Gluten-Free Trend Translates to Takeout; GrubHub Identifies Top Cities for Gluten-Free Ordering

June 18, 2013

Pacific Northwest, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles Rank Highest for Gluten-Free Takeout Orders

CHICAGO, June 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — With approximately one in three Americans trying to cut back or avoid gluten in their diets*, the analysts at GrubHub, a leading online and mobile food ordering service, tracked the trend at U.S. takeout restaurants. An analysis of 2013 GrubHub orders reveals that menu items identified as gluten-free have grown in popularity with diners by nearly 60 percent since April 2012.

To better gauge the demand for gluten-free takeout, analysts examined orders from GrubHub’s network of more than 20,000 restaurants in 500+ cities. Findings suggest that diners in the Pacific Northwest lead the demand for gluten-free goodies, with Seattle, Portland and Eugene, Ore., topping the list of cities with the highest percentage of gluten-free orders.

Where Are Diners Going Gluten-Free?

  1. Seattle
  2. Portland, Ore.
  3. Eugene, Ore.
  4. San Jose, Calif.
  5. Chicago
  6. Raleigh, N.C.
  7. Denver
  8. Minneapolis, Minn.
  9. Los Angeles
  10. Albany, NY

In addition to identifying the U.S. cities with the highest gluten-free demand, GrubHub analysts determined the most popular gluten-free dishes. More than four percent of GrubHub restaurants now offer gluten-free options, and order data reveals specialty pizzas, salads, burgers, wraps and sandwiches to be the most-ordered gluten-free items.

“Local restaurants are continuing to meet the evolving needs of diners, and takeout is no exception,” said Mike Evans, GrubHub co-founder and COO. “Whether our diners are searching for food that meets a dietary restriction, or are craving something very specific, GrubHub offers cuisine filters and smart searches that make it easy to find exactly what they want.”

For more information about GrubHub, or to find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com.

About GrubHub

GrubHub is a leading online and mobile food ordering service that shows diners local restaurants available for delivery or pick up. Available in more than 500 cities across the nation, GrubHub features more than 20,000 online ordering restaurants and, as the parent company of Allmenus, lists approximately 250,000 restaurant menus. Diners who order through GrubHub’s free website or mobile apps can pay with cash, credit or PayPal™, and every order is supported by GrubHub’s 24/7 customer service. Founded in 2004, GrubHub is a privately held company and is headquartered in Chicago.

Source: NPD Group, “Percentage of U.S. Adults Trying to Cut Down or Avoid Gluten in Their Diets Reaches New High in 2013, Reports NPD.” March, 2013.