 and 2012.

• Size: Over 67 million in the U.S., accounting for about 20% of the population.

• Tech-Savvy: They are the first generation to have grown up with smartphones and the internet, making them inherently tech-savvy.

• Diversity: Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in U.S. history.

• Values: They value authenticity, sustainability, and inclusivity.

Gen Z's familiarity with technology profoundly impacts consumer habits, particularly how they interact with food delivery services. This generation values convenience, speed, and variety. They are more likely to utilize food delivery apps than older generations for several reasons:

1. Digital Natives and Mobile Ordering

• Tech Dependency: 98% own a smartphone and are heavily reliant on mobile apps for ordering food (Forbes)
  

• Mobile Food Apps: Popular platforms include Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates.

• Stat Insights: Nearly 63% of Gen Z regularly use food delivery apps compared to 51% of Millennials, according to Civic Science

2. Personalization and Customization

• Individual Preferences: According to Dig Insights, this generation prefers restaurants that offer customizable menu options. Seventy-five percent customize their orders, and 22 percent like to try new menu items "very often.”

• Data-Driven Recommendations: Genzers rely on personalized recommendations from food delivery apps.

• Food preferences:Morning Consult found that Gen Z is 21% more likely than the general population to try a new beverage in a month and 11% more likely to sample new packaged food. 

3. Quick Service and Convenience

• Speed Matters: They expect quick deliveries and efficient customer service (McKinsey).

• Convenience First: 70% of Gen Z cite convenience as their primary reason for using food delivery services.

4. Social Media Influence

• Food Trends: Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram significantly impact Gen Z's food choices. Up to 55% of Genzers use social media to discover new food and recipes.

• Reviews and Recommendations: 71% are influenced by online reviews and user-generated content. (Envision Horizons)

5. Sustainability and Health-Consciousness

• Eco-Friendly Packaging: They prefer sustainable packaging and environmentally conscious brands.

• Healthy Eating: 49% prefer healthy menu options and are more likely to choose plant-based meals.

6. Brand Loyalty and Rewards Programs

• Loyalty Programs: 60% will switch brands for better loyalty rewards.

• Subscription Services: A growing number of Genzers subscribe to delivery platforms offering perks like free delivery.

Gen Z's food delivery behavior is characterized by convenience, speed, personalization, and a digital-first mindset. Their preferences are shaping the future of the food delivery industry, pushing brands to innovate and cater to their unique needs. Restaurants and food delivery platforms that understand and adapt to these trends will be well-positioned to capture the loyalty of this influential generation.