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GrubHub data reveals gender differences in takeout ordering patterns

The findings of a recent analysis of a year's worth of GrubHub data reveals differences in what, when and where men and women order takeout.

September 29, 2014

When it comes to ordering takeout, men are more likely to dial up delivery for some late-night wings, and women are more likely to order in a healthy salad to eat at her desk.

The findings of a recent analysis of a year's worth of GrubHub data reveals differences in what, when and where men and women order takeout.

While men and women share the most frequently ordered menu items (such as pizza, fries, salad and soup), they differ in their ordering habits, including when and where they order. Among the findings:

• Late-Night Orders: Men are nearly 55 percent more likely to order during late-night hours (10 p.m. to 2 a.m.) than women.
• Office Orders: Women are nearly 30 percent more likely to order food to work than men.
• Breakfast Orders: Women are 15 percent more likely to order during breakfast hours (8 to 11 a.m.) than men.

As for specific cuisines, men tend to favor American dishes (a cuisine that's more than 15 percent more commonly ordered by men), while women are more likely to order Asian dishes (including Japanese fare, which is more than 21 percent more commonly ordered by women).

What's more, an NPD Group Foodservice market research report finds that while a growing number of restaurants offer healthier menu items and are becoming increasingly transparent about calories and other nutritional information, men in particular continue to crave traditional favorites. For instance,

• 2-Liter Soda – nearly 54 percent more commonly ordered by men
• Boneless Wings – nearly 54 percent more commonly ordered by men
• Chicken Parmesan – more than 53 percent more commonly ordered by men
• General Tso's Chicken – more than 51 percent more commonly ordered by men
• Bacon Cheeseburger – more than 45 percent more commonly ordered by men
• Seaweed Salad – nearly 63 percent more commonly ordered by women
• Edamame – nearly 60 percent more commonly ordered by women
• Avocado Rolls – nearly 57 percent more commonly ordered by women
• House Salad – nearly 53 percent more commonly ordered by women
• Shrimp Tempura Roll – nearly 51 percent more commonly ordered by women

In addition to the foods more commonly ordered, GrubHub data shows that the sexes' choices of in-vogue foods also differ. While food fads may not persist, clear preferences exist between men and women, which supports the notion that women are more likely than men to say that healthy food sections on restaurant menus matter.

Some data on fad food ordering:

• Bacon – nearly 35 percent more commonly ordered by men
• Poutine – nearly 30 percent more commonly ordered by men
• Chia Seeds – nearly 74 percent more commonly ordered by women
• Pressed Juice – nearly 74 percent more commonly ordered by women
• Cupcakes – more than 73 percent more commonly ordered by women
• Frozen Yogurt – more than 65 percent more commonly ordered by women
• Beets – nearly 63 percent more commonly ordered by women

"Our gender analysis helps us better understand the inclinations and motivations of men and women, as well as how those inclinations factor into takeout ordering decisions," GrubHub President Jonathan Zabusky said in a news release. "GrubHub data, including customer order profiles and preferences, can help our restaurant partners make best use of their menus and direct diners to the foods they are most likely to enjoy."