Best food delivery service

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You want the best food delivery. DoorDash is the top food delivery service for most people. DoorDash has 67% of the market. It has 37 million active users each month. DoorDash makes $8.64 billion in revenue. You get fast delivery and many restaurants to pick from. There are also regular discounts. Surveys say these things matter most to people. When you want the best food delivery, you should get speed, value, and quality. Pick the best food delivery for easy use and happiness every time.

Key Takeaways

  • DoorDash is the leader in the U.S. It has the most restaurant options. It also gives many discounts often. This makes it a favorite for many people. – Uber Eats is the fastest for delivery. It is very quick in large cities. It is good for travelers because it works in many countries. – Meal kits help you cook fresh food at home. The recipes are simple to follow. Ready-to-eat services give you healthy meals fast. You do not need to cook with these. – Picking local delivery apps helps small businesses. Ordering straight from restaurants does too. This can also help you save money. – Try using subscription plans to save more. Always check the fees before you order. This helps you avoid high delivery costs and find good deals.

Best Food Delivery: Overview

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Quick Comparison

You want to find the best food delivery for you. Each top food delivery app is good in different ways. Look at this table to compare the main food delivery services:

Service

Average Delivery Time

Delivery Fee Range

Restaurant Variety

Subscription Option

Unique Features

DoorDash

Not specified

$0 – $5.99

310,000+ restaurants

DashPass ($9.99/month)

Fast delivery, alcohol delivery, referral perks

Uber Eats

Less than 30 minutes

$0 – $5.49+

Global, wide variety

Eats Pass ($9.99/month)

Fastest, global reach, driver perks

Grubhub

Not specified

$0 – $7

200,000+ restaurants

Grubhub+ ($9.99/month)

Largest US network, alcohol delivery

Postmates

Not specified

Around $5.99

Wide, especially urban

Unlimited ($9.99/month)

Non-food delivery, alcohol, flexible ordering

Caviar

Not specified

Varies

Focus on local, 28 cities

None

Local restaurant focus, part of DoorDash

Goldbelly

3 to 5 days

Varies

Gourmet, nationwide

None

Ships famous foods, not instant delivery

Tip: If you want your food fast, Uber Eats can bring it in under 30 minutes. If you want lots of choices, DoorDash has more than 310,000 restaurants.

Key Features

You want food delivery apps that fit your life. Here is what makes each top delivery app special:

  • DoorDash is great for lots of choices and local places. You can pick from many restaurants and get discounts often.

  • Uber Eats is the fastest. You get your food quickly, especially in big cities. You can use it in many countries when you travel.

  • Grubhub has the biggest network in the US. You can find many local places and pay different fees.

  • Postmates lets you order more than just food. You can get groceries or things from the Apple Store.

  • Caviar picks high-quality local restaurants. You can find special places in some cities.

  • Goldbelly sends famous foods from all over the country. You can send gifts or enjoy special meals at home.

Pick the food delivery service that works best for you. If you want your food fast, choose Uber Eats. If you want lots of choices, DoorDash is best. For local restaurants, try Caviar or Grubhub. If you want something special, Goldbelly brings gourmet food to you.

Food Delivery Service Breakdown

Major Apps

You want a good food delivery app. Each big app is different. The table below shows what each app does well and not so well:

Service

Strengths

Weaknesses

DoorDash

Market leader, huge customer base, user-friendly app, wide driver network, strong restaurant partners, high loyalty, frequent charity work

Reports financial losses, limited global reach, rising delivery costs, high restaurant fees, similar services to competitors

Uber Eats

Fastest delivery, global reach, leverages Uber’s infrastructure, strong in urban areas

Smaller US market share than DoorDash, higher fees in some areas, not as many local partners

Grubhub

Largest US network, strong in big cities, many local restaurants, flexible fees

Losing market share, not as fast as Uber Eats, fewer perks for users

Postmates

Delivers food and non-food items, strong in LA and Charlotte, flexible ordering

Smaller coverage, higher delivery fees, less variety outside major cities

Caviar

Focuses on high-quality local restaurants, strong in San Francisco, unique restaurant selection

Limited to select cities, no subscription option, smaller network

Goldbelly

Ships gourmet and famous foods nationwide, great for gifts, not instant delivery

Long delivery times (3-5 days), higher prices, not for everyday meals

You want to pick the right app for you. DoorDash is the biggest in the US with about 59% of the market. Uber Eats comes next with 24%. Grubhub has 13%. DoorDash has an easy app and lots of drivers. It works with over 450,000 restaurants. People use it a lot and get discounts often. Uber Eats is fast and works in many countries. It is good for people who travel. Grubhub connects you to many local places, especially in big cities.

Tip: If you live in a big city, you can use most delivery apps. In the country, you may not have as many choices.

Where you live matters when you pick an app. DoorDash and Uber Eats work best in cities. DoorDash covers about 55-60% of the US. Uber Eats covers 25-30%. Most people in big cities can use many apps. In smaller cities, you still have some options. In the country, there are fewer choices.

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You might want to know which app is best in your city. Grubhub is number one in New York and Chicago. DoorDash is best in San Jose and Fort Worth. Postmates is strong in Los Angeles and Charlotte. Caviar is popular in San Francisco. Here is a table that shows the top apps in each city:

City

Leading Service(s)

Notes

New York

GrubHub (85.9%)

GrubHub is dominant

Chicago

GrubHub (61.6%)

GrubHub leads

San Jose

DoorDash (77.5%)

DoorDash is dominant

Fort Worth

DoorDash (46.2%), UberEATS (38.2%)

DoorDash leads, UberEATS strong second

Los Angeles

Postmates (38.7%)

Postmates leads, also delivers non-food items

Charlotte

Postmates (42.9%)

Postmates leads

San Francisco

Caviar (24.1%), Eat24 (22.2%)

Caviar has significant market share

Seattle

Amazon Restaurants (21.0%)

Amazon leads only in Seattle

You get the best deals and fastest food if you use the top app in your city.

Local Options

You might want to help local restaurants or try something new. Many cities have their own food delivery apps. These apps help local businesses and have special features for your area.

  • Favor is in Texas. You can order food or ask for errands.

  • EatOkra helps you find Black-owned restaurants in the US.

  • Chekout in New York City does not charge restaurants and has low delivery rates.

You can find good local apps by checking if they help local restaurants and have what you need. Look for these things:

  • The app works in your area.

  • The delivery area includes your home or work.

  • Fees are easy to understand and fair.

  • You get rewards for ordering often.

  • The app has good reviews and works with local restaurants.

Note: You can use Yelp or city apps to find more local choices. Always check if the app can deliver to your address. This helps your food arrive fresh and on time.

You help your community and get special foods when you use local delivery apps. You support small businesses and can try menu items not found on big apps.

Meal Delivery Service Choices

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You want a meal delivery service that works for you. There are two main types. You can pick a meal kit service or a ready-to-eat meal delivery service. Each one lets you eat fresh and tasty food at home in a different way.

Meal Kits

A meal kit service sends you fresh food and simple recipes. You cook the meals at home. You do not have to shop or plan. All the food is measured and ready to use. Many people like meal kit service because you learn new recipes. You also control what goes into your food. You can try top meal kit brands like Blue Apron, HelloFresh, Home Chef, Green Chef, Dinnerly, and Sunbasket. These companies have meal kits for families, singles, and special diets.

Meal kit service gives you fresh food and more control. You pick your meals every week. You can choose the best meal kit for your taste, money, and diet. Some meal kit brands, like Green Chef and Sunbasket, focus on healthy and organic meals. HelloFresh is known for balanced, healthy eating. You can save money with meal kit service. You only get what you need.

Ready-to-Eat Meals

A ready-to-eat meal delivery service sends you cooked meals. You just heat them and eat. This meal delivery service is great if you want fast, healthy food with no cooking. You can pick from brands like Factor, CookUnity, Mosaic, and Hungryroot. These meal delivery services are good for busy people or anyone who wants healthy food fast.

Ready-to-eat meal delivery service gives you many healthy choices. Nutritionists like Factor, Sunbasket, and Purple Carrot for balanced meals. You can find meals for keto, vegan, gluten-free, and more. The average cost for a ready-to-eat meal delivery service is $10.50 to $14.23 per meal. Here is a chart that shows the price range for top brands:

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Tip: If you want to cook and try new foods, pick a meal kit service. If you want food fast with no work, pick a ready-to-eat meal delivery service.

Here is a table to help you compare meal kit service and ready-to-eat meal delivery service:

Aspect

Meal Kit (Meal-in-a-Box)

Ready-to-Eat Meal Delivery

Preparation

You cook at home with fresh, pre-measured ingredients

Meals arrive cooked, just heat and eat

Freshness

Fresh ingredients, cooked by you

Premade meals, less fresh than home-cooked

Portion Control

You control portions

Pre-portioned meals

Customization

Try new foods, some control over ingredients

Limited customization, menus often set

Convenience

Takes time and effort to cook

Very convenient, no cooking needed

Cost

Can save money, no waste

Usually costs more than cooking yourself

Dietary Options

Flexible, many choices

Often tailored to special diets

Cons

Takes time, can be hard to follow recipes

Less fresh, higher cost, less control

You can find the best meal kit or meal delivery service for you. Pick the one that fits your life and goals.

How to Choose

Cost and Fees

You want to save money when you order food. Delivery apps often charge $2 to $5 for each order. Some apps add hidden fees and mark up menu prices by as much as 92%. This means your meal delivery service can cost up to 91% more than ordering directly from a restaurant. You should always check the total before you pay. Many apps offer subscription plans or loyalty programs. These can help you save on delivery fees and get special deals. For example, DashPass and Eats Pass give you free delivery for a monthly fee. Some restaurants, like Panera Bread and Taco Bell, offer their own plans with free delivery or discounts. If you order often, these programs can lower your costs.

App

Typical Delivery Fee

Menu Markup (up to)

DoorDash

$0 – $5.99

83%

Uber Eats

$0 – $5.49+

69%

Grubhub

$0 – $7

80%

Postmates

Around $5.99

92%

Tip: Use a meal kit service if you want to control your budget. Meal kit service prices are clear, and you avoid hidden fees.

Local Support

You help your community when you choose a meal delivery service that partners with local restaurants. DoorDash works with over 310,000 local restaurants, more than any other app. Many meal kit service brands also support small farms and local suppliers. Food delivery platforms give small restaurants more customers and help them grow. They handle delivery, so restaurants can focus on cooking. You support local jobs and get unique food when you use these services.

  • Food delivery apps boost small restaurant sales.

  • They make it easy for you to discover new local spots.

  • Meal kit service companies often highlight local ingredients.

Dietary Needs

You want food that fits your diet. Most meal delivery service apps let you filter for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options. You can read menu details and see ingredients. Many meal kit service brands offer special plans for keto, paleo, or plant-based diets. You can add notes for allergies or special requests. Some apps even remember your choices and suggest meals you like. Reviews from other users help you see if a restaurant meets your needs.

  1. Use filters to find the right meal kit service for your diet.

  2. Check menu details for ingredients and nutrition.

  3. Add special instructions for allergies.

  4. Look for meal delivery service apps that partner with diet-focused restaurants.

  5. Read reviews to see how well restaurants handle dietary needs.

App Experience

You want an easy and smooth experience. The best meal delivery service apps have clear menus, fast loading, and simple ordering. DoorDash and Uber Eats have user-friendly designs. Favor stands out for friendly customer service. Some apps let you reorder past meals with one tap. You should look for apps that show clear prices and delivery times. Avoid apps with confusing menus or slow loading. User reviews and ratings help you choose the best meal kit service or meal delivery service. They show you which apps are easy to use and which ones have problems.

Note: A great app experience makes your meal kit service or meal delivery service more enjoyable and stress-free.

Alternatives

Direct Restaurant Ordering

You can save money by ordering straight from a restaurant. This helps your favorite places keep more of their money. Third-party apps charge restaurants big fees, sometimes up to 30%. If you order direct, you pay less and the restaurant earns more. Restaurants can also give you better deals and rewards. When you order this way, the restaurant controls your whole experience. You often get fresher food and better service.

Tip: Many restaurants have their own websites or phone numbers for orders. You might get special deals or rewards if you order this way.

Here is a table that shows how direct ordering and delivery apps are different:

Aspect

Ordering Directly

Third-Party Apps

Commission Fees

None

15-30% per order

Customer Data

Restaurant owns it

App owns it

Delivery Quality

Restaurant controls

App controls

Cost to You

Lower

Higher

Loyalty Programs

Easier to join

Limited

You help local businesses grow when you order direct. Some restaurants use both apps and direct orders. They want new customers from apps, but hope you order direct next time.

DIY Delivery

You can also try DIY delivery for more control. Some restaurants use their own drivers instead of third-party apps. This gives you a more personal touch and sometimes faster service. The restaurant handles your order and brings the food to you.

Here is a table that compares DIY delivery and professional services:

Aspect

DIY Delivery

Professional Service

Profit Margin

Full profit kept by restaurant

High commission fees

Customer Experience

More personal and controlled

Less control for restaurant

Marketing Reach

Limited, needs own promotion

Large built-in customer base

Operational Effort

More work for restaurant

Less work, handled by app

Scalability

Harder to grow quickly

Easy to scale with app

Note: DIY delivery works best for small restaurants or local chains. You can talk to the restaurant if there is a problem. Sometimes, there are fewer menu choices or longer waits if they are busy.

You get to pick how you order your food. Direct ordering and DIY delivery give you more value and a closer link to your favorite places. Next time you want takeout, try these ways for a better meal.

 

You want the best food delivery. DoorDash stands out for most users because it leads the U.S. market and offers unmatched convenience. Other options like Uber Eats or meal kits work well if you need global reach or want to cook at home.

  • The food delivery market keeps growing.

  • DoorDash leads in app downloads and market presence.

  • Meal kits like HelloFresh hold strong for home cooking.
    Think about what matters most to you—speed, cost, or local support. Choose the service that fits your life and order your next meal with confidence.

FAQ

What is the cheapest food delivery service?

You save the most with DoorDash or Grubhub. Both offer frequent deals and loyalty programs. You can join DashPass or Grubhub+ for free delivery on many orders. Always check for promo codes before you order. You keep more money in your pocket.

Which app delivers food the fastest?

Uber Eats brings your food the fastest in most cities. You get your meal in less than 30 minutes during peak hours. Choose Uber Eats if you want speed. You enjoy hot, fresh food every time.

Can I order from local restaurants?

Yes! You support local restaurants with DoorDash, Grubhub, or Caviar. These apps partner with many small businesses. You discover new favorites and help your community grow. Try a local spot today.

Are meal kits or ready-to-eat meals better for busy people?

Ready-to-eat meals work best for busy schedules. You heat and eat in minutes. No cooking or cleanup needed. You save time and still eat healthy. Choose this option if you want convenience.

How do I avoid high delivery fees?

You join a subscription like DashPass or Eats Pass. You get free delivery and special discounts. Order directly from restaurants when possible. You compare fees before you pay. This way, you keep costs low.