Online Food Ordering and Delivery Services: Consumer Behaviour, Growth Trends and Service Challenges in the Digital Economy

The rapid expansion of online food ordering and delivery services has significantly reshaped food consumption patterns in the digital era. With the growing penetration of smartphones, internet accessibility, and digital payment systems, consumers are increasingly shifting from traditional dining practices to app-based food ordering platforms. The present study examines the growth of online food delivery services, changing consumer behaviour, major influencing factors and the operational challenges faced by digital food platforms. The study is descriptive in nature and based on secondary data collected from research articles, academic literature, and industry reports. The findings indicate that convenience, lifestyle changes, technological accessibility and service variety are the primary drivers of online food ordering behaviour. However, issues related to service quality, delivery reliability, pricing transparency and consumer trust continue to influence long-term usage. The paper concludes that online food delivery services have become an essential component of the digital service economy, but their sustainable growth depends on consistent service performance and enhanced consumer confidence.