America’s Takeout Trends Revealed
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The state most obsessed with takeout is Florida, with one of the highest search volumes for takeout options.
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Delaware tops the list for takeout establishments per capita, highlighting the state’s strong preference for takeout options.
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Hawaiians spend the most on restaurants at the same time ranking among the lowest in takeout searches.
A recent study by Hastha Kalalu analyzed takeout trends across the United States. The research examined several factors to understand takeout trends across the United States. It analyzed state populations and the number of takeout establishments per capita. The study also looked at search volumes for takeout food, average monthly restaurant spending, and the most popular takeout dishes based on search data. States were ranked based on their overall interest in takeout food, with a final score determined by equally weighting three metrics: establishments per capita, average spending, and search volume.
| State | Population | Takeout establishments per capita | Searches | Monthly restaurant spendings | Most Searched Takeout | Score |
| Florida | 22,975,900 | 221.06 | 1,973,610 | $467 | Cauliflower rice bowls | 89.60 |
| South Carolina | 5,464,160 | 286.33 | 440,180 | $545 | Chicken Parmesan | 80.48 |
| Texas | 30,976,800 | 71.13 | 1,796,920 | $588 | Buffalo chicken sandwich | 80.26 |
| California | 38,889,800 | 68.29 | 2,052,350 | $547 | Shawarma | 79.94 |
| New York | 19,469,200 | 75.93 | 2,048,180 | $514 | Miso ramen | 77.47 |
| Delaware | 1,044,320 | 331.26 | 115,910 | $423 | Poké bowls | 68.36 |
| Hawaii | 1,430,880 | 178.44 | 125,190 | $591 | Poké bowls | 66.50 |
| Georgia | 11,145,300 | 170.22 | 803,620 | $484 | Detox juice | 65.75 |
| Rhode Island | 1,098,080 | 216.93 | 167,880 | $516 | Buffalo cauliflower | 64.39 |
| North Carolina | 10,975,000 | 102.44 | 933,500 | $506 | Bacon, egg and cheese biscuit | 61.65 |
Florida tops the ranking with a score of 90. The state shows a strong takeout obsession, with 1.97 million searches for takeout options monthly and cauliflower rice bowls as the most searched dish. This high level of interest shows the convenience-driven lifestyles of residents.
South Carolina ranks second with a score of 80. With 286 takeout establishments per capita—one of the highest in the nation—the state emphasizes the popularity of to-go orders. Chicken parmesan takes the top spot in searches.
Texas comes in third with a score of 80. While it has only 71 takeout establishments per capita, its massive population generates nearly 1.8 million searches for takeout each month.
Texans are the second-highest spenders on restaurants among the states analyzed, averaging $588 per month, with the buffalo chicken sandwich emerging as the state’s favorite takeout dish.
California lands in fourth place with a score of 79. With the largest population in the country, it also records the highest number of takeout-related searches, surpassing 2 million monthly. Shawarma tops the search list, which highlights the popularity of international flavors among residents.
New York ranks fifth with a score of 77. The state offers 75 takeout establishments per 100K residents and generates over 2 million monthly searches for takeout food. Residents actively seek out diverse and trendy meals, with miso ramen taking the top spot as the most searched dish.
Delaware scores 68 and leads the nation with 331 takeout establishments per capita, the highest number across the country. Despite its smaller population, the state generates over 115K searches for takeout monthly, with poké bowls dominating the results.
Hawaii ranks seventh with a score of 67. Residents spend the most on restaurants, averaging $591 monthly, but generate fewer takeout searches, with only 125K per month. Poké bowls, closely tied to local traditions, remain the state’s most popular dish.
Georgia ranks eighth with a score of 66. The state has 170 takeout spots per capita and sees more than 800K monthly searches for takeout. Detox juice tops the list of popular items, showing that many residents are looking for healthier takeout options.
Rhode Island takes ninth place with a score of 64. There are more than 200 takeout spots available per capita, and Rhode Islanders search for takeout about 167K times a month. Buffalo cauliflower is the most popular choice, showing the state’s growing appetite for plant-based options.
North Carolina rounds out the top ten with a score of 62. The state has 102 takeout establishments per capita, and despite fewer options, the state sees 933K monthly searches, surpassing Rhode Island’s 167K. The bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit is the most popular dish.
A spokesperson from Hastha Kalalu commented on the study: “Takeout has become an integral part of modern life, driven by busy schedules and the demand for convenience. This growing trend highlights how people are prioritizing time savings and simplicity in their dining habits. While it can be more expensive than cooking at home, the ease and accessibility make takeout a go-to option for many.”
To access the full research, please follow this link.
Story credit: https://hasthakalalustores.com/
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
