- - An unexpected wave of users is fueling DoorDash’s growth, but does paying for food delivery actually make sense for consumers’ wallets?

Rebecca PayneJanuary 2, 2026 at 4:30 AM

0

a person demonstrates making a delivery with DoorDash as a Dasher

A recent survey found that DoorDash was the fastest-growing brand of 2025, and it wasn’t because the meal delivery service is being boosted by Gen Zs and millennials ordering avocado toast to their doors.

Instead, it was baby boomers who lifted the brand to the top spot of Morning Consult’s polling data. (1)

The survey, which measured “purchasing intent,” found that the baby boomers who were most interested in DoorDash were “late boomers,” those born from 1955 to 1964. The survey also says this group is more likely to be divorced or widowed, and more likely to have investments.

DoorDash also topped the survey’s rankings for people with incomes from $50,000 to $99,900.

While this is good news for DoorDash CEO Tony Xu, it may not be so great for your wallet.

Occasional deliveries may not seem like a big deal, but they can add up quickly — especially for retired boomers on a fixed income. Here’s how you can balance treating yourself and your budget at the same time.

Must Read -

Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP

Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how

Approaching retirement with no savings? Don’t panic, you're not alone. Here are 6 easy ways you can catch up (and fast)

Why boomers may order more

In a report on the Morning Consult data, survey author Bobby Blanchard told Business Insider that boomers are likely choosing the delivery app for its convenience. (2)

Blanchard noted that this age group may be facing mobility issues, or might not be able to manage the workload of cooking meals alone, and said the delivery app may offer a “sense of independence.”

Boomers are also more likely to have disposable income, Morning Consult told Business Insider, and so are more likely to be able to afford delivery of both prepared meals and groceries.

It’s a trend that mirrors recent consumer spending — while high-income earners have continued to spend, low-income Americans have been cutting back as they grapple with high inflation and a tough job market.

A recent CNN report notes that record stock market gains have boosted incomes for wealthier Americans, while lower-income people, who are more likely to earn their money from employment, are cutting back on spending. (3)

CNN reported that according to Moody’s Analytics data, as of June 30, the top 10% or earners accounted for 49% of all consumer spending. (4)

Read More: This $1B private real estate fund is now accessible to non-millionaires. Here’s how you can get started with as little as $10

How much are Americans spending on food delivery?

A 2023 survey by Upgraded Points found that the average American orders delivery 3.7 times a month, with an average cost of $35.42 per order, adding up to an average of $1,566 annually. (5)

A separate survey conducted by Spoke found that, on average, 36% of delivery costs are made up of delivery fees, service fees and tips, costing Americans an average of $654 a year. (6)

With this in mind, regular orderers may want to consider the cost savings of picking up take out themselves.

Is delivery breaking your budget?

A survey by CNET found that Americans spend about almost $3,000 on restaurants and ordering food for delivery combined. (7) It’s a big number, and for people who are living on a budget, these costs can add up.

Of course, some people need the convenience of prepared meals, and the savings in time makes up for the added cost of not cooking at home. But monitoring your monthly spending may reveal that you are paying more than you think for convenience.

Food prices have climbed considerably since the pandemic. USDA reports that food prices in the U.S. rose by 23.6% from 2020 to 2024. (8) Those with lower incomes, or seniors who are on fixed incomes, are likely seeing a larger chunk of their budget going toward food than in the past.

If ready-made meals are a must for you, consider whether you can reduce the amount that you are spending on the fees associated with ordering on delivery apps. If you are able to pick up takeout meals yourself, you can save on delivery fees.

Some restaurants also raise the prices of meals on the apps, to cover the fees from delivery services. Check if your favourite restaurant has lower prices on their menu in the restaurant, or on their own website. Sometimes calling on the phone and placing an order for pickup can save you a considerable amount.

While $35 here and there might not seem like a lot of money in the moment, adding up all your takeout meals per month, or year, might surprise you — and make a homemade meal seem a little more appetizing.

What To Read Next -

Rising costs are eating into retirement savings, and 92% of surveyed retirees agree — here are 4 strategic ways to protect your money in 2026

You could own multiple properties like Bezos and Beyoncé, without having to manage a single one (and for as little as $10) — here’s how

Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

Warren Buffett used 8 simple money rules to turn $9,800 into a stunning $150B — start using them today to get rich (and then stay rich)

Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Morning Consult (1); Business Insider (2); CNN (3); (4); Upgraded Points (5); Spoke (6); CNET (7); USDA (8).

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Money”