As modern lifestyles become increasingly fast-paced, people around the world are adopting new habits due to time constraints in their daily routines. One of the primary challenges is the lack of time for meal preparation, leading many to rely on food delivery mobile apps. In the United States, these apps have become an integral part of everyday life, offering unmatched convenience, a wide variety of cuisines, and the ability to place orders anytime.
This blog is designed for individuals and businesses looking to develop a food delivery app, whether to enhance their restaurant’s operations or establish an independent startup that connects local restaurants with customers through a dedicated platform. Here, you will discover key market trends, insights into leading players, and the features that define successful food delivery applications.
U.S. Online Food Delivery Market Statistics
According to Statista, the U.S. online food delivery market is projected to reach $429.90 billion by 2025. Among the major industry players, DoorDash dominates the market with a 65% share, making it the leading food delivery app in the country. Additionally, the U.S. online meal delivery industry is expected to grow at a 6.99% CAGR between 2025 and 2029.
Top 10 Food Delivery Apps in the U.S.
Based on market research, here are the top food delivery apps in the U.S., each offering unique features and advantages to users.
1. DoorDash
Widely recognized as the leading food delivery service in the U.S., DoorDash was founded in 2013 in San Francisco, California. It provides an extensive selection of restaurant partners and offers exclusive dishes to its growing user base of over 32 million active monthly users across 7,000+ cities.
Pros:
- DashPass subscription offers free deliveries and personalized discounts.
- Real-time order tracking and fast deliveries.
- Extensive partnerships with both local eateries and national chains.
Cons:
- Higher service fees for non-subscribers.
- Delivery times may be inconsistent during peak hours.
Key Features:
- Partnerships with national restaurant chains and local businesses.
- Integration with Best Buy and Albertsons for non-food deliveries.
2. Uber Eats
Originally launched as UberFresh in 2014, this service was later rebranded as Uber Eats. It is now a global food delivery giant operating in 45 countries. In addition to food, Uber Eats offers grocery, pharmacy, and alcohol deliveries.
Pros:
- Operates in 6,000 U.S. cities with strong partnerships with brands like Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Chipotle.
- Over 81 million active global users.
- Seamless integration with Uber for ride and food deliveries.
Cons:
- Higher delivery fees for non-Uber One subscribers.
- Limited restaurant availability in rural areas.
Key Features:
- Uber One subscription offers discounts on both rides and food deliveries.
- Real-time tracking and scheduled deliveries.
3. GrubHub
Founded in 2004 and merged with Seamless in 2013, GrubHub is one of the oldest food delivery services in the U.S. It processes 715,000 orders per day and has a network of 65,000 drivers nationwide.
Pros:
- Strong business presence in major cities.
- Offers robot deliveries on college campuses.
- Wide restaurant selection with real-time tracking and customer support.
Cons:
- High delivery fees for small orders.
- Limited availability in rural areas.
Key Features:
- “Donate Leftovers” feature to combat food waste.
- Campus card payment system integration.
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4. Postmates
Initially launched as “Get It Now” in 2012, Postmates evolved into a major on-demand delivery service, catering to food, groceries, alcohol, and retail items. Uber acquired Postmates for $2.65 billion in 2020.
Pros:
- Wide range of deliveries beyond food.
- Access to Uber Eats’ restaurant network.
- No subscription required for free delivery promotions.
Cons:
- Additional service fees on each order.
- Less popular compared to DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Key Features:
- Postmates Unlimited provides unlimited deliveries.
- Offers both food and retail delivery services.
5. Instacart
Founded in 2012, Instacart initially focused on grocery delivery before expanding to include meals, beauty products, and electronics. It partners with Walmart and Costco and serves over 14 million active users.
Pros:
- Strong partnerships with leading grocery chains.
- Provides both meal and grocery deliveries.
Cons:
- Limited focus on restaurant deliveries.
- Additional service and delivery fees apply.
Key Features:
- In-app chat support with shoppers.
- Scheduled deliveries and substitution options for out-of-stock items.
6) Seamless
Seamless began its journey in 1999 as a website-based food delivery service, gradually expanding to serve customers across America. It provides both food delivery and takeaway options in over 600 cities. In 2013, Seamless announced its merger with GrubHub, further strengthening its presence in the food delivery industry. The company holds a dominant position in New York and operates in other key metropolitan areas.
Pros
- Offers a vast selection of local restaurants with a user-friendly app.
- No delivery fees for pickup orders and frequent promotions, discounts, and coupons.
Cons
- Limited availability outside major cities.
- Faces similar order accuracy issues as GrubHub.
Features
- Loyalty programs available for a large customer base.
- Seamless integration with the GrubHub restaurant network.
7) GoPuff
Founded in 2013 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, GoPuff initially focused on delivering snacks, household goods, and over-the-counter medications. Its popularity skyrocketed due to its ability to deliver products to customers’ doorsteps within 30 minutes. Over the years, GoPuff has acquired several brands, including BevMo!, Fancy, RideOS, Liquor Barn, and Bandit. Operating through a network of 500 micro-fulfillment centers, GoPuff stocks 3,000+ items to enable fast and efficient deliveries. The company now holds approximately 70% of the Quick Commerce retail market share.
Pros
- Offers affordable delivery fees.
- One of the fastest delivery services, with an average time of 20 to 30 minutes.
Cons
- Limited focus on restaurant food deliveries.
- Prices for certain items fluctuate dynamically.
Features
- Localized micro-fulfillment centers for quicker turnaround times.
- 24/7 delivery availability in many locations.
- Exclusive GoPuff Fam rewards program.
8) Caviar
Caviar has positioned itself as a premium food delivery service, offering access to top-rated restaurants. Launched in 2012, the platform initially focused on high-end dining, setting itself apart from mainstream competitors. In 2014, it expanded its operations to major U.S. cities, solidifying its presence in the gourmet food delivery market. In 2019, Caviar was acquired by DoorDash for $410 million, further broadening its reach.
Pros
- Provides exclusive, customized menus.
- Specializes in high-quality restaurants.
- Integrated with DoorDash, offering expanded dining options.
Cons
- Higher meal prices, delivery fees, and service charges.
- Limited restaurant selection compared to DoorDash.
Features
- Delivers a premium dining experience to customers’ doors.
- Supports bulk ordering and includes expense tracking for restaurants.
9) ChowNow
ChowNow aims to support independent restaurants by offering a commission-free food ordering platform. Founded in 2012 in Los Angeles, California, the service connects local restaurants directly with their customers, enhancing accessibility and convenience while promoting community-driven food services.
Pros
- Lower fees make it a cost-effective option for supporting local eateries.
- Intuitive UI/UX design for seamless interactions between consumers and restaurants.
Cons
- Limited restaurant coverage compared to larger competitors.
- Restaurants handle their own deliveries, as the platform does not offer a centralized delivery system.
Features
- Direct-to-restaurant ordering helps maintain lower prices and supports local businesses.
- Integration with the ChowNow POS system for streamlined restaurant management.
10) Delivery.com
Delivery.com provides a one-stop marketplace for ordering food, groceries, alcohol, and even dry cleaning services. Unlike other platforms, it does not charge customers a delivery fee; instead, individual restaurants set their own delivery charges based on location. With a user base exceeding 3 billion, Delivery.com has carved out a strong presence in urban areas across the U.S.
Pros
- Well-established reputation in key metropolitan areas.
- Offers a loyalty rewards program to encourage repeat usage.
- A single platform for multiple delivery needs, from food to household essentials.
Cons
- Some merchants impose high delivery fees, which vary by location.
- The user interface is less intuitive compared to other leading platforms.
Features
- Provides diverse cuisine options, including Indian, Chinese, Italian, Sushi, and Mexican.
- No platform usage fees for customers.
- Allows users to collect delivery points on orders, which can be redeemed for discounts.
Conclusion
With over 69.9 million Americans using food delivery apps, the demand for online food services continues to rise. The growing popularity of food delivery platforms has led to increased competition, with each service adopting unique business models and revenue strategies.
As consumer preferences shift towards convenience, food delivery platforms are evolving to meet these demands. If you’re considering launching an on-demand food delivery business, now is the perfect time to capitalize on the industry’s rapid technological advancements.
FAQ’s
Is Food Delivery the Future?
The online food delivery industry has witnessed exponential growth, surpassing $1 trillion globally in 2023. Projections indicate this figure could nearly double by 2028, driven by advancements in technology that offer deeper insights into consumer preferences, purchasing behavior, and influencing factors.
Top Competitors and Alternatives to DoorDash
In the competitive landscape of food delivery marketplaces, DoorDash faces strong rivals. The top three competitors include:
- Uber Eats – 35.51% market share
- GrubHub – 19.96% market share
- EZ Cater – 10.85% market share
Are Food Delivery Apps Losing Popularity?
Recent reports suggest a downturn in the food delivery sector, with leading platforms experiencing a combined loss of over $20 billion since their initial public offerings. This decline is attributed to shifts in consumer spending habits and an increasing preference for dining out or preparing meals at home.
What Was the First Food Delivery App?
The first online restaurant delivery service in the United States originated in 1995 with World Wide Waiter, now known as Waiter.com. Today, the industry is dominated by DoorDash, GrubHub, and Uber Eats, which collectively generate around 80% of total revenue in the sector.
Who Pays More: DoorDash or Uber Eats in 2024?
When comparing earnings for delivery drivers, DoorDash offers a higher average daily income of $63.66, while Uber Eats drivers earn approximately $52.94 per day. However, Uber Eats provides a higher per-delivery payout of $10.00, compared to DoorDash’s $8.49 per order. For those seeking larger individual payouts, Uber Eats may be the better option, whereas DoorDash might be ideal for those prioritizing volume over per-order earnings.
