Made-to-order hotdogs, bananas and sodas topped the list as the most popular items ordered from convenience stores this year, according to Grubhub’s 2024 Delivered Report.
In addition, Dr Pepper took the lead as the most-ordered soda from convenience stores.
“While people still found joy in their Diet Coke breaks, 2024 saw the soda claim victory in the battle of the bubbles,” Chicago-based Grubhub said. “Whether poured from the fountain or straight from the can into the tumbler, customers embraced its unexpected viral twist—added pickles! Who could resist that bold flavor combination?
The annual report examines consumer ordering trends and behaviors, Grubhub said, analyzing orders placed throughout the year—from convenience stores, restaurants, grocery stores and more—delivered to customers at home, work, college campuses, hotel rooms and beyond.
Grubhub's trends reveal that even when it felt a bit “extra,” no one hesitated to “add to bag,” the company said. “Americans fully embraced the art of going all in, making 2024 the year of ‘Doing the Most’.”
Many rejected the minimalist trend, Grubhub said. “People were determined to get the most out of their purchases, their travel experiences and certainly their delivery choices,” the company said.
Highlights:
In 2024, Americans weren't just eating protein, they were going all in. Chicken was included in nearly 40% of all Grubhub restaurant orders and crowding grocery carts. Chicken was also part of Grubhub grocery store orders almost three times as often as beef.
Extra protein was extra desirable with 15% of Grubhub Chipotle orders including double protein.
Cottage cheese had a social media-fueled renaissance. “Customers embraced the protein-packed dairy, transforming trending dishes like cottage cheese toast and flatbreads,” Grubhub said. “But this trend wasn't just seen on social media. This year, Grubhub delivered over one ton of cottage cheese orders to customers.”
Elsewhere, Americans were “buzzing with their love for espresso, whether sipping it in their drinks or blasting it on repeat in their music playlists,” Grubhub said. “So much so that even Grubhub espresso orders spiked the week of June 22, right as the hit song topped the charts.”
Give It a Shot
Customers added more espresso shots to their orders than last year, but it wasn’t just basic espresso that people, Grubhub said. “They were thirsty for variety, and Grubhub delivered, offering nearly 15,000 unique variations of lattes alone this year.”
Also, pickles continued to rise in popularity, with a 14% increase in overall orders. “This came as no surprise as people made the most of their pickle passions, whether as a bread substitute for cold-cut sandwiches or using its distinctive juices to sour their sodas,” Grubhub said.
As more returned to their offices, Grubhub saw a 53% increase in corporate coffee orders.
Mexican cuisine was the most popular international cuisine for Grubhub customers across the country, and many took their taco game to the next level, ordering nearly 1.3 million birria orders this year alone.
Energy on Campus
On college campuses, energy drinks trended as a caffeine sidekick and coffee alternative. February had the highest energy drink orders across college campuses, up nearly a third compared with other months.
In 2024, decaf orders grew 5% nationwide, with 21% of those decaf orders placed after lunch, “making the 2 p.m. coffee break a mindful ritual rather than a caffeine-fueled habit,” Grubhub said.
“It’s clear: Americans are now sipping their way to better sleep, and that afternoon decaf moment has never been more intentional or more relaxing,” Grubhub said.
Swicy, a mix of sweet and spicy, made its way into everything from summer drinks to snacks and spirits. The combo was more than a trend, it was “a full-blown movement,” Grubhub said. “In fact, hot honey purchases surged by 30% in Grubhub grocery stores orders, proving that Americans were all in on swicy, pairing it with everything from fried chicken to french fries.”
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