Europe

Winter vs. Summer Food Trends: What Changes When the Seasons Shift?

November 27, 2024
Winter vs. Summer Food Trends: What Changes When the Seasons Shift?
  • Winter Warmth: hot chocolate orders soar by 211% in winter, showing that nothing beats the comfort of a warm cup of cocoa on chilly days.
  • Summer Freshness: salads see a 31% increase in summer, as diners reach for crisp, refreshing meals filled with seasonal produce.
  • Year-Round Favorite: pizza proves its timeless appeal with consistent orders across both winter and summer, though toppings often change with the season.

Berlin, Germany – Wednesday, November 27th 2024 – As the seasons change, so do our food cravings! A recent analysis of food orders on foodora from Winter 2023 and Summer 2024 reveals insights into how people in Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Norway, Sweden, and Finland adapt their dining habits to match the weather. From cozy winter favorites to fresh summer delights, here’s what tops the menu when the seasons shift.

Winter Comfort Foods: the ultimate cozy cravings

When the temperatures drop, comfort takes center stage. The biggest winter winners are:

  • Hot Chocolate: a massive 211% increase in orders vs summer, cementing its status as the ultimate cozy beverage.
  • Mac & Cheese: this cheesy classic sees a 134% spike during the cold months, perfect for indulgent cold-weather meals.
  • Soup & Stews: cravings for hearty bowls of warmth drive a 19% rise in orders at that time of the year, with favorites like chicken noodle and chili.
  • Savory Hot Pies: a winter delight with a modest 5% increase vs summer.
  • Pizza: it’s an all-time favorite, remains steadfastly popular, with seasonal toppings like mushrooms and sausage making it winter-appropriate.

Summer sizzle: cool, fresh, and refreshing

As the sun comes out, diners turn to lighter, cooler fare. The biggest summer stars are:

  • Salads: a standout summer choice, with a 31% increase in orders compared to colder months, as people opt for crisp, refreshing options that align with lighter seasonal eating habit
  • Seafood: summer vibes bring a 6% rise in seafood orders vs winter, with dishes like sushi and grilled fish proving popular.
  • Smoothies: refreshing and fruity, smoothies enjoy a 4% uptick as the perfect summer drink to beat the heat.

This seasonal shift in dining habits reflects the power of food to adapt to our needs, whether it’s warming up on a cold winter night or cooling off during a hot summer day. From Austria to Finland, foodora’s data showcases how local dining trends align with universal cravings for comfort and refreshment.

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Note to editors: Data source: orders made on foodora in Winter 23 vs Summer 2024. Analysis was made by comparing orders from these two periods from restaurants in Austria, Hungary, Czechia, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

Media Contacts: 

Miriam Günther- Fullstop PR

foodora@fullstoppr.com 

Emmanuelle Minichini – foodora Europe

emma.minichini@deliveryhero.com 

About foodora foodora is a food delivery service, operating in 6 countries in Europe –  Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Finland, Norway and Sweden. foodora’s mission is to deliver an amazing, fast and affordable food delivery experience connecting customers with businesses and riders, giving everyone more time to pursue what matters most to them. foodora delivers a variety of products including groceries, household products and restaurant meals in 30 minutes or less. foodora is part of Delivery Hero, the world’s leading local delivery platform.

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