Bite Squad’s Summer Food Delivery Trends Forecast

Want to know what foods will be getting delivered a lot more this Summer?

“This data shows a unique cross-section of classic delivery items such as sandwiches, hot dogs and wings as well as some less expected items like arroz con pollo, hibachi and antipasto,” said Craig Key, Head of Growth for Waitr.  

According to Bite Squad data regarding delivery trends between the summer 2017 and summer 2018, the following menu items are likely to see an increase in food delivery this summer:

Top 10 Summer Food Delivery Items by percentage increase in popularity*

1. Arroz Con Pollo: 804 percent
2. Turkey Sandwiches: 113 percent
3. Poke: 83 percent
4. Hibachi: 80 percent
5. Philly Cheesesteak: 68 percent
6. Hot Dog: 67 percent
7. Antipasto: 61 percent
8. Sub Sandwiches: 57 percent
9. Mozzarella Sticks: 46 percent
10. Chicken Wings: 45 percent

The data did find that not all menu items grow in popularity with warmer weather. During summer months, selections such as soup, pad Thai and egg rolls see a decrease in delivery interest as guests turn to popular cold food and drink items to satisfy their cravings.

Beverage delivery is another category that continues to evolve and grow in popularity. According to Bite Squad’s data, popular summer beverages are seeing an uptick as guests become more accustomed to using delivery for standalone beverage purchases. Milkshakes and tea-based beverages lead the way:

Top 10 Drink Delivery Items for Summer 2019

1. Milkshakes
2. Lemonade
3. Iced Tea
4. Soda
5. Sweet Tea
6. Thai Tea
7. Smoothies
8. Boba Milk Tea
9. Gatorade
10. Bottled Water 

*To forecast foods that will be popular in summer 2019, Bite Squad analyzed orders over the past two summer seasons from June 1 – August 31. The company identified dishes with the highest positive rate of change in order volume between summer 2017 and summer 2018. That rate of change was used to predict which dishes will continue to rise in summer 2019.