GrubHub Year In Review Reveals 2014 Takeout Trends

December 8, 2014

New Findings from GrubHub show the Cupcake craze is officially over, with Skillet Cookies and Brussels Sprouts reigning supreme in 2014

CHICAGO, Dec. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — From doughsants to ramen burgers and waffle tacos, 2014 was a big year for food fads. And with a new year around the corner, GrubHub analysts set out to identify which food trends left the biggest mark on takeout in 2014.  According to year-over-year order data*, sharable dishes – including Skillet Cookies, Poutine, Jumbo Pretzels and Brussels Sprouts – saw some of the biggest order spikes in 2014, while Cupcakes, Turkey Burgers and Curry dishes declined in popularity.

To uncover top trends in 2014 takeout dining, analysts examined two years’ worth of GrubHub order data from its network of 30,000 restaurants in more than 800 U.S. cities. Findings identify both the dishes with the largest increase in GrubHub orders over the last year, as well as the takeout foods declining in popularity.

2014 GrubHub Takeout Trends

2014 GrubHub Takeout On the Decline

1.       Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie: +323%

1.       Chocolate Cupcake: -67%

2.       Whiting Fish: +199%

2.       Cheesy Garlic Bread: -67%

3.       Poutine: +189%

3.       Potato Leek Soup: -62%

4.       Jumbo Soft Pretzels: +186%

4.       Fried Chicken Leg: -61%

5.       Brussels Sprouts: +185%

5.       Cucumber Yogurt: -60%

6.       Classic Sirloin: +180%

6.       Turkey Burger: -60%

7.       Bacon Ranch Quesadillas: +168%

7.       Curried Chicken: -59%

8.       Shoyu Ramen: +167%

8.       Kadayif: -57%%

9.       Cornbread: +160%

9.       Ham and Cheese Sandwich: -57%

10.     Karaage Chicken: +154%

10.     Veggie Curry: -56%

2014 Prediction Scorecard

At the end of 2013, the National Restaurant Association surveyed professional chefs to find out which cuisines and culinary themes would make waves in 2014. The analysts at GrubHub compared order data with some of these predictions to determine which trends took hold in the takeout industry this past year.

Correct Trend Predictions

Trend Predictions that Missed

·         Hybrid Desserts: +148%

·         “Locally Sourced” Takeout: -10%

·         Pickled Items: +106%

·         Healthy Seeds: -7%

·         New Cuts of Meat (Tri-Tip): +26%

·         Artisan Cheeses: -4%

·         Bite Size (“mini”) Desserts: +21%

·         Korean Food: -3%

·         Greek Yogurt: +21%

·         Ethnic Dips: -2%

“As we reflect on the year, it’s important to take a look at what 2014 meant for our millions of diners,” said Jonathan Zabusky, president of GrubHub Inc. “Tracking food trends based on our order data helps highlight the impact independent, mom and pop restaurants have on the tastes and preferences of American diners.”

To find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com, and for more information on GrubHub Inc., please visit http://media.grubhub.com.

About GrubHub

GrubHub Inc. (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company’s online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from approximately 30,000 takeout restaurants in more than 800 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company’s 24/7 customer service teams.

Based on order data from 1/1/13-12/31/13 compared to 1/1/14-11/11/14.