Healthy Takeout Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis to 2030

Healthy Takeout Trends and Forecast

The future of the global healthy takeout market looks promising with opportunities in the restaurant, quick service restaurant, chained food service, independent foodservice, casual dining restaurant, fine dining restaurant, cafe, and street stall/kiosk markets. The global healthy takeout market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 10.2% from 2024 to 2030. The major drivers for this market are the growing demand for convenient yet nutritious meal alternatives and increasing awareness of nutrition and dietary choices.

• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, breakfast is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, restaurants are expected to experience the highest growth.
• In terms of regions, North America is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.

Gain valuable insights for your business decisions with our comprehensive 150+ page report.

Emerging Trends in the Healthy Takeout Market

The healthy takeout market is experiencing significant transformation, driven by key consumer trends such as the rise in plant-based options, a heightened focus on sustainability, and the demand for greater customization in meal plans. As more consumers prioritize health and sustainability, plant-based and vegan alternatives are gaining popularity, with restaurants adapting to offer a wider range of dietary preferences. Sustainability is also becoming a central concern, with eco-friendly packaging and waste reduction strategies becoming key priorities for both consumers and businesses. Additionally, the growing demand for customizable meal plans reflects the increasing interest in personalized nutrition, with meal delivery platforms offering tailored options for specific dietary needs. Meal kits and pre-packaged healthy meals are also on the rise, catering to busy consumers seeking convenience without compromising nutrition. Finally, the rapid growth of digital food delivery platforms is reshaping the industry, making healthy takeout options more accessible and allowing businesses to reach a larger audience. These trends are collectively driving innovation in the Healthy Takeout sector, meeting the needs of today's health-conscious and eco-aware consumers.

• Rise in Plant-Based Options: A significant trend in the healthy takeout market is the growing demand for plant-based meal options. As consumers prioritize health and sustainability, more restaurants are offering plant-based alternatives such as vegan and vegetarian dishes, appealing to a broader range of dietary preferences. This shift is also fueled by the growing awareness of the environmental benefits of plant-based diets.
• Increased Focus on Sustainability: Sustainability is becoming a central concern in the healthy takeout market. From eco-friendly packaging to waste reduction strategies, consumers are seeking out brands that prioritize environmental responsibility. In response, many food delivery services and restaurants are adopting sustainable practices, such as using compostable packaging and supporting local, organic farms.
• Customizable Meal Plans: Another trend is the growing demand for customizable meal options. Consumers increasingly want meals tailored to their specific dietary needs, including low-carb, gluten-free, or keto-friendly options. This trend reflects the rise of personalized nutrition, with food brands offering easy customization through delivery platforms, enabling consumers to create meals based on health goals and dietary restrictions.
• Health-Conscious Meal Kits and Pre-Packaged Meals: The healthy takeout market is also seeing growth in meal kits and pre-packaged healthy meals. These services provide convenience while ensuring consumers can enjoy balanced, nutritious meals. Companies are focusing on providing easy-to-prepare options with fresh ingredients, meeting the growing need for nutritious meals in busy lifestyles.
• Digitalization and Food Delivery Platforms: Technology is reshaping the healthy takeout market through the rise of food delivery platforms. Mobile apps and digital platforms are streamlining the ordering process, offering a wide range of healthy meal options for consumers. This trend is not only making healthy meals more accessible but also allowing food businesses to reach a larger customer base.

Emerging trends like the rise in plant-based options, increased sustainability, customizable meal plans, and digitalization are significantly shaping the healthy takeout market. These trends are responding to evolving consumer preferences for convenience, nutrition, and sustainability, ultimately transforming the food delivery industry and paving the way for healthier, more accessible dining options.

Recent Developments in the Healthy Takeout Market

The healthy takeout market is evolving rapidly, driven by a combination of health-conscious consumers, sustainability efforts, and the increasing demand for personalized meal options. One of the most notable trends is the expansion of plant-based menus, with restaurants and takeout services introducing vegan and vegetarian dishes to cater to the growing preference for plant-based diets. Alongside this, there is a strong shift towards eco-friendly packaging, as food delivery services adopt biodegradable and recyclable materials to meet consumer demand for more sustainable practices. The emergence of health-focused delivery platforms has also contributed to the market's growth, offering curated meal options based on specific health factors like low-calorie, organic, or gluten-free. Additionally, the use of local and organic ingredients is gaining traction, as consumers seek fresher, more sustainable meal options. Lastly, the integration of dietary-specific meal plans, such as keto or paleo, is allowing consumers to enjoy the convenience of takeout while adhering to their dietary preferences. These trends collectively reflect the ongoing transformation of the Healthy Takeout sector, responding to the growing desire for nutritious, sustainable, and personalized food options.

• Expansion of Plant-Based Menus: Many restaurants and takeout services are introducing plant-based dishes to cater to the rising demand for vegan and vegetarian options. This expansion of plant-based menus allows brands to tap into a growing consumer base seeking healthier and environmentally friendly meal choices.
• Adoption of Eco-Friendly Packaging: The healthy takeout market is witnessing a shift toward sustainable packaging. Food delivery services are increasingly using biodegradable and recyclable materials for their packaging to meet consumer demand for eco-conscious practices. This trend is helping businesses align with environmental goals and appeal to eco-minded consumers.
• Focus on Health-Conscious Delivery Services: New delivery platforms are emerging that focus exclusively on healthy meal options. These platforms curate meal choices based on health factors such as low-calorie, organic, or gluten-free. They aim to provide a variety of nutritious meals tailored to specific dietary preferences, making healthy eating more convenient.
• Growth of Local and Organic Ingredients: There is a significant push toward sourcing local, organic ingredients for healthy takeout meals. By supporting local farmers and reducing carbon footprints, food providers are offering fresher, more nutritious options. This shift also aligns with growing consumer interest in sustainable and ethically sourced food.
• Integration of Dietary-Specific Meal Plans: Many healthy takeout services now offer specialized meal plans tailored to specific diets such as keto, paleo, or intermittent fasting. This allows consumers to easily adhere to their dietary needs while enjoying the convenience of takeout meals, creating a growing niche within the market.

The developments in the healthy takeout market, including plant-based menu expansion, eco-friendly packaging, and dietary-specific meal plans, are creating new opportunities for both consumers and businesses. These innovations are making healthy eating more accessible, customizable, and sustainable, positioning the market for continued growth in response to shifting consumer preferences.

Strategic Growth Opportunities for Healthy Takeout Market

The healthy takeout market is experiencing significant growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the increasing demand for convenient, nutritious meal options. One of the key drivers of this growth is the expansion of delivery platforms that are offering a wider variety of healthy meal choices. By partnering with restaurants that focus on nutritious offerings, these platforms are tapping into the rising demand for healthier eating solutions. Additionally, the trend of localized healthy menus presents a unique opportunity, as restaurants cater to regional tastes while maintaining a focus on nutrition. Sustainable packaging solutions are also becoming a key differentiator in this market, as eco-conscious consumers increasingly demand biodegradable, compostable, or reusable materials. Corporate wellness partnerships are emerging as another avenue for growth, as companies seek to provide healthy meal options to their employees as part of wellness initiatives. Lastly, virtual kitchens, which focus exclusively on delivery services, are providing a cost-effective solution for offering healthy meals without the overhead of traditional restaurant locations. These trends highlight the dynamic opportunities available in the healthy takeout market, where convenience, health, and sustainability intersect to shape the future of food delivery.

• Expansion of Delivery Platforms: Food delivery platforms are creating significant growth opportunities by offering a broad selection of healthy meal options. By expanding their partnerships with restaurants focused on nutritious meals, these platforms can tap into the growing demand for convenient, healthy eating solutions, driving market growth.
• Localized Healthy Menus: Offering localized and culturally relevant healthy meal options presents a unique opportunity. For example, in countries like India or China, offering traditional, healthy local cuisine can attract a wide consumer base. Customizing offerings based on regional tastes and preferences could boost customer loyalty and market penetration.
• Sustainable Packaging Solutions: There is a growing opportunity to capitalize on eco-friendly packaging in the healthy takeout market. Companies that invest in biodegradable, compostable, or reusable packaging can tap into the rising consumer demand for sustainability and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
• Corporate Wellness Partnerships: Partnering with companies to provide healthy meal delivery services for employees is an emerging opportunity. With more organizations focusing on employee wellness, offering healthy takeout meals as part of corporate wellness programs can lead to new revenue streams for food delivery services.
• Virtual Kitchens for Healthy Meals: Virtual kitchens, or cloud kitchens, are an emerging trend in the healthy takeout market. These kitchens, which operate solely for delivery, allow businesses to focus on offering healthy meal options without the overhead of physical restaurant locations. This model can expand market reach and provide a low-cost entry point.

The strategic growth opportunities in the healthy takeout market-such as delivery platform expansion, localized menus, sustainable packaging, and virtual kitchens-are driving the sector's evolution. These opportunities enable businesses to cater to the growing demand for healthier, more convenient meal options while aligning with broader consumer trends around sustainability and wellness.

Healthy Takeout Market Driver and Challenges

The healthy takeout market is influenced by various drivers and challenges. Key drivers include rising consumer demand for convenience, nutrition, and sustainability. However, challenges such as operational costs, competition, and regulatory concerns also impact the industry. Understanding these factors is crucial for businesses aiming to succeed in the competitive and evolving food service sector.

The factors responsible for driving the healthy takeout market include:

1. Growing Health Consciousness: Consumers' increasing focus on health and well-being is driving the demand for healthier food options. As people prioritize nutrition and fitness, healthy takeout meals that cater to various dietary needs are becoming more popular, propelling market growth.

2. Demand for Convenience: The busy lifestyles of consumers have led to a heightened need for convenient food solutions. Takeout services that provide easy access to nutritious meals cater to time-constrained individuals, making it a significant driver of the healthy takeout market.

3. Increased Focus on Sustainability: Environmental concerns are influencing consumer decisions, with many seeking brands that prioritize sustainability. Companies offering eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients are gaining consumer trust, driving growth in the market.

4. Advancements in Technology: Technology is streamlining the ordering process and enhancing the convenience of food delivery services. Mobile apps and digital platforms have made it easier for consumers to access healthy meals from the comfort of their homes, boosting demand for takeout options.

Challenges influencing the market include:

1. Rising Operational Costs: The cost of sourcing high-quality ingredients, maintaining delivery logistics, and adopting eco-friendly packaging can create financial strain for food service businesses. Balancing cost and quality remains a significant challenge.

2. Intense Competition: The healthy takeout market is increasingly competitive, with a growing number of businesses vying for consumer attention. Brands must differentiate themselves by offering unique menu options or innovative services to stay ahead.

3. Regulatory and Compliance Concerns: As the food service industry is heavily regulated, businesses must comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations. This can create challenges in terms of maintaining quality standards and managing operational costs.

4. Supply Chain Issues: The sourcing of fresh, high-quality ingredients and sustainable packaging materials can be challenging due to supply chain disruptions. This may lead to increased costs and potential delays in service delivery.

The drivers and challenges faced by the healthy takeout market highlight the dynamic nature of the sector. While growing demand for healthy and sustainable meals presents vast opportunities, businesses must navigate operational complexities and market competition to succeed. By addressing these challenges effectively, companies can position themselves for long-term success in the healthy takeout market.

List of Healthy Takeout Companies

Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. Through these strategies healthy takeout companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the healthy takeout companies profiled in this report include-

• Taco Bell
• Applebee's
• Arby's
• Au Bon Pain
• Burger King
• Just Eat
• Carrabba's Italian Grill
• Chick-Fil-A
• Chipotle
• Dairy Queen

Healthy Takeout by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the global healthy takeout by type, application, and region.

Healthy Takeout Market by Type [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:

• Breakfast
• Brunch
• Lunch
• High Tea
• Dinner

Healthy Takeout Market by Application [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:

• Restaurant
• Quick Service Restaurant
• Chained foodservice
• Independent foodservice
• Casual Dining Restaurant
• Fine Dining Restaurant
• Cafe
• Street Stall/Kiosk

Healthy Takeout Market by Region [Analysis by Value from 2018 to 2030]:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World

Country Wise Outlook for the Healthy Takeout Market

The healthy takeout market is rapidly growing as consumers increasingly prioritize nutrition, convenience, and sustainability in their food choices. In countries like the United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan, this trend is reshaping the food service industry. Advances in delivery platforms, dietary preferences, and eco-conscious packaging are driving these developments, with each country contributing to a distinct dynamic in the market.

• United States: The U.S. healthy takeout market is experiencing a surge as more consumers opt for nutritious and convenient meal options. The demand for plant-based, organic, and locally sourced ingredients is growing, supported by food delivery platforms and a shift toward healthier eating. Brands are increasingly offering customizable and diet-specific options to cater to diverse consumer needs.
• China: In China, the healthy takeout market is expanding as consumers become more health-conscious and embrace convenience. Urban areas are seeing an uptick in demand for fresh, organic, and low-calorie takeout meals, with local startups capitalizing on this trend. Health-conscious Chinese consumers are increasingly opting for options that focus on balanced meals with fresh vegetables, lean meats, and low-fat ingredients.
• Germany: Germany's healthy takeout market is benefiting from a strong emphasis on sustainable and organic food choices. Consumers are more inclined toward plant-based meals, and takeout services are adapting by offering gluten-free, vegan, and organic menu options. Eco-friendly packaging and a commitment to reducing food waste are becoming critical elements in the food delivery services sector.
• India: The healthy takeout market in India is growing rapidly as the demand for nutritious, vegetarian, and regionally inspired healthy meals rises. With a focus on local, organic ingredients and Ayurvedic diets, Indian consumers are increasingly choosing healthy takeout options. The market is also driven by the busy urban lifestyle, which demands quick, healthy, and convenient meal options.
• Japan: Japan's healthy takeout market is driven by a culture of balanced eating and health-conscious habits. There is a growing demand for meals that are low in sugar, high in fiber, and incorporate traditional Japanese ingredients. Health-focused food delivery services are gaining popularity, offering options like rice bowls, sushi, and meal kits tailored to modern dietary preferences.

Features of the Global Healthy Takeout Market

Market Size Estimates: Healthy takeout market size estimation in terms of value ($B).

Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2018 to 2023) and forecast (2024 to 2030) by various segments and regions.

Segmentation Analysis: Healthy takeout market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).

Regional Analysis: Healthy takeout market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.

Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different types, applications, and regions for the healthy takeout market.

Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the healthy takeout market.

Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter's Five Forces model.

If you are looking to expand your business in this or adjacent markets, then contact us. We have done hundreds of strategic consulting projects in market entry, opportunity screening, due diligence, supply chain analysis, M & A, and more.

This report answers following 11 key questions:

• Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the healthy takeout market by type (breakfast, brunch, lunch, high tea, and dinner), application (restaurant, quick service restaurant, chained foodservice, independent foodservice, casual dining restaurant, fine dining restaurant, cafe, and street stall/kiosk), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
• Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
• Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
• Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
• Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
• Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
• Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
• Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
• Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
• Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
• Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?