Shelter-at-home edicts issued during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in quarantined Americans developing a greater hunger for spicy chicken sandwiches and plant-based burgers, according to the “State of the Plate” report from the food-ordering and delivery marketplace GrubHub.
The new report covers the first half of the year, but significant spikes in food ordering began by mid-March when states and municipalities urged residents to stay at home. As a result, GrubHub tracked a mix of comfort foods and healthy meals being among the top choices for its customers. On a year-over-year measurement, GrubHub identified these offerings as recording increased consumer interest:
Ӣ Spicy chicken sandwich: 299% more popular
Ӣ Plant-based burger: 291% more popular
Ӣ Vanilla shake: 273% more popular
Ӣ Iced latte: 261% more popular
Ӣ Chili: 228% more popular
Ӣ Cinnamon roll: 205% more popular
Ӣ Chimichanga: 195% more popular
Ӣ Beef burrito: 181% more popular
Ӣ Potato taco: 169% more popular
Ӣ Taro milk tea: 168% more popular
GrubHub also noted orders of meal kits rose 55% on a year-over-year basis during the first half of the year, while vegan orders were up by 23%. Looking ahead to the autumn, GrubHub is predicting the next season”™s food trends will veer in the direction of miso tofu bowls, quinoa taco salads, mushroom burgers, Cajun wings and buffalo chicken empanadas.
