Convenience at a Cost: The Evolution of Food Delivery App Use in Canada

Abstract

Food delivery applications have become embedded in Canadian food consumption, evolving from niche services into mainstream platforms. This study employs a comparative longitudinal survey analysis using a repeated cross-sectional design, comparing two nationally representative Canadian surveys: the 2020 Angus Reid/Dalhousie survey (n = 1,552) and the 2025 Dalhousie–Caddle survey (n = 3,311). Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Consumer Value Theory, the study examines changes in adoption, usage frequency, and barriers to sustained engagement with major platforms, including UberEats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes. Consumer exposure increased significantly from 39.0% in 2020 to 51.5% in 2025, confirming that food delivery apps have become a mainstream component of Canadian food culture. However, growth in regular use has been more modest, with 27.4% of Canadians classified as regular users in 2025, while 23.9% were lapsed users who had previously used food delivery apps but discontinued use. Younger consumers remain the most active users, motivated primarily by convenience, accessibility, and variety. Consistent with Consumer Value Theory, affordability emerged as the dominant determinant of continued engagement. Delivery fees, menu markups, and tipping expectations remain significant barriers to repeat use, while concerns related to food quality, reliability, and delivery performance continue to affect retention. The analysis also highlights increasing market consolidation, with UberEats emerging as the dominant platform, alongside the growth of culturally targeted niche services such as Fantuan. Overall, the findings suggest that while perceived usefulness and convenience drive initial adoption, long-term engagement is increasingly shaped by value considerations, service quality, and consumer trust as the Canadian food delivery market reaches maturity.