It’s 8 PM on a Thursday, and my stomach is growling. After hours of working on my laptop in my dimly lit apartment, I finally muster the energy to wander into my kitchen. My fridge holds a few ingredients: kumato tomatoes, lemons, mini pears, some apples, a box of arugula, and eggs. I also have pasta, rice, and beans stashed away in my pantry. I’m starving but can’t decide what to whip up. With my energy dipping, I instinctively grab my phone, and before I know it, I order from my favorite neighborhood restaurant. I’m relieved but also feel a twinge of guilt.
I’ve had a complicated relationship with food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Sure, they’re convenient and offer instant satisfaction, but they can also become a slippery slope. One night of takeout can easily turn into a daily habit. They’re costly, lead to excessive food waste, and often leave me feeling unsatisfied. I’ve even started to wonder: is it time to say goodbye to these apps once and for all?
Food delivery gained massive popularity during the pandemic, and it hasn’t slowed down. In 2024, nearly three out of four restaurant orders happened off-premise, based on stats from the National Restaurant Association. A recent survey revealed that 37% of adults order delivery weekly, with that number rising to 41% among Gen Z and millennials.
As dining habits change, many restaurants are urged to provide delivery options through apps. Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist at the National Restaurant Association, notes that mobile platforms have become essential for capturing this younger audience. “Smartphones are as critical as food,” he says, highlighting how much these apps fit into young people’s lives.
However, feelings about food delivery are mixed. A January report by The New York Times showed that while many enjoy the perks of food delivery—like variety and convenience—there are downsides too, such as impulsive spending and feelings of guilt. For some, especially those with mobility challenges, these apps are vital. But for others, overreliance can lead to bad habits.
For me, deleting the apps was a game-changer for my health and wallet. I realized I was caught in a cycle of convenience that left my kitchen unused and my cooking skills rusty. A 2025 study by Yash Babar showed that after food delivery options came to town, people spent about 9% less time cooking. That hit home for me, as I could see that time slipping away—the dust gathering on my Dutch oven was the telltale sign. I began to miss knowing exactly what went into my meals.
The financial burden of frequent takeout was staggering too. With all the fees, the costs quickly piled up. Just the other day, I checked my receipts and saw $52 for a simple order from my local taqueria. That’s more than I’d spend on groceries for a week! With rising food prices impacting families nationwide, these expenses are becoming hard to justify. According to the USDA, grocery prices have surged faster than restaurant food recently, increasing by 0.6%, while food-away-from-home only went up by 0.1%.
Beyond personal finances, these apps are reshaping the restaurant industry. High fees can cut into profit margins, pushing some restaurants to their limits, as noted by experts like Manav Raj from Wharton. These platforms change how competition works, often harming smaller, newer businesses. This can lead to empty storefronts in once-thriving neighborhoods.
Delivery drivers also face challenges. Many work in difficult conditions and lack benefits. In New York City, new laws aim to improve pay for delivery workers, but apps like Uber and DoorDash have fought against these changes, claiming they infringe on their rights.
Ultimately, there’s no clear winner in the food delivery landscape. Those seeking to break free from the apps might find the best way forward is to get back into the kitchen, enjoy the process, and take pride in preparing meals.
Tonight, at 8 PM, I’ll be roasting those kumato tomatoes and scrambling the eggs. It may be simple, but it’s mine, and that’s what truly matters.
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