The State of the Food Delivery Industry in The US in 2025

Key stats:

• US online food delivery will generate $429.90 billion in 2025 and $563.40 billion by 2029.

• 32% year-over-year increase in daily and weekly employee meal programs.

• 38% say work is their top motivator for ordering takeout or delivery.

• DoorDash currently holds 67% of the market share, with Uber Eats coming in second at 23%.

• Wendy's new AI ordering system reduces drive-thru wait times by 22 seconds.

• In 2025, using artificial intelligence will account for 50% of all restaurant customer interactions.

• 78% of American consumers value a sustainable lifestyle.

• US restaurants spend $24 billion on disposable food containers every year.

• Technology has improved the efficiency of 95% of restaurant operators.

• Takeout profits have increased by 15% to 30% for restaurants using online ordering platforms.

Many Americans are too busy to cook or eat out. As convenience becomes more important, food delivery has emerged as an alternative.

In 2025, restaurants will streamline the experience with more ways to order through apps and seamless platforms. As consumers evolve in preferences, the sector adapts swiftly, ensuring that dining remains quick, accessible, and diverse.

In this blog, we present the latest data, primary drivers of growth, and top delivery trends impacting the future of food delivery.

Market Size and Growth

Ordering food online is a way of life for many Americans these days, and the industry is thriving in 2025. Statista projects the market will hit a staggering

It's an impressive increase over the $353.3 billion generated in 2024, representing a 21.7% growth in just one year

This growth reflects the increasing demand for food delivery services, which have become a go-to option for consumers seeking convenience, variety, and time-saving solutions.  With busy lifestyles, ordering online is often the easiest way to get food sorted. Restaurants have made it super simple, too, with online ordering available through their websites, social media, and many delivery apps.

In the coming years, the market is predicted to grow at a healthy pace with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.99% over the next four years, reaching $563.40 billion in 2029.

Changing Consumer Behavior

It's no secret that consumer behavior in the food service industry is changing. As highlighted in our 2025 and Beyond report, consumers are no longer just looking for the cheapest option; they are now seeking value that combines quality and experience at a fair price. This move away from price-cutting reflects the need for businesses to stay competitive by offering more than just low prices

As employees return to the office post-pandemic, the demand for meal solutions during work hours has surged. This shows a 32% year-over-year increase in daily and weekly employee meal programs. At the same time, 38% of respondents say work is their top motivator for ordering takeout or delivery.

From having little time to cook and ending up grabbing a bite between Zoom calls to skipping the grocery run after a hectic day, more people are turning to the convenience of ordering meals with just a few taps on their phones, and online food delivery plays a key role in that transformation.

In other words, consumers are seeking quick, hassle-free meal options, and technology is making that possible. 

According to Deloitte, in just 2024, customer spending increased by 20% when ordering through digital platforms, which shows how much convenience drives people to choose food delivery

This rise in demand is also linked to urbanization. As more people live in densely populated cities, the need for fast and accessible meal options has increased. Online food delivery meets this demand. How? By giving people access to many different restaurants right in their neighborhoods.

Another driver of this change is the rise of third-party delivery services. They partner with local restaurants, put their menus online, and even offer full delivery. This is a win-win situation: Restaurants can reach many more customers without running their delivery service.

The Dominance of Major Platforms

In 2025, DoorDash will still be the biggest player in the US online food delivery market, with a 67% market share. Uber Eats will come in second, with a 23% market share.

DoorDash's broad range of services—from restaurants to groceries and alcohol delivery—helps them stay on top. Meanwhile, Uber Eats stays competitive with its smart integration with the Uber ride-hailing service and some serious improvements in its delivery logistics (source).

Deliverect integrates with top platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats, letting restaurants manage orders from them in one place. This makes it easier for your business to stay competitive, run smoothly, and reach more customers.

Emerging Trends and Expansion

More restaurants in the US are also using artificial intelligence (AI), which is a trend to watch.

Wendy's has already seen great results, like cutting 22 seconds off their drive-thru wait times with AI-powered ordering. Taco Bell plans to add AI-driven drive-thrus at hundreds of restaurants, hoping to make service quicker and improve order accuracy

Moreover, this report projects that by 2025, artificial intelligence will handle 50% of all restaurant customer interactions, leading to higher customer satisfaction and more efficient service (Gartner.)

Meanwhile, delivery platforms branch into grocery and retail, opening up new partnership opportunities. As QSRs team up with retail brands for cross-promotion, consumers now have access to many products and services on a single platform, like Deliverect.

Our State of the Food Delivery Industry in the US 2024 report covered the growing emphasis on sustainability, and this focus remains strong in 2025. A recent study by NielsenIQ found that 78% of US consumers consider a sustainable lifestyle vital to them.

Additionally, growing consumer awareness of environmental impact continues to shape purchasing decisions. Consumers become more aware of their ecological footprint, so they are increasingly drawn to brands prioritizing sustainability. This growing demand for eco-friendly products and practices has solidified sustainability as a key trend in today's market.

Furthermore, diners now expect personalized experiences. They want apps and websites that let them customize their orders, menus tailored to their tastes, personalized recommendations, and special offers based on what they like and what they've ordered.

Learn more about the trends shaping food delivery in 2025 in our latest article

The Impact on Restaurants

In the US, restaurants and food service businesses lose $24 billion annually due to the use of disposable food containers. This, combined with the escalating concern about sustainability, has led many restaurants to invest in reusable containers and replace single-use plastics with biodegradable and recyclable materials.

As a result of AI and automation, food delivery operations are becoming more efficient. Automated routing, predicting delivery times, and managing inventory have helped operators reduce costs and improve services.

We'll also see automation involved in improving customer interactions. Many operators use AI-powered chatbots to provide real-time support and personalized suggestions, which allows them to offer tailored menus, individualized recommendations, and customized promotions.

Since the food service industry is widely digitalizing, restaurants are adopting integrated digital solutions such as online ordering systems, self-service kiosks, and mobile apps to streamline operations. 

With that in mind, 95% of restaurant owners agree that implementing technology enhances efficiency, allowing them to manage operations more easily and quickly.

Online ordering platforms have also increased restaurant takeout profits by 15-30% compared to those without.

Closing Thoughts

The US food delivery market will continue to grow if we consider the ever-changing consumer behavior, the rise of new tech, and the ongoing focus on sustainability. All this offers excellent opportunities for restaurants and food service operators.

As consumers turn to online platforms for benefits, businesses must adapt and embrace digital tools to stay competitive.

Similarly, artificial intelligence, automation, and integrated digital solutions are no longer "nice-to-haves" but essential to improving operational efficiency and customer experience.

With the growing environmental concern, restaurants are also becoming eco-friendly and eco-conscious. This benefits the planet and helps you reach consumers who are increasingly considering sustainability when making food choices.

What excites us most is that the industry is becoming more connected, tech-driven, and sustainable. Restaurant operators who use digital tools, optimize operations, and prioritize sustainability will stay ahead.