There has been a significant rise in the demand for doorstep food delivery since the pandemic. Though it’s been a few years since it ended, most people seem to stick to ordering food online. This customer need has pushed many businesses to build food delivery apps. This is mainly due to multiple factors like an increase in smartphone users, internet usage, and changing customer preferences. According to studies, the global online food delivery market is expected to cross the 1 trillion mark in 2025! This rapid growth has made the on-demand food delivery app a booming sector. Over 60% of customers now prefer ordering their food online instead of going to a restaurant.
In 2025, consumer expectations are higher than ever. They expect more than food delivery; they want to be included and want to have the highest user experience. Now, if you are a business planning to launch or upgrade a food delivery app, you must understand which features are must-haves! In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 features that are no longer optional. These features serve as the pillar that either makes or breaks an app’s success in today’s competitive landscape.
Top 5 Essential Features Your Food Delivery App Needs in 2025
1. Real-time Order Tracking and ETA Updates
People nowadays want to know it all! They want to know where their food has reached and how long will it take for the food to arrive. Real-time order tracking is a significant feature on which you can’t afford to compromise. It is the most requested feature by users, and in 2025, it is considered a standard.
Real-time tracking acts as a communication point between all three parties- customers, business, and delivery partner. Moreover, it provides control over the customers. Your customer wants transparency, they wish to know what’s happening with their deliveries. And as a food business that aims to make a profit, you have to offer this feature to earn their trust and loyalty. If you miss out on this important feature, more than 60% of target consumers might consider looking for another service provider.
- How does Real-time Tracking work?
The real-time tracking feature relies on GPS integration in a mobile app. The app connects a user with the delivery executive’s live location and displays the status on the user interface. The backend algorithms calculate the estimated time of arrival (ETA) based on current traffic, distance, and food order preparation time. All this happens at once.
2. Secure Payment Option
This feature is paramount not just for food delivery apps but for every app existing on the face of the earth. In 2025, every app that offers a service will come with a payment gateway. A flawless checkout process is crucial. If consumers face payment issues or do not see their preferred mode as an option, they’re likely to abandon the cart. Food apps must support a wide variety of payment options.
You can join hands with reputable payment gateways to offer a secure transition environment to users. Your business commitment to offer flexible and safe payment solutions instills confidence in consumers and establishes your app as a reliable source.
- How to Ensure Data Protection?
To ensure maximum data security, choose a food delivery development company that offers high-end services. Developers who can implement end-to-end encryptions, tokenization, and secure APIs in your app’s payment system. Moreover, integrate the finest fraud detection tools to ensure that both users and businesses are protected from any suspicious transactions.
3. Easy-to-Navigate Menu Display
Another fundamental feature for your food delivery business is a user-friendly menu display. Incorporate well-defined categories such as main courses, desserts, fast food, pizza, or more. This makes it super easy for consumers to navigate and find what they are searching for. Ask your partner web designers to include visually appealing food images, detailed product descriptions, and clear pricing for each menu item.
Here are other essential features to include:
1. Recommended Food Section
Showcase top-rated dishes loved by users to help others pick the best bites.
2. Search & Filter
Users should find what they are searching for within seconds after logging into the app. Smart search and filters make that possible. This feature boosts conversion rates by taking the load from consumers to make a decision. Additionally, customized recommendations based on users’ past orders, location, and browsing behavior create a more engaging experience.
3. Easy Cart Functionality
Integrate easily accessible buttons when you build a food delivery app. The buttons should be next to each menu item so that users can add items with a single tap.
4. AI-Powered Demand Forecasting and Order Management
AI-powered demand Forecasting leverages machine learning algorithms to predict future food delivery trends based on historical data, customer behavior, weather patterns, and local events. This intelligent system helps restaurants and delivery platforms anticipate order volumes, optimize inventory, and allocate resources more efficiently.
By forecasting peak hours and popular dishes, businesses can reduce food wastage, avoid stockouts, and improve delivery speed. It also aids in workforce planning by ensuring the right number of delivery personnel are available when demand surges. Overall, AI-driven forecasting leads to smarter operations, cost savings, and a better customer experience through improved service reliability. Be sure to include this advanced feature when you create a food delivery app- it can enhance user experience and improve operational efficiency.
5. Integrated Delivery Partner Management System
An often overlooked but crucial component is the system that manages delivery agents. For food to arrive on time, a smart backend is required that handles assignments, tracks performance, manages availability, and routes orders efficiently.
In 2025, apps with a strong delivery management system are outperforming those without it.
What It Should Include
- Real-time assignment of orders to nearby delivery partners.
- Availability status (online/offline, break time).
- Heat maps showing areas with high demand.
- Route optimization based on traffic and distance.
Conclusion
We have learned that in 2025, developing an on-demand food delivery app in New York, USA, demands more than just listing restaurants and processing orders. It’s about creating a secure, meaningful, and enjoyable experience for users. From real-time tracking to seamless payment options, each feature plays an important role.
For entrepreneurs, restaurants, or enterprises searching to invest in this space, joining hands with a seasoned food delivery app development company is essential. The right development and designing team would assist you create a food delivery app that meets target consumer requirements.
Codknow has a team of skilled developers and designers with expertise that can help you construct and launch your app. If you are ready to build an app, now is the time to invest and start. To get an app estimation, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What other factors affect the success of a food delivery app besides its features?
On-time delivery, restaurant partnerships, and marketing strategy are all important for the success of a food delivery application. An app can have complete functionality, but without reliable operational support and brand trust, it won’t survive the competition. A versatile approach that focuses on both technical and customer service aspects is what will set a leading app apart from the rest.
Q2. Do food delivery apps need to consider regional or local preferences?
Yes, absolutely! There can be a wide distinction between regional tastes, preferred payment modes, and delivery timing expectations. Food apps that adapt their design and offering to local culture and behavior tend to create powerful user loyalty. The localisation of an app goes beyond language; it’s about understanding the consumer base in each market.
Q3. Can customer reviews impact app development decisions?
Customer reviews can impact your app’s overall performance to a great deal. They reveal customer’s common frustrations, performance issue, and desired features. By analyzing users review, developers can make necessary changes and make informed decisions.
