How Delivery Platforms Are Reshaping the Foodservice Menu in 2025

The U.S. food delivery market is growing fast. In 2024, it was worth $31.91 billion and is set to hit $74.03 billion by 2033, growing at 9.31% per year. Staying on top of foodservice trends 2025 is essential for operators adjusting to changing consumer demands and AI-driven innovation. Globally, it’s expected to reach $1.4 trillion by end of 2025 Platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats dominate. DoorDash controls over 60% of the U.S. market with $10.72 billion in 2024 revenue. Uber Eats is close behind with $13.7 billion and over 100 million users worldwide.

With these numbers, it’s no surprise that the foodservice menu is being transformed. Operators must rethink how they plan a menu for foodservice—from pricing and prep to photography and digital visibility. Here’s what the top players are doing to stay ahead.

Smart menu development means simplifying for scale

A menu for foodservice built for delivery is different from a dine-in experience. Dishes need to travel well, reheat well, and still feel special. This has given rise to modular prep, scalable flavor profiles, and smart bundling.

Dark kitchens and virtual brands are key to success. These allow operators to create delivery-only offerings, test them with minimal risk, and iterate quickly. By focusing on high-performing items, they cut operational noise and meet demand fast.

Operators also experiment with flexible packaging, sides, and customization to increase average order value. Think family-style trays, add-ons, and packaging that keeps texture intact. Tracking the latest food packaging trends can help brands make smarter, more sustainable packaging choices for delivery.

Data-driven pricing offsets commission pressure

Delivery platforms typically take a 15–30% commission per order. That means pricing must be surgical. Bundles and limited-time offers help boost perceived value without hurting margins.

Smart operators also integrate platform loyalty tools like DashPass and Uber One. These reduce friction for repeat orders and help offset platform costs. Transparent fees, upfront value, and clever upsells go a long way in keeping profit in-house.

Applying proven foodservice sales strategies can help teams drive growth while navigating platform challenges and shifting diner expectations.

Visibility wins: The digital shelf matters

In the battle for food delivery dollars, your digital storefront is your first impression. Operators are now optimizing dish names, descriptions, and images for platform search. The right photo can drive clicks. A clear name and craveable copy keep users from scrolling past.

A compelling delivery menu also taps into trending needs—comfort food, heat-and-eat kits, or health-forward bowls. Each item should work as a mini campaign. The better your content, the higher your visibility and conversion. The comparison between foodservice vs retail reveals key differences in how and where consumers are spending in 2025.

Tastewise helps operators see dish-level performance across platforms. You can track how your dish competes with others in real time, giving you the edge to adjust fast.

What delivery-first diners crave in 2025

Consumer cravings are clear: comfort foods lead the charge in food delivery. According to Tastewise’s AI Survey on delivery menus, 61.94% of respondents prefer ordering comfort dishes like burgers and pasta—outpacing all other categories. 

When choosing what to order, 53.86% prioritize flavor and craveability, making them 2.6x more influential than price. Travel-friendly formats matter too: 46.22% of respondents picked sandwiches and wraps as the best for delivery, slightly edging out rice and noodle dishes. These preferences show that indulgence and practicality go hand in hand for today’s diners. 

Using AI in foodservice menu creation

It’s not just about data—it’s about speed. The use of AI in foodservice has moved from buzzword to action. Platforms like Tastewise allow teams to generate recipes, test concepts, and adjust based on real consumer behavior.

With the Recipe Creator, operators can instantly build high-engagement dishes like the “Gochujang BBQ Chicken With Sesame Ginger Glaze”—a popular comfort-meets-global item. These tools match dish ideas with trending ingredients, so teams always know what to promote.

The real value? Execution. While others are waiting for market data, Tastewise users are already adjusting their delivery menu with the confidence of live consumer validation.

The delivery ecosystem is getting smarter. Are you?

Uber Eats and DoorDash are the biggest platforms, but the real winners are the ones who adapt. By focusing your foodservice menu on delivery performance, testing ideas quickly, and owning your digital real estate, you can gain share—even in a crowded space.

Want to see what’s working across delivery platforms? Start by looking at consumer behavior, not just competitor pricing. Your next best seller could already be in the data.

FAQs

What makes a menu successful on delivery platforms?

A strong delivery menu includes dishes that travel well, match consumer cravings, and are priced smartly to handle platform fees.

How does AI help with foodservice menus? 

Using AI in foodservice means getting fast insights into what’s trending. It helps operators create dishes that match demand and track what’s working in real time.

How can I stand out on Uber Eats or DoorDash?

Treat your platform presence like your front window. High-quality photos, keyword-rich names, and trending dishes can increase visibility and sales.