School's Out: GrubHub Data Reveals the Most Popular Kids' Menu Items

Children's Takeout Orders Up 40% Each Year Since 2012; Most Common in Texas

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Jun 16, 2014, 10:11 ET

CHICAGO, June 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- School's out for the summer and the analysts at GrubHub, the nation's leading online and mobile food-ordering company, were curious to learn what parents across the country are ordering to keep kids happy and full throughout the day. An analysis of orders placed across GrubHub's restaurant network finds that kids' menu orders have shown consistent growth of 40 percent each year since 2012, with 17 percent of takeout restaurants now offering a kids' menu section.

The Most-Ordered Kids' Dishes – and Those Trending Fast

With kids' menu orders consistently growing in both number and frequency, data shows that traditional childhood favorites, including chicken tenders, burgers, pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches, remain the most commonly ordered kids' menu choices. However, the analysis also found that the items with the highest order growth in 2014 include French toast, at No. 1, and pancakes at No. 4, indicating more interest in breakfast foods among kids and parents.

Most Popular Kids' Menu Items*

2014 Trending Kids' Menu Items**

1. Chicken Tenders – 19%

2. Burgers – 9%

3. Pizza – 7%

4. Grilled Cheese − 7%

5. Chicken Nuggets – 5%

6. French Fries – 5%

7. Spaghetti – 5%

8. Macaroni & Cheese – 4%

9. Quesadilla – 4%

10. Hot Dog – 3%

1. French Toast − 87%

2. Milk – 55%

3. Corn Dog – 46%

4. Pancakes – 31%

5. Chicken Parmesan – 22%

6. Spaghetti – 20%

7. Chicken Wings – 13%

8. Pizza – 10%

9. Macaroni & Cheese – 10%

10. Hot Dog – 10%

*Based on orders placed 5-13-2013 thru 5-12-2014.

**Percentage increase calculated by comparing year-over-year order volume percentage.

Conversely, data shows that several food items are "out" with kids this year. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich orders have plunged 60 percent in popularity compared to last year. Ham and cheese sandwich orders have slid 27 percent, and turkey and cheese sandwich orders have dropped more than 16 percent compared to last year. Also declining were mozzarella sticks, shrimp and fish dishes.

"A combination of factors may explain the rise in kids' meal takeout, including convenience, variety and time pressures," said GrubHub Inc. President, Jonathan Zabusky. "Year-over-year data shows that restaurants are clearly catering more to busy parents by providing food options that appeal to children, regardless of the cuisine. As a parent myself, it's nice to know that many of my favorite restaurants feature options that allow me to order a meal for the entire family."

Where Do Parents Rely on Kids' Takeout?

As for the cities where kids' meals are being ordered most, three Texas cities rank among the top five, including Dallas, Houston and Austin.

Knoxville, Tenn.
Dallas
Houston
Las Vegas
Austin, Texas
Raleigh, N.C.
Nashville, Tenn.
Orlando, Fla.
Denver
Greensboro, N.C.

Please check out GrubHub's Fact Sheet for additional kids' takeout insights. To find takeout restaurants available in your area, please visit GrubHub.com, and for more information on GrubHub Inc., please visit http://media.grubhub.com.

About GrubHub Inc.

GrubHub Inc. (NYSE: GRUB) is the nation's leading online and mobile food ordering company dedicated to connecting hungry diners with local takeout restaurants. The company's online and mobile ordering platforms allow diners to order directly from more than 29,000 takeout restaurants in more than 700 U.S. cities and London. Every order is supported by the company's 24/7 customer service teams.

SOURCE GrubHub Inc.