The food landscape in the United States continues to evolve, with new trends shaping consumer preferences. Insights from Grubhub’s 2025 Delivered Report highlight some key developments that reflect what Americans desire from their meals. The report analyzed millions of orders between January 1 and October 15, providing a comprehensive look at the changing tastes of consumers.
Top Foods Americans Crave in 2025
This year marked a significant shift in American dining habits characterized by what Grubhub refers to as “foodmaxxing.” This trend emphasizes meals that are not only nutritious but also visually appealing. The following foods were especially popular among consumers:
- Legumes: Bean orders surged by 135%, amounting to over 1.5 tons delivered nationwide, with California leading the trend.
- Tinned Fish: Orders for tinned fish tripled this year, with grocery purchases rising by 209% compared to 2024.
- ProteinLabeled Items: The ordering of proteinlabeled grocery items, including various snacks, grew by nearly 20%.
- Chicken Nuggets and Strips: Over 5.2 million chicken nuggets and tenders were ordered each hour, making up 76% of chicken orders in major cities.
- Cold Foam: The use of cold foam in coffee orders increased by 75%, becoming the preferred enhancement for many coffee drinkers.
- Matcha: Once considered a niche drink, matcha orders rose by 34%, solidifying its place in American beverage culture.
- Convenience Store Meals: Shifts in consumer behavior saw an increase in the popularity of hot, proteinrich, grabandgo foods such as taquitos and chicken rollers.
- Electrolyte Drinks: Monthly deliveries of electrolyte drinks surpassed 76,000, catering to the need for hydration beyond traditional options.
- Eggs: Grocery orders for eggs experienced a 58% increase, with sandwiches featuring sausage, eggs, and cheese being the most popular egg dish in major cities.
Conclusion
The findings from Grubhub’s report underscore a growing preference for meals that offer nutritional benefits and support overall wellbeing. These top foods highlight a cultural shift towards making every meal count in 2025. As consumers continue to seek food that not only satisfies but also serves a function, the market is poised for further innovations.