Food Delivery Apps and Their Effect and Social Impact On Eating Habits and Health: A Study
Food Delivery Apps and Their Effect and Social Impact On Eating Habits and Health: A Study
Abstract: Food delivery apps have revolutionized the way people access and consume meals, offering convenience and a vast
array of dining choices at the tap of a screen. This study explores the effects and social impact of food delivery services on
eating habits and overall health. The research examines how these apps influence dietary choices, portion sizes, and meal
frequency, often promoting fast food consumption and sedentary lifestyles. While they provide benefits such as accessibility
and time-saving advantages, they also contribute to health concerns like obesity and poor nutrition. Additionally, the study
investigates how these platforms affect social interactions, local food businesses, and consumer spending patterns. By
analyzing user behavior, health implications, and societal changes, this research aims to provide insights into the long-term
impact of food delivery apps on public health and lifestyle trends.
Keywords: Food Delivery Apps, Eating Habits, Health Impact, Nutrition, Dietary Choices, Convenience, Obesity, Sedentary
Lifestyle, Social Impact, Consumer Behavior.
How to Cite: Shankar Prasad; Chehak M. Jain; Param V. Chajjed; Sambhav S. Jain; Joel Modi; Harshit Mittal. (2025). Food
Delivery Apps and their Effect and Social Impact on Eating Habits and Health: A Study. International Journal of Innovative
Science and Research Technology,10(3), 3024-3052. https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar1871.
Food delivery apps have certainly made a wide range of The majority of the existing study on food delivery apps
cuisines more accessible due to their convenience, but they focuses on how these apps effect gig economy workers or
have also raised awareness of issues with eating habits, how they help the restaurant business economically. Research
nutrition, and general health. The main problem is that much on their wider social and health effects is conspicuously
of the food that is ordered on these platforms is rich in lacking, though. Particularly, not much research has been
calories, high in fats, sugars, and salts, and poor in vital done to fully examine how these applications affect users'
nutrients. When fast food or restaurant meals are readily long-term health outcomes, eating habits, and nutritional
available to them, consumers are more inclined to select preferences. By examining how food delivery apps affect
eating patterns, possible health hazards, and the social apps may contribute to the exacerbation of obesity, a growing
ramifications of an increasing reliance on these platforms for public health concern. When paired with a sedentary lifestyle,
daily meals, this study paper aims to close this vacuum in the high-fat, calorie-dense meals that are frequently
knowledge. purchased through these platforms can cause an energy
imbalance in which people consume more calories than they
A. Changing Eating Habits: burn. This imbalance eventually causes weight gain, which
Cooking and sharing meals has always been an raises the risk of obesity and associated illnesses like type 2
important part of social contact and family life. Home-cooked diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
meals are frequently linked to mindful eating, quantity
control, and improved nutrition. Preparing food is a social It's important to consider how meal delivery
activity that fosters cultural continuity and familial ties in applications affect mental health in addition to physical
many cultures. But the emergence of food delivery apps has health. These apps' ability to deliver fast satisfaction and their
changed how people eat, especially in cities and among use of algorithms to forecast user preferences can lead to a
younger generations. Many customers now rely on these dependency on convenience food. This may result in
applications to meet their daily food demands rather than emotional eating, a behavior in which people turn to food as
planning and cooking meals, frequently choosing quick, easy, a sedentary diversion from stress or other upsetting feelings.
and accessible options. Comfort foods and decadent meals are always available,
which can worsen bad eating habits and lead to cycles of
Several significant modifications in eating patterns have overeating and guilt. This can further aggravate a person's
been brought about by this transition. First of all, people are connection with food.
becoming less and less interested in traditional meal plans.
Rather than consuming three set meals a day, consumers of Furthermore, data points to the possibility that particular
food delivery applications can frequently “graze,” placing ethnicities are disproportionately impacted by meal delivery
smaller orders for meals or snacks throughout the day. This apps, which exacerbates health disparities. People with low
unstructured eating behavior can contribute to weight gain incomes and communities with little access to grocery stores
and poor nutritional choices by causing overconsumption and or fresh vegetables may rely mostly on food delivery apps for
decreased awareness of calorie intake. Furthermore, the their meals. But the eateries that are listed on these platforms
convenience of ordering food late at night has increased the frequently serve fast food and other high-calorie options,
amount of people who snack at midnight, which is frequently which can have a negative impact on people's diets who
linked to poor eating habits and digestive problems. already have trouble getting access to nutritious food. This
begs the question of whether meal delivery services are
Second, the instantaneous and convenient culture that causing a "nutrition gap," in which underprivileged groups
meal delivery apps foster has an impact on people's have less access to healthy food options.
perceptions of food. Rather of seeing meals as a chance to
provide the body with necessary nutrients, food starts to be C. Social Impacts:
seen as a convenience item that is determined by availability, The social impact of meal delivery applications is just
promotions, and cravings. Studies show that people are less as important as the health concerns. Social connections
likely to cook at home the more often they utilize meal around food are changing as a result of these platforms,
delivery apps. This dependence on meals from restaurants can especially among families. Meals have always been a time for
lead to a sharp drop in the intake of fruits, vegetables, and family members to get together, exchange stories, and deepen
whole grains, which exacerbates the problem of low-quality their relationships. However, communal meal experiences are
diets. disappearing as a result of how convenient it is to order meals
individually through food delivery applications. Families
Portion sizes have also been impacted by the growing may now place separate orders, eat at different times, or dine
usage of meal delivery applications. Restaurant portions are alone rather than cooking and sharing meals together. This
usually greater than those made at home, and customers may change may make families less cohesive and limit
place orders through apps without realizing how much food opportunities for deep social engagement.
they are eating. This can result in overindulgence, especially
if you order from establishments that offer heavy, high-fat, Additionally, the way consumers interact with local
calorie meals. The fact that many apps encourage users to businesses and communities is being altered by food delivery
order more food by offering combo offers, upselling applications. Although these platforms give users access to a
strategies, and "family-sized" portions makes portion control diverse selection of restaurants, they also play a part in the
difficult to implement and encourages users to eat more than standardization of food culture by placing small
they otherwise would. establishments in direct competition with national and
international chains for app platform prominence. Smaller,
B. Health Implications: regional companies may find it difficult to compete with
Frequent use of meal delivery apps has a number of larger franchises that have the financial means to control app
troubling and complex health effects. Although these apps algorithms and promotions, which could result in their
make food more accessible to people with hectic schedules or displacement. As a result, local eateries may close or change
no cooking skills, they also add to the rising number of their menus to reflect trends influenced by app-based
illnesses linked to poor eating. In particular, meal delivery
consumer behavior, thereby changing the social fabric of further research. Additionally, it recommends that in order to
towns. lessen the detrimental effects of regular use on one's health,
digital platforms should embrace moral design principles that
The emergence of food delivery apps signifies a encourage making better decisions.
profound change in the ways that people in contemporary
society get, use, and view food. Although there is no denying B. Adolescents Use of Online Food Delivery Applications
the convenience these platforms provide, their influence on and Perceptions of Healthy Food Options and Food
eating patterns and health outcomes raises serious concerns Safety: A Cross- Sectional Study in the United Arab
about the long-term implications for both individuals and Emirates
society at large. In order to close a critical knowledge gap Sheima T. Saleh, Tareq M. Osaili, Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh,
about how meal delivery apps are changing food consumption Haydar A. Hasan, Mona Hashim, Maysm N. Mohamad,
patterns, this study attempts to investigate the intricate Salma Abu Qiyas, Haleama Al Sabbah, Rameez Al Daour,
relationship between dietary behavior, health, and food Radhiya Al Rajaby, Emad Masuadi, Lily Stojanovska,
delivery apps. This study looks into the social, nutritional, and Dimitrios Papandreou, Antonis Zampelas, Ayesha S. Al
health effects of meal delivery apps in an effort to further the Dhaheri, Hanin Kassem and Leila Cheikh Ismail
discussion about how convenience-driven lives and
technology are affecting public health and well-being in the The use of online food delivery applications (OFDAs)
twenty-first century. by teenagers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is examined
in the study "Adolescents’ use of online food delivery
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE applications and perceptions of healthy food options and food
safety." 532 teenagers participated in the cross-sectional
A. Food Delivery Apps and the Negative Health Impacts for survey, which sought to determine how often they used apps,
Americans what kinds of food they ordered, and how they felt about safe
Janna Stephens, Hailey Miller and Lisa Militello and healthy eating alternatives.
The examination of meal delivery apps reveals their Important conclusions showed that 85.7% of
explosive expansion and growing impact on eating patterns. participants preferred fast food over healthy options, and
Nowadays, half of delivery trips are made for dinner and 65.4% of participants used OFDAs on a weekly basis. Price
breakfast, thanks to digital food ordering. The industry has and visual appeal were important determinants of food
had rapid growth, rising by 23% in the last four years and choice, although flavor and cost discouraged many people
currently valued at $26.8 billion, thanks to the notable from choosing healthier options. Merely 20.7% of the
expansion of companies such as GrubHub and UberEats. individuals regularly looked for nutritious eating selections.
Although this convenience has helped restaurants by In addition, there was a lower likelihood of favorable
increasing their clientele, it has also had a detrimental effect perceptions of healthy food selections among younger and
on consumers' health, particularly in the United States. more frequent users.
The link between regular food delivery service use and In terms of food safety, those who were female and
poor eating practices is one of the main causes for concern. actively looking for healthy food showed a higher level of
Research indicates that those who use delivery services often awareness. Finding healthy food alternatives on these
buy high-calorie, unhealthy foods like pizza, fries, and platforms was difficult for more than half of the participants,
burgers. Increasing obesity rates are a result of this practice, and many of them reported eating more food and changing
especially among young adults (ages 19–29), who account for their eating habits—like eating late at night—after using
the majority of app users. Additionally, there is a high OFDAs. According to the report, teenagers need to be
percentage of obesity in this group: 20.6% of teens and 35.7% encouraged to make healthy decisions. In particular, as these
of young adults are fat. This is alarming given the prevalence platforms grow more ingrained in daily life, this entails
of meal delivery in these age groups. teaching young users about the value of balanced meals and
food safety and improving the visibility of healthy options on
The data also shows that for the past 30 years, fast food OFDAs.
has increased in calories, sodium, and portion sizes, which
has exacerbated the obesity issue. Those with lower incomes C. Factors Associated with Food Delivery App Use among
use apps more frequently than others, and they also tend to Young Adults
eat more fast food, which exacerbates health inequities. The Sarah A. Buettner, Keryn E. Pasch, and Natalie S.
text also addresses school meal delivery services, which can Poulos
be costly and aren't available to all student populations
evenly. Due to safety concerns, several schools are Factors Associated with Food Delivery App Use Among
increasingly prohibiting these services, indicating the Young Adults, looks at the growing trend of food delivery
necessity for rules. app (FDA) use, particularly among young adults in the US
who are between the ages of 18 and 25. With an emphasis on
In order to fully understand the health implications of variables including race, education level, food insecurity, and
meal delivery apps, especially with relation to user housing conditions, the study seeks to determine the
demographics and behaviors, the report closes by urging
sociodemographic, economic, and behavioral aspects that platforms often charge high commissions—sometimes up to
affect the frequency of FDA usage. 30%—significantly eroding restaurant profits. This
commission structure forces restaurants to offer discounts to
After conducting an online survey with 1,576 young remain competitive, further squeezing their margins. For
individuals, the researchers found that participants used meal instance, while customers may receive substantial discounts,
delivery apps roughly twice a week on average. Key findings the financial benefit for restaurants is minimal, as delivery
showed that full-time students, those living alone or handling charges and commissions diminish earnings.
their own finances, and non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic
respondents used the FDA at much higher rates. It's Marketing Trap
interesting to note that people who were food insecure were The marketing strategies employed by online delivery
also more likely to use FDAs, indicating that these websites platforms further complicate matters. Restaurants often find
could be a convenient way to get food even when money is themselves reliant on algorithms that dictate visibility,
tight. making it difficult for them to attract online traffic. To
counteract visibility issues, restaurants are compelled to
This finding has important ramifications, especially for invest heavily in marketing, but such investments do not
public health. Concerns over the possibility of bad dietary guarantee increased orders. Consequently, many restaurants
choices and dependence on convenience meals are raised by find themselves bearing a disproportionate financial burden
the frequent use of FDAs, particularly among vulnerable with little return on investment.
communities. The authors stress the necessity of public health
campaigns that support balanced eating practices in addition Competition and Ratings
to healthier food selections offered by these delivery services. The competitive environment fostered by online food
The study ends with a request for more investigation into the delivery platforms can be toxic. Restaurants are engaged in a
long-term consequences of meal delivery app dependence race for online visibility and ratings, with only a few
and how it affects young adults' eating habits, especially those establishments dominating the ratings landscape. This creates
who are struggling financially. a distorted perception of customer satisfaction on, as many
quality restaurants remain overlooked. The pressure to
D. A Study Of Negative Effects Of Online Food Delivery achieve high ratings leads to increased marketing expenses,
Platforms On Restaurants Revenue And Customer draining resources without ensuring success.
Relations In Pune City
Conclusion
Prof. Ajim Shaikh The primary objective of online food delivery partners
This research adopts an exploratory approach to appears to be maximizing profits, often at the expense of
examine the complex relationships among restaurants, online restaurants. While these platforms provide new avenues for
delivery partners, and customers. The primary goal is to visibility and revenue, they also contribute to an environment
uncover malpractices within online food delivery services that undermines the restaurant business. As restaurants
that negatively impact restaurant profitability and customer increasingly rely on delivery platforms, the risk of these
relations. By gathering qualitative feedback from industry partners exerting greater control over the market rises,
professionals and entrepreneurs, the study highlights the leading to higher commissions and diminished profitability.
detrimental effects of these practices. A specially designed To rectify this imbalance, regulatory oversight is essential in
questionnaire was used to collect relevant data, focusing on the online food delivery sector. Such measures can promote
the adverse impacts of current business models employed by fair revenue-sharing practices, allowing restaurants to thrive
online delivery platforms. alongside delivery partners. A balanced ecosystem would
enable restaurants to maintain customer relationships while
Negative Impact on Customer Relationships benefiting from the convenience of delivery platforms. Only
Restaurants traditionally emphasize building strong through equitable practices can the industry achieve a
customer relationships, extending beyond just providing good sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.
food to creating an overall experience that fosters loyalty.
Customers often develop attachments to specific restaurants E. Healthy Food and Determinants of Food Choice on
that cater to their culinary preferences. However, the rise of Online Food Delivery Applications
online food delivery has disrupted this dynamic. While Tareq M. Osaili, Anas A. Al-Nabulsi, Asma’ O. Taybeh,
delivery platforms increase visibility, they also introduce Leila Cheikh Ismail, Sheima, T. Saleh
heightened competition. Customers now face numerous
choices, often driven by convenience and enticing discounts, The "Healthy Food and Determinants of Food Choice
which can lead to a perception on that dining at their favorite on Online Food Delivery Applications" study investigates
restaurants is overpriced, ultimately undermining established Jordanian consumers' food preferences and habits when
loyalty. utilizing OFD apps. The study, which involved 675 people,
found that the majority (64%) utilized OFD applications at
Impact on Revenue least once a week, and that the most popular cuisine (87.1%)
Profitability is crucial in the food service industry. was fast food. The majority of orders (67.3%) were placed
Initially, many restaurants welcomed online delivery during lunch, suggesting that mobile apps are heavily relied
platforms as a means to enhance sales. However, these upon for convenience during busy mealtimes.
Under 18
18–24
This pie chart represents the age distribution of 179 What is your Gender?
respondents, out of which the largest group is the 18 – 24 age
category (29.1%) followed by 25–34 (20.7%) and 35–44 Male
(19%). The under-18 group accounts for 18.4%, while the Female
smallest segment is 45 and above at 12.8%. This suggests that Non-binary/Other
the majority of respondents are young adults, with fewer older Prefer not to say
participants.
Fig 2: Gender
This pie chart represents the gender distribution of What is your Occupation?
respondents which identifies 34.6% as male, making it the
largest group. 26.8% identify as female, followed by 20.1% Student
who prefer not to disclose their gender. Additionally, 18.4% Employed (full-time/part-time)
identify as non-binary or other, highlighting significant Self-employed
diversity in gender representation. This suggests that the Unemployed
survey includes a broad spectrum of participants, making the Retired
insights more inclusive and reflective of different
perspectives.
Fig 3: Occupation
This pie chart represents the occupation distribution What is your Location?
showing that 34.6% of respondents are students, making them
the largest group. 23.5% are employed (full-time or part- Urban
time), while 16.2% are self-employed. Additionally, 14% are Suburban
unemployed, and 11.7% are retired. This indicates a mix of Rural
different career stages, with a strong representation of
students and working professionals.
Fig 4: Location
The majority of respondents (51.1%) are from urban What is your Approximate Monthly Household Income?
areas, indicating a strong representation from city dwellers.
25.8% belong to sub-urban regions, showing a significant Under ₹20,000
portion from developing areas. 23% are from rural areas, ₹20,000–₹40,000
suggesting that rural participation is relatively lower but still ₹40,000–₹60,000
notable. This data highlights a diverse geographic ₹60,000–₹80,000
distribution, with a dominant urban presence but a fair mix of ₹80,000 and above
suburban and rural respondents.
The income distribution is fairly spread out, with 24.3% B. Section 2: Usage of Food Delivery Apps
of respondents earning under ₹20,000, making it the largest
group. 22% fall in the ₹20,000-40,000 range, while 18.6% How Often do you use Food Delivery Apps?
earn ₹40,000-60,000. Higher-income groups include 12.4%
earning ₹60,000-80,000 and 22.6% earning ₹80,000 and Daily
above. This indicates a diverse economic background, with a 2–3 times a week
significant portion belonging to both lower and higher income Once a week
brackets. 2–3 times a month
Once a month or less
Food delivery app usage is quite balanced among Which Food Delivery Apps do you use the Most? (Select
respondents. 25.1% use them often, and another 25.1% use all that Apply)
them sometimes, indicating that about half the users rely on
these services frequently. 21.2% always use food delivery Zomato
apps, showing a strong dependency. Meanwhile, 15.1% Swiggy
rarely use them, and 13.4% never use them, suggesting a Uber Eats
smaller segment that prefers other food options. This data Dunzo
reflects a significant reliance on food delivery services, but Other
also a portion of users who avoid them.
Zomato is the most popular food delivery app, used by What is your Primary Reason for using Food Delivery
31.3% of respondents, indicating its strong market presence. Apps? (Select up to 2)
Swiggy follows closely with 22.3%, showing a competitive
user base. Dunzo and Uber Eats have 19% and 14.5% of Convenience
users, respectively, suggesting they are moderately preferred. Lack of time to cook
12.8% of respondents use other services, highlighting niche Craving specific food
preferences or local alternatives. This data suggests that Variety of options
Zomato and Swiggy dominate the food delivery market Promotions/Discounts
among respondents.
Convenience is the top reason for using food delivery At What Time of Day do you Most Frequently Order
apps, with 31.3% of respondents prioritizing it. 22.9% use Food?
these services to satisfy specific food cravings, showing a
demand for variety. 19% order due to a lack of time to cook, Breakfast
highlighting busy lifestyles. 15.6% prefer food delivery for Lunch
the variety of options available, while 11.2% are motivated Dinner
by promotions and discounts. This indicates that ease of Late-night snacks
access and food cravings are the biggest drivers of food Any time of the day
delivery usage.
Dinner is the most frequently ordered meal, with 30.2% On Average, How Much do you Spend on Food Delivery
of respondents preferring to order at this time. 20.1% order Per Order?
breakfast, showing a moderate demand for morning food
deliveries. Late-night snacks account for 19%, indicating a Under ₹200
significant number of people crave food after hours. 17.9% of ₹200–₹500
respondents order at any time of the day, while lunch has the ₹500–₹800
lowest share at 12.8%. This suggests that evening and late- ₹800 and above
night food delivery demand is higher than daytime orders.
The majority of respondents (31.8%) spend between How Much do you Spend on Food Delivery Apps Per
₹200-₹500 per food delivery order, making it the most Month?
common spending range. 25.1% spend under ₹200, indicating
a preference for budget-friendly meals. 24.6% of users spend Under ₹500
between ₹500-₹800, while 18.4% spend ₹800 or more, ₹500–₹1,500
representing a smaller segment of high-value orders. This ₹1,500–₹3,000
suggests that most consumers prefer mid-range pricing, with ₹3,000 and above
fewer opting for very low or high expenditures per order.
The spending on food delivery apps per month is fairly What Type of Food do you Usually Order? (Select all that
distributed across different ranges. The highest percentage Apply)
(27.4%) of respondents spend between ₹500-₹1500, followed
closely by 25.7% spending under ₹500. 25.1% of users spend Fast food
between ₹1500-₹3000, while 21.8% spend ₹3000 and above. Healthy options
This indicates that most users keep their food delivery Comfort food
expenses moderate, but a significant portion is willing to International cuisine
spend more. Home-cooked style meals
The data indicates a diverse preference for food types How Often do you Order Food from Delivery Apps?
among the 179 respondents. Fast food is the most commonly
ordered category (22.3%), followed closely by international Only on weekends
cuisines (21.8%) and comfort food (21.2%). Home-cooked Once or twice during the week
style meals make up 20.1% of orders, while healthy options Daily
are the least preferred at 14.5%. This suggests that while Only when I am too busy to cook
convenience and indulgence play a significant role in food
delivery choices, there is also a considerable interest in home-
style and international dishes.
Among the 155 respondents, the majority (33.5%) order What is the Maximum Amount you are Willing to Pay for
food delivery “sometimes,” indicating occasional usage. A a Single Order?
smaller but notable percentage (18.7%) order “often,” while
only 16.8% order “always.” Meanwhile, 18.1% of Less than ₹300
respondents “rarely” use food delivery apps, and 12.9% never ₹300–₹500
use them. This suggests that while food delivery is common, ₹500–₹800
it is not an everyday habit for most people, with many using Above ₹800
it only occasionally.
The data shows that spending preferences on food What is your Most Preferred Payment Method?
delivery apps vary among the 179 respondents. The largest
group (28.5%) is willing to pay ₹800 or more, indicating a Credit/Debit Card
significant portion of users are open to higher spending. UPI
Meanwhile, 26.8% are comfortable spending ₹500–₹800, Cash on delivery
followed by 23.5% who prefer to keep their spending under Wallets (Paytm, Google Pay, etc.)
₹300. The smallest segment (21.2%) is willing to pay ₹300–
₹500. This suggests a fairly even distribution, but with a
notable share of users willing to spend on higher-priced
orders.
The data reveals that among 179 respondents, cash on Have you Noticed an Increase in your Food Delivery
delivery (36.9%) is the most preferred payment method for Usage Since the Pandemic?
food delivery apps. This suggests that a significant portion of
users still favor traditional payment methods over digital Marginal Increase
alternatives. UPI (24%) is the second most popular choice, Marginal Decrease
followed closely by credit/debit cards (22.3%). Digital Drastically increased
wallets like Paytm and Google Pay (16.8%) have the lowest Drastically decreased
preference. This indicates that while digital transactions are
growing, many users still rely on cash payments for food
delivery.
Fig 16: Increase in your Food Delivery Usage Since the Pandemic
This data shows that 33.5% of respondents noticed a have since cut back, possibly due to a return to dining out or
marginal increase in their food delivery usage since the cooking at home.
pandemic, while 23.5% reported a drastic increase. This
suggests that more than half of the respondents (57%) C. Section 3: Impact on Eating Habits
increased their usage to some extent. On the other hand,
23.5% of respondents reported a marginal decrease, and Has your usage of Food Delivery Apps Led you to Order
19.6% saw a drastic decrease. This indicates that a smaller Food More Frequently than before?
portion of users reduced their reliance on food delivery
services post-pandemic. Overall, the trend suggests that while Yes
food delivery saw a rise during the pandemic, some users No
Fig 17: Usage of Food Delivery Apps Led you to Order Food More Frequently than before
This data indicates that 51.4% of respondents said their Do you Feel that Food Delivery Apps Make it Easier to
usage of food delivery apps has not led them to order food Access Unhealthy Food Options?
more frequently than before, while 48.6% said it has. This
suggests that while food delivery apps provide convenience, Yes
they have not significantly increased ordering frequency for No
the majority of users. The nearly equal split also highlights Sometimes
that these apps may have a strong influence on purchasing
habits, but other factors (such as budget, health concerns, or
lifestyle changes) may moderate their impact.
Fig 18: Food Delivery Apps Make it Easier to Access Unhealthy Food Options
This data shows that 33% of respondents believe food What Kind of Food do you Tend to Order Most
delivery apps do make it easier to access unhealthy food Frequently?
options, while 37.4% say they do not. The remaining 29.6%
believe it sometimes does. This suggests a mixed Fast food
perception—while a significant portion sees food delivery Traditional Indian food
apps as enablers of unhealthy eating, an almost equal Salads and healthy food
percentage disagrees. The middle group acknowledges that it Desserts
depends on individual choices and app offerings, indicating Other
that the availability of unhealthy options is noticeable but not
necessarily the primary influence on food choices.
Fig 19: What Kind of Food do you Tend to Order Most Frequentl
This chart shows that the most frequently ordered food How Often do you Consider the Nutritional Value of Food
type is fast food (24.7%), followed closely by salads and Before Placing an Order?
healthy options (23.6%). Desserts (20.8%) and other foods
(18.5%) also make up a significant portion, while traditional Always
Indian food (12.4%) is the least ordered among the given Often
options. This suggests a fairly diverse range of food Sometimes
preferences, with fast food remaining the most popular Rarely
choice, but a considerable number of respondents also opting Never
for healthier options.
The chart reveals that consideration of nutritional value Do you Find Yourself Ordering Food when you’re Not
before ordering food is fairly balanced among respondents. Hungry Due to App Notifications or Promotions?
While 16.8% always consider it, 19.6% do so often, and
22.9% sometimes take it into account. On the other hand, Always
20.1% rarely consider nutrition, and 20.7% never factor it in. Often
This indicates that while a portion of users prioritize Sometimes
nutritional value, a significant number either rarely or never Rarely
take it into account when using food delivery apps. Never
Fig 21: Ordering Food when you’re Not Hungry Due to App Notifications or Promotions
The chart illustrates how often respondents order food Do you Think Food Delivery Apps Encourage Overeating
when they are not hungry due to app notifications or through Large Portion Sizes or Deals?
promotions. 22.5% of respondents always fall for such
prompts, while 14.6% often do. A significant portion, 21.3%, Always
sometimes orders food under such influence, whereas 23% Often
rarely do so. Meanwhile, 18.5% claim they never order food Sometimes
in response to app notifications or promotions. This suggests Rarely
that while some users are highly influenced by app marketing Never
strategies, a not able percentage remains resistant.
Fig 22: Food Delivery Apps Encourage Overeating through Large Portion Sizes or Deals
The chart illustrates respondents’ views on whether food Do you Feel Guilty after Ordering Food from Delivery
delivery apps encourage overeating through large portion Apps?
sizes or deals. 19.6% of respondents believe this always
happens, while 18.4% think it happens often. The largest Always
portion, 26.3%, say it sometimes influences overeating, Often
whereas 17.3% believe it rarely does. Lastly, 18.4% think Sometimes
food delivery apps never contribute to overeating. These Rarely
responses indicate that while many users recognize the Never
potential for overconsumption due to promotions and portion
sizes, opinions are divided on the extent of its impact.
Fig 23: Feel Guilty after Ordering Food from Delivery Apps
The pie chart shows that 61% of respondents feel some Since using Food Delivery Apps, have you Noticed
level of guilt after ordering food from delivery apps, with Changes in your Portion Sizes?
"Sometimes" (24.6%) being the most common response.
Meanwhile, 39% rarely or never feel guilty. The responses I eat larger portions
are fairly distributed, indicating mixed emotions. While guilt I eat smaller portions
is prevalent, a significant portion remains unconcerned about No change
their ordering habits.
The pie chart shows that 37.4% of respondents noticed How Often do you Try New Cuisines because of Food
no change in their portion sizes after using food delivery apps. Delivery Apps?
Meanwhile, 34.1% reported eating smaller portions, and
28.5% said they eat larger portions. This indicates that food Frequently
delivery impacts portion sizes differently for individuals. Sometimes
However, the majority (65.9%) have experienced some level Rarely
of change. Never
Fig 25: How Often do you Try New Cuisines because of Food Delivery Apps
The pie chart shows that 55.4% of respondents try new Do Food Delivery Apps Affect How Often you Cook at
cuisines at least sometimes due to food delivery apps, with Home?
26.3% doing so frequently and 29.1% sometimes.
Meanwhile, 22.3% rarely explore new cuisines, and another Yes, I cook less frequently
22.3% never do. This indicates that food delivery apps No change
encourage culinary exploration for many but not all users. I cook more often
The responses are fairly balanced, showing varied consumer I rarely cooked even before using apps
behaviours.
Fig 26: Food Delivery Apps Affect How Often you Cook at Home
The pie chart shows that 32.4% of respondents reported How Often do you Skip Home-Cooked Meals to Order
no change in their cooking habits due to food delivery apps. from a Food Delivery App?
Meanwhile, 21.2% cook less frequently, while 25.7% cook
more often. Additionally, 20.7% rarely cooked even before Frequently
using the apps. This suggests that while food delivery apps Sometimes
impact cooking frequency, the effects vary among users. Rarely
Never
Fig 27: Skip Home-Cooked Meals to Order from a Food Delivery App
The pie chart shows that 50.8% of respondents skip What Time of the Day are you Most Likely to Order Food?
home-cooked meals to order from food delivery apps at least
sometimes, with 21.2% doing so frequently and 29.6% Breakfast
sometimes. Meanwhile, 25.1% never skip home-cooked Lunch
meals, and 24% do so rarely. This indicates that food delivery Dinner
apps influence meal choices, but many still prioritize home- Late-night snacks
cooked meals.
Fig 28: What Time of the Day are you Most Likely to Order Food
The pie chart shows that most respondents (36.9%) are D. Section 4: Health and Well-being
likely to order food during dinner, followed by lunch (25.1%).
Breakfast accounts for 19.6% of orders, while 18.4% prefer Since using Food Delivery Apps, have you Experienced
late-night snacks. This suggests that dinner is the most any Noticeable Weight Changes?
common meal for food delivery, with late-night orders being
the least frequent. Yes, I’ve gained weight
Yes, I’ve lost weight
No noticeable changes
The pie chart shows that 46.9% of respondents Do you think Food Delivery Apps Have Negatively
experienced no noticeable weight changes after using food Impacted your Overall Health?
delivery apps. Meanwhile, 29.6% reported weight gain, and
23.5% experienced weight loss. This indicates that while food Yes
delivery apps impact weight for some users, nearly half have No
not observed significant changes. The effects on weight vary Not sure
among individuals.
The pie chart shows that 35.8% of respondents believe In your Opinion, How Does Ordering from Food Delivery
food delivery apps have negatively impacted their health, Apps Compare to Home-Cooked Meals in Terms of
while 28.5% think they have not. Another 35.8% are unsure Nutrition?
about the impact. This indicates a divided perception, with
many uncertain about the health effects of using food delivery Less healthy
apps. More healthy
About the same
Fig 31: Ordering from Food Delivery Apps Compare to Home-Cooked Meals in Terms of Nutrition
The chart shows that 36.3% of respondents believe food Have you Experienced any of the Following Health Issues
delivery meals are less healthy than home-cooked meals. that Might be Linked to using Food Delivery Apps
About 27.9% think they are more healthy, while 35.8% Frequently?
believe they are about the same. This suggests mixed
opinions, but a significant portion views delivery food as less Weight gain
nutritious. High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Digestive problems
None of the above
The chart indicates that 26.3% of respondents reported Do you Feel that using Food Delivery apps has Affected
high blood pressure, while 20.1% experienced weight gain. your Physical Activity Levels?
High cholesterol (16.8%) and digestive problems (11.7%)
were also noted. However, 25.1% reported no health issues Yes, I am less active
related to food delivery app usage. No, no effect
Yes, I am more active
The chart shows that 33% of respondents feel less active Do you Think Food Delivery Apps Make it Harder to
due to food delivery app usage. Meanwhile, 35.8% report no Maintain a Healthy Diet?
effect on their physical activity levels. Around 31.3% believe
they have become more active. The responses are fairly Yes
balanced, with a slight lean toward no impact. No
Sometimes
The survey reveals mixed views on food delivery apps How Often do you use Food Delivery Apps to Order
and healthy eating. While 40.2% say the apps sometimes Healthy Options?
make it hard to eat healthily, 34.6% believe they generally do.
This suggests that easy access and variety may lead to Frequently
unhealthy choices. Meanwhile, 25.1% see no impact, likely Sometimes
due to mindful eating. Overall, the findings highlight that Rarely
while food delivery apps can be a challenge, self-discipline is Never
key to maintaining a healthy diet.
The survey shows varying habits in ordering healthy E. Section 5: Social Impact
meals via food delivery apps. While 25.7% frequently choose
healthy options and 22.3% do so sometimes, a larger share— Do you Feel that Food Delivery Apps Have Reduced Your
27.9%—rarely orders healthy meals, and 24% never do. This Frequency of Dining Out?
suggests that while some prioritize nutrition, many struggle
to make healthy choices through food delivery services. Yes
No
Sometimes
Fig 36: Do you Feel that Food Delivery Apps Reduced Your Frequency of Dining Out
The survey shows that food delivery apps influence How has Food Delivery Affected your Social Life (e.g.,
dining habits, with 35.8% saying they eat out less and 31.3% Eating out with Friends, Family Meals)?
noting occasional impact. However, 33% report no change,
indicating that while some prefer delivery, many still enjoy I eat out less often with friends and family
dining out. No change
I prefer ordering in when with friends/family
The study explores how food delivery apps affect social Do you think Food Delivery Apps Make People More
dining. While 22.8% still eat out as often, 19.6% prefer dining Socially Isolated?
together, and 38.6% report no change. With 18.4% unclear,
the findings suggest that despite some shifts, many maintain Yes
their usual dining habits. No
Not sure
The survey examines food delivery apps' impact on Has the Availability of Food Delivery Apps Affected
social interaction. While 33% believe they contribute to Family Meals or Home-Cooked Food Traditions in your
isolation, 31.3% disagree, and 35.8% remain undecided. The Household?
results highlight divided opinions on their social effects.
We eat together less frequently
No change
We order food more often as a family
We cook less together
Fig 39: Food Delivery Apps Affected Family Meals or Home-Cooked Food Traditions in your Household
The survey explores the impact of food delivery apps on Do you Think the Rise of Food Delivery Apps has Affected
family meals and home cooking. While 21.8% eat together Local Restaurants in your Area?
less and 20.1% cook less, 25.7% order food as a family more
often, and 32.4% see no change. This suggests that, despite Yes, negatively impacted local restaurants
some shifts, most families maintain their dining habits. Yes, positively impacted local restaurants
No noticeable change
Fig 40: Rise of Food Delivery Apps has Affected Local Restaurants in your Area
The following survey discusses the effects of food How Often do you Order Food to Share with Friends or
delivery apps on local restaurants. In fact, approximately Family Via Delivery Apps?
35.8% of respondents feel the apps have negatively affected
restaurants while 37.4% think they have positively impacted Frequently
them. While* 26.8% don’t see a significant change. These Sometimes
results show contrasting views and indicate that some Rarely
restaurants may have had a hard time with delivery services Never
while some may have seen an uptick in business.
Fig 41: How Often do you Order Food to Share with Friends or Family Via Delivery Apps
The survey examines how often people use food F. Section 6: Consumer Preferences
delivery apps to share meals with friends or family. It finds
that 17.3% do so frequently, 33% sometimes, 25.7% rarely, Do you Think Food Delivery Apps Offer Enough Healthy
and 24% never. This suggests that while some enjoy the Options?
convenience, many still prefer other options for shared meals.
Yes
No
Sometimes
Fig 42: Do you Think Food Delivery Apps Offer Enough Healthy Options
The survey explores whether food delivery apps offer Would you be more Likely to Use Food Delivery Apps if
enough healthy options. Responses are nearly evenly split, They Offered Clearer Nutritional Information?
with 32% saying yes, 33.7% saying no, and 34.3% believing
healthy options are available only sometimes. This suggests Yes
that while some healthier meals are offered, there is room for No
improvement in nutritional variety. Maybe
Fig 43: Would you be more Likely to Use Food Delivery Apps if They Offered Clearer Nutritional Information
The survey shows divided opinions on the impact of Do you Think the Pricing on Food Delivery Apps is Fair
clearer nutritional information in food delivery apps. While Compared to Dining Out?
33.1% would use them more if nutrition data were provided,
32% say it wouldn’t affect their choice, and 34.8% are unsure. Yes, it’s reasonable
This suggests that while some value health awareness, others No, it’s overpriced
prioritize convenience or other factors. No difference
Fig 44: The Pricing on Food Delivery Apps is Fair Compared to Dining Out
The survey reveals mixed opinions on food delivery app What Additional Services would Make You use Food
pricing. While 38.2% find it overpriced, 30.3% see it as Delivery Apps More Often?
reasonable, and 31.5% notice no difference from dining out.
This suggests a challenge for food delivery services in Subscription discounts
balancing convenience with fair pricing. More healthy options
Faster delivery times
More restaurant choices
Sustainable packaging
Fig 45: What Additional Services would Make You use Food Delivery Apps More Often
The chart shows that faster delivery times (27%) are the What is the Biggest Factor that Influences your Choice of
most desired service for using food delivery apps more often. Food Delivery App?
More restaurant choices and healthy options (20.2% each) are
also popular. Subscriptions (18.5%) appeal to some users, Speed of delivery
while sustainable packaging (14%) is the least prioritized. Availability of discounts
Variety of food options
Ease of use
Customer reviews
Fig 46: What is the Biggest Factor that Influences your Choice of Food Delivery App
The chart indicates that ease of use (23%) is the biggest Have you Ever Stopped Using a Food Delivery App Due
factor influencing food delivery app choices. Speed of to a Bad Experience?
delivery (22.5%) and a variety of food options (20.2%) also
hold significant importance. Customer reviews (18%) and Yes
availability of discounts (16.3%) are less influential but still No
notable considerations.
Fig 47: Have you Ever Stopped Using a Food Delivery App Due to a Bad Experience
In the chart, 54.5% of respondents reported stopping the Do you Prefer Ordering from Local Restaurants or Large
use of a food delivery app due to a bad experience, indicating Chain Restaurants?
the importance of service quality and reliability.
Local restaurants
Large chains
No preference
Fig 48: Do you Prefer Ordering from Local Restaurants or Large Chain Restaurants
The chart shows that preferences for restaurant types are This suggests that while brand recognition matters, a
fairly distributed, with 37.1% having no preference, while significant portion is open to exploring diverse options.
34.3% prefer large chains and 28.7% prefer local restaurants.
Yes, always
Sometimes
Fig 49: Do you Consider the Environmental Impact of Food Packaging when Ordering
The chart shows that 23% of respondents always Would you Like to See More Eco-Friendly Packaging
consider the environmental impact of food packaging when Options Offered by Food Delivery Apps?
ordering, while 27.5% sometimes do. On the other hand,
26.4% rarely think about it, and 23% never consider it. This Yes
indicates that opinions are fairly divided, with a notable No
portion of users showing concern for sustainability. Indifferent
Fig 50: Would you Like to See More Eco-Friendly Packaging Options Offered by Food Delivery Apps
The chart shows that 37.1% of respondents would like How Often do you Compare Prices Between Different
to see more eco-friendly packaging options offered by food Food Delivery Apps before Placing an Order?
delivery apps. Meanwhile, 35.4% are not interested in
additional eco-friendly options, and 27.5% are indifferent. Always
This indicates a moderate demand for sustainable packaging Often
solutions, but also a significant portion of users who are either Sometimes
uninterested or neutral. Rarely
Never
Fig 51: How Often do you Compare Prices Between Different Food Delivery Apps before Placing an Order
The chart shows that 20.8% of respondents always Do you Check Calorie or Nutrition Information when
compare prices between different food delivery apps before Ordering Food Online?
placing an order, while 21.9% do so often. Additionally, 23%
sometimes compare prices, 19.1% rarely compare, and 15.2% Always
never compare. This suggests that while a significant portion Often
of users are price-conscious, a notable number are indifferent Sometimes
or loyal to specific apps. Rarely
Never
Fig 52: Do you Check Calorie or Nutrition Information when Ordering Food Online
This chart indicates that 17.5% of respondents always Which Factor Influences your Food Choice the Most
check calorie or nutrition information when ordering food When Ordering from a Delivery App?
online, while 16.4% do so often. Meanwhile, 20.3%
sometimes check, 23.2% rarely check, and 22.6% never Taste and cravings
check. The data suggests that a significant number of users Health benefits
are not highly concerned with nutritional details when Price and discounts
ordering food online. Availability of food options
Brand loyalty
Fig 53: Which Factor Influences your Food Choice the Most When Ordering from a Delivery App
This chart shows that 24.7% of respondents are Do you Prefer Ordering Single Meals or Combo Meals
primarily influenced by taste and cravings when ordering from food delivery Apps?
from a delivery app. Availability of food options is the next
major factor at 21.3%, followed by price and discounts at Always single meals
19.7%. Health benefits influence 17.4% of users, while Mostly single meals
16.9% are driven by brand loyalty. Taste remains the most Sometimes combos
significant factor in decision-making. Mostly combo meals
Always combo meals
Fig 54: Do you Prefer Ordering Single Meals or Combo Meals from food delivery Apps
This chart indicates that 24.2% of respondents mostly Do you Tend to Order More Food than you can Eat when
prefer single meals when ordering from food delivery apps, using a Delivery App?
while 22.5% sometimes opt for combo meals. Around 21.3%
mostly prefer combo meals, 16.9% always choose single Always
meals, and 15.2% consistently go for combo meals. Often
Preferences are relatively balanced, with a slight leaning Sometimes
toward single meals. Rarely
Never
Fig 55: Do you Tend to Order More Food than you can Eat when using a Delivery App
B. The Outcomes of Convenience on Health believe these apps encourage overeating through large
portions and deals.
Look at the relationship between the use of food delivery
services and obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other However, it is crucial to acknowledge that food delivery
health complications. apps also present opportunities. They can facilitate access to
Make recommendations centered on portion limits and diverse cuisines and, if used mindfully, can support healthier
healthy meal suggestions. eating habits. The key lies in promoting informed choices and
encouraging moderation. Future research should focus on
C. AI’s Contribution to Food Suggestions developing strategies to mitigate the negative impacts and
leverage the positive aspects of these platforms.
Find out the results of algorithms' recommendations on
consumption and their impact on health as opposed to Ultimately, the social impact of food delivery apps on
profits. eating habits and health is a double-edged sword. While they
Propose AI strategies that do not simply provide calorie offer unparalleled convenience and variety, they also
and cost loaded food choices, but promote a healthier diet. necessitate a conscious effort to maintain healthy dietary
practices. Education and awareness campaigns are essential
to empower consumers to make informed decisions and
navigate the food delivery landscape responsibly. The
D. Socio-Psychological Factors findings of this research underscore the need for a balanced
approach, where technology serves as a tool for convenience
Look into how food delivery as a convenience affects the without compromising health and well-being.
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