Red wine for Melburnians, sav blanc for Sydneysiders – and lattes for all

Australia’s two biggest cities share a love of lattes, but despite a chillier climate, Melburnians have a surprising passion for iced coffee while Sydneysiders prefer the much-maligned cappuccino.

As for alcoholic drinks, NSW residents add sauvignon blanc, lemonade and cola to their carts the most, and Victorians want red wine and VB delivered to their door, according to data provided by food delivery app Uber Eats. VB is the only beer in the top 10, while vodka appears in the top five for both states.

When it comes to meals, chicken, pizza and burgers rule, according to a survey of three of the most popular food delivery apps.

There’s also strong appetite for wagyu beef, chips and Italian, Mexican and Asian food.

The latest restaurant and alcohol ordering trends report by DoorDash shows food is a round-the-clock mission for many, despite the cost-of-living crisis.

A growing number of customers were ordering overnight and in the early morning, it said.

Saturday evening is the most popular time to order food and alcohol online, and Sunday is the day for coffee. Melburnians order more coffee, and want it with lunch, while Sydneysiders seek their caffeine hit with breakfast, DoorDash data shows.

Maddie Berry lives in inner Melbourne, works several jobs and does not have a car. The 23-year-old said she and her partner had meals and groceries delivered about three to four times a week, for convenience and safety.

“Our average order would probably be around $40 to $50 for a dinner on there, which we believe is really good,” she said. “During winter, it has been a lifesaver, not having to leave the house when it’s late at night and you can’t be bothered going to the supermarket.”

Maddie Berry, 23, orders meals and groceries online three to four times a week.Credit: Wayne Taylor

Berry said her friends were also regular delivery app users. “We tend to do a Friday night dinner and switch up who orders, so I’d say we all use it the same amount,” she said.

Uber said the average grocery delivery in Melbourne travelled less than two kilometres.

Menulog said bread and milk were among the most popular grocery items ordered. “Customers are more frequently ordering such convenience items during the week, while restaurant orders remain most popular on weekends,” it said.

NSW residents spend $72 a week on food delivery, the highest amount in the country, while Victorians spend $59, according to a 2023 survey by consumer review site Canstar Blue. Meal delivery services are most popular among Millennials and Gen Z, Roy Morgan research has found.

Prices for takeaway food have fluctuated. Cafes and restaurants barely raised prices during the pandemic but hiked them 9.1 per cent in the 2022/23 financial year. Prices for takeaway and fast food grew by 4.2 per cent in the year to June 2024, the Australia Bureau of Statistics said

But the latest NAB consumer sentiment survey found more consumers plan to cut spending on non-essentials, such as eating out, travel, entertainment and home improvements.

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