Life can be chaotic, cluttered and completely cray-cray. A total dog’s breakfast if you will. (And that’s before you even remember you actually have to find time to feed your furry friend!). Somewhere between juggling work, mates, and pretending you’ve got your life together, the concept of cooking dinner, falls into the forget- it file. However, when you’re hungry, not all superheros wear capes. Sometimes they come in fast food delivery bags.
In fact, according to DoorDash’s 2025 Delivery Trends Report, ordering in isn’t just about skipping the grocery shop anymore – it’s indulgence, convenience, and emotional survival all rolled into one. These insights are part of the broader picture of Australian Online Food Delivery Trends, revealing just how much Aussies rely on delivery to get through the week.
For example, weekends are all about treating yourself – and Aussies are fully on board. By the time Friday arvo rolls around, hitting “order” feels like a well-earned pat on the back for surviving another mad week. And, they’re not alone – 73% of Aussies now see delivery as self-care. Whether you’re unwinding after a hectic day at work, surviving the kids’ latest meltdown, or just celebrating not crying into your keyboard, a hot feed on your doorstep is pure bliss.
Cravings are the secret puppet master here. And, Aussies are happy to give in. A whopping 91% admit they’ve ordered just to scratch that “I need it now” itch. From buttery garlic naan to honey chicken, dim sum to potato scallops, comfort food rules the roost. Regional quirks are a laugh too. South Aussies go pasta-crazy, Victorians are all about chocolate and ice cream, Queenslanders hoard fried chicken like it’s gold, and New South Wales… pizza, burgers, and fried chicken reign supreme. Basically, go on – let your taste buds have a party.
Women are leading the charge when it comes to weekend indulgences and alcohol. More women than men are ordering McDonald’s (“I’m Lovin’ It”) and ice cream for delivery. And, embracing low- and no-alcohol options for nights in. Think zero-proof cocktails that still feel like a treat. Gen Z is leaning hard into the sober-curious vibe, with 93% ordering low- or no-alcohol drinks in the past six months. Basically, Aussies want the fun without the hangover.
Meanwhile, Gen Z’s wellness obsession is driving orders for bone broth (+23%), vegan meals (+19%), and gluten-free options (+20%). Convenience meets clean eating – because apparently you can have your kale salad and your garlic naan too. And blokes? 28% are happy to pass off delivery as homemade – the “I totally cooked this” bluff is alive and well.
Social media continues to call the shots. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok – if it’s trending online, Aussies are ordering it. Over half have caved to a viral dish, from pistachio cocktails to matcha-swirled croissants. Gen Z and Millennials prove that if it looks good on the ‘gram, it’s going straight into your cart.
Tech in the kitchen is also a mixed bag. Aussies are happy for apps to suggest meals, but only 14% fully trust a robot to cook their grub. Men are three times more likely than women to hand over their meals to a machine – but let’s be honest, nothing beats pressing “order” and hearing “your meal is on its way!”
Delivery isn’t a once-in-a-blue-moon affair either. Repeat orders, multi-order days, and weekly deliveries are the new normal – especially for Gen Z. And for those who care about Mother Earth, eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients are winning hearts – because even when you’re ordering in, being kind to the planet is still a flex.
So whether it’s for self-care, cravings, convenience, or a cheeky combo of all three, Aussies are embracing delivery like pros. From indulgent comfort foods to mindful wellness picks, viral treats, and even zero-proof celebratory cocktails, the takeaway is clear – ordering in isn’t lazy – it’s essential. And it tastes even better when you don’t have to wash the dishes.
