Food delivery service Just Eat has revealed Ireland's most prominent food ordering habits for 2018 so far, with the data indicating that there has been a significant rise in demand for ethnic cuisines alongside a continued increase in orders of healthy choices, vegetarian meals and gluten-free options, compared to 2017.
Chinese food remains the most popular order overall, while demand for Greek food has increased fivefold. Just Eat has also seen a surge in demand for ethnic flavours, with orders of Lebanese food growing by 113%, Nepalese by 75%, Asian by 52% and Japanese by 51%. Takeaway chicken proved extremely popular, experiencing a massive fourteen-fold increase, while classic Italian fare also experienced an upsurge of 70%.
Reflecting consumers increasing interest in personal health and wellness, Just Eat has recorded a 52% increase in orders of healthy options, with gluten-free offerings also extremely popular, with a year-on-year increase of 73%. Meanwhile, orders for vegetarian food are up by 25%, with vegan pizza, vegan korma and falafel bowls being some of the most popular foods requested.
Despite the growth in healthy eating, the statistics showed that consumers are ordering almost three times the amount of chocolate brownies when compared to 2017, and thirteen times the amount of cookie dough.
Commenting on the delivery service's new data, Just Eat marketing director Edel Kinane said, “It’s great to see Irish consumers continuing to explore diverse and new cuisines from the huge choice available on the Just Eat app, rather than sticking to the same dish every time. Much-loved favourites like Chinese cuisine, American and the traditional chipper are always popular, but Greek food has seen a massive increase in demand since January, as well as Middle Eastern and Asian cuisines. We predicted a strong demand in healthy options, vegetarian and vegan food for 2018, and our data for the year so far reflects that. While the early evening remains the most popular time to place an order, we're seeing more and more lunchtime orders, as Irish consumers make the most of their free time whilst discovering the many new lunchtime options available to order on Just Eat.''
© 2018 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
