Summer 2024 Delivery Trends: What Customers Are Craving Right Now
Summer is officially here—and with it comes a shift in how and what people are eating. As the temperatures rise, so do cravings for cool, fresh, and shareable meals that fit the season’s mood. For restaurants offering delivery through CravinGrub, that’s great news. Summer 2024 is shaping up to be full of opportunities to stand out with seasonal specials that customers are actively looking for.
Whether it’s a refreshing agua fresca or a juicy grilled burger, customers are ordering with warm weather vibes in mind. Let’s break down the top summer delivery trends we’re seeing, why they matter, and how your restaurant can adapt your delivery menu to meet the moment—and boost your revenue.
CravinGrub has seen some clear favorites rising to the top this summer. Based on order patterns across local restaurants, here’s what’s trending:
When it’s hot out, customers want something icy to sip on. This summer’s favorites include:
Customers love pairing these drinks with spicy or grilled meals—or simply cooling off mid-day with a refreshing beverage delivered to their door.
Diners are leaning into lighter fare that’s still satisfying. Big performers include:
These items are ideal for lunch delivery and appeal to both health-conscious and flavor-seeking customers.
Summer wouldn’t be summer without some smoky, grilled dishes. High performers include:
Whether customers are skipping the grill themselves or feeding a crowd, BBQ delivery is in high demand.
No summer delivery menu is complete without frozen sweets. Top sellers include:
These items often get added to the cart last minute—especially by families and late-night snackers.
More customers are looking for meatless or flexitarian options this summer. Winning dishes include:
These dishes travel well, offer bold flavor, and cater to a wide range of dietary preferences.
So what’s behind the surge in summer-specific delivery favorites? There are a few key drivers:
As it gets hotter outside, people naturally crave hydrating, cooling foods and drinks. Lighter meals and frozen treats simply feel better in warm weather—and people don’t want to cook indoors when it’s already hot.
Summer also comes with a seasonal shift in mindset. Many customers are looking for leaner, nutrient-packed meals that leave them energized. Items like salads, grilled proteins, and fruit-forward dishes fit this mood perfectly.
Summer produce is at its peak. From mangoes and melons to tomatoes, corn, and herbs, seasonal ingredients are more available and flavorful—making it the perfect time to update your delivery menu.
Summer means more family get-togethers, park picnics, and casual backyard hangs. Customers are looking for delivery-friendly meals that are easy to share, such as fajita platters, BBQ combos, or drink bundles.
Want to take advantage of these trends? Here’s how your restaurant can meet customer demand and stand out on CravinGrub:
Create buzz by adding new seasonal dishes to your menu. Try items like:
Even one or two summer items can attract more clicks and orders.
Customers love convenience—and value. Put together “Summer Combo” meals that include a main, drink, and dessert. For example:
These bundles help boost average order value and reduce decision fatigue.
Stick to dishes that hold up in transit. Cold items, grilled proteins, and sturdy salads are ideal. Avoid items that get soggy or melt quickly unless you can ensure proper packaging.
Add summer-themed stickers, napkins, or inserts that enhance the unboxing experience. A small seasonal touch makes delivery feel more intentional and festive.
Make sure your seasonal dishes are clearly marked. Add mouthwatering photos and update item names with words like “summer special,” “limited time,” or “refreshing.” Customers are more likely to click when the food matches their current mood.
Don’t stop at the listing—get the word out through your own channels, too:
You can also partner with CravinGrub for featured placement or seasonal promotions, giving your summer specials even more visibility.
The data is clear—customers are craving seasonal flavors, cold drinks, and shareable meals during Summer 2024. Restaurants that adapt quickly, offer fresh options, and lean into warm-weather trends will win more orders and boost customer satisfaction.
Now’s the time to review your menu, add a few summer standouts, and promote them across your delivery platform and marketing channels.
With CravinGrub’s local-first platform, fair pricing, and easy-to-update menus, you’ve got everything you need to stay competitive and keep the summer sales strong.
Want help promoting your summer specials? Reach out to CravinGrub today and let’s make this your best season yet.
Whether it’s a refreshing agua fresca or a juicy grilled burger, customers are ordering with warm weather vibes in mind. Let’s break down the top summer delivery trends we’re seeing, why they matter, and how your restaurant can adapt your delivery menu to meet the moment—and boost your revenue.
What the Data Says: Top Summer Delivery Trends in 2024
CravinGrub has seen some clear favorites rising to the top this summer. Based on order patterns across local restaurants, here’s what’s trending:
Cold & Refreshing Drinks
When it’s hot out, customers want something icy to sip on. This summer’s favorites include:- Aguas frescas (especially watermelon, cucumber-lime, and mango)
- Iced teas with fruit infusions
- Lemonades and limeades
- Smoothies and milkshakes
Customers love pairing these drinks with spicy or grilled meals—or simply cooling off mid-day with a refreshing beverage delivered to their door.
Light & Fresh Meals
Diners are leaning into lighter fare that’s still satisfying. Big performers include:- Grilled chicken salads with fruit and vinaigrettes
- Poke bowls with chilled toppings
- Ceviche and shrimp cocktails
- Mediterranean wraps and bowls
- Fresh fruit side dishes or cups
These items are ideal for lunch delivery and appeal to both health-conscious and flavor-seeking customers.
BBQ & Grilled Favorites
Summer wouldn’t be summer without some smoky, grilled dishes. High performers include:- Ribs and BBQ chicken plates
- Grilled fajita platters
- Cheeseburgers with summery toppings
- Corn on the cob, grilled veggies, and mac & cheese sides
Whether customers are skipping the grill themselves or feeding a crowd, BBQ delivery is in high demand.
Frozen Treats & Desserts
No summer delivery menu is complete without frozen sweets. Top sellers include:- Paletas (Mexican popsicles)
- Ice cream pints or sundae kits
- Milkshakes (especially in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or mango)
- Chilled flan, tres leches, or frozen fruit cups
These items often get added to the cart last minute—especially by families and late-night snackers.
Plant-Based Summer Dishes
More customers are looking for meatless or flexitarian options this summer. Winning dishes include:- Grilled veggie tacos or burritos
- Vegan grain bowls with citrus dressing
- Falafel wraps and hummus plates
- Jackfruit BBQ sandwiches
These dishes travel well, offer bold flavor, and cater to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Why These Items Are Trending
So what’s behind the surge in summer-specific delivery favorites? There are a few key drivers:
The Weather
As it gets hotter outside, people naturally crave hydrating, cooling foods and drinks. Lighter meals and frozen treats simply feel better in warm weather—and people don’t want to cook indoors when it’s already hot.
Health & Wellness
Summer also comes with a seasonal shift in mindset. Many customers are looking for leaner, nutrient-packed meals that leave them energized. Items like salads, grilled proteins, and fruit-forward dishes fit this mood perfectly.
Seasonal Ingredients
Summer produce is at its peak. From mangoes and melons to tomatoes, corn, and herbs, seasonal ingredients are more available and flavorful—making it the perfect time to update your delivery menu.
Sharing & Socializing
Summer means more family get-togethers, park picnics, and casual backyard hangs. Customers are looking for delivery-friendly meals that are easy to share, such as fajita platters, BBQ combos, or drink bundles.
How Restaurants Can Adapt Their Menus for Summer Success
Want to take advantage of these trends? Here’s how your restaurant can meet customer demand and stand out on CravinGrub:
Offer Limited-Time Summer Specials
Create buzz by adding new seasonal dishes to your menu. Try items like:- Cucumber-lime agua fresca
- Mango habanero grilled chicken tacos
- Strawberry arugula salad with goat cheese
- Peach BBQ sauce ribs
- Poke bowls with watermelon and spicy mayo
Even one or two summer items can attract more clicks and orders.
Bundle Summer Combos
Customers love convenience—and value. Put together “Summer Combo” meals that include a main, drink, and dessert. For example:- Chill Combo = Wrap + Agua Fresca + Paleta
- Backyard BBQ Pack = Ribs + Mac & Cheese + Lemonade
- Light Lunch = Salad + Iced Tea + Fruit Cup
These bundles help boost average order value and reduce decision fatigue.
Choose Items That Travel Well
Stick to dishes that hold up in transit. Cold items, grilled proteins, and sturdy salads are ideal. Avoid items that get soggy or melt quickly unless you can ensure proper packaging.
Use Seasonal Packaging or Labels
Add summer-themed stickers, napkins, or inserts that enhance the unboxing experience. A small seasonal touch makes delivery feel more intentional and festive.
Promote, Promote, Promote
Make sure your seasonal dishes are clearly marked. Add mouthwatering photos and update item names with words like “summer special,” “limited time,” or “refreshing.” Customers are more likely to click when the food matches their current mood.
Promote What's Trending with Delivery-First Marketing
Don’t stop at the listing—get the word out through your own channels, too:
- Post daily or weekly summer features on Instagram and Facebook with hashtags like #SummerEats or #DeliveredFresh
- Use email newsletters to introduce your summer menu and share promo codes
- Take high-quality photos of your top-selling summer items and share them across CravinGrub, your website, and social platforms
You can also partner with CravinGrub for featured placement or seasonal promotions, giving your summer specials even more visibility.
Ride the Summer Wave with Smarter Delivery
The data is clear—customers are craving seasonal flavors, cold drinks, and shareable meals during Summer 2024. Restaurants that adapt quickly, offer fresh options, and lean into warm-weather trends will win more orders and boost customer satisfaction.Now’s the time to review your menu, add a few summer standouts, and promote them across your delivery platform and marketing channels.
With CravinGrub’s local-first platform, fair pricing, and easy-to-update menus, you’ve got everything you need to stay competitive and keep the summer sales strong.
Want help promoting your summer specials? Reach out to CravinGrub today and let’s make this your best season yet.