Just Eat rode a festive spending splurge in December, with more than 17 million orders as Brits indulged in their favourite take-aways and visited the platform for last-minute gifting and groceries over the Christmas period.
Cementing its place as the UK’s go-to comfort cuisine, orders for Chinese food more than doubled on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Chinese was also the most searched-for cuisine on Just Eat in December, attracting more than 350,000 searches across the month. This bumper boost for Chinese restaurants was just the start, with even more deliveries expected as people celebrate Chinese New Year in February and March.
When festive planning fell short, Brits turned to Just Eat for last-minute saves. On Christmas Day alone, over 145,000 orders were placed through the platform.
Panic-buying Grocery orders accounted for 40% of all Christmas Day deliveries, as forgotten ingredients and missing puddings topped shopping lists. Orders for pigs in blankets accelerated week on week in the lead up to Christmas, with 13,000 packs sold in December alone, while searches for turkey peaked on 23rd and 24th December as people panic-bought their Christmas roast essentials.
In the final hour of New Year’s Eve more than 4,500 orders were placed, with Brits prioritising prosecco and champagne orders, which saw a 300% increase, as they prepared to ring the New Year in with a glass of fizz.
As celebrations gave way to recovery, New Year’s Day marked a clear shift towards hydration and wellness. Sales of coconut water and sports drinks jumped 132%, with more than 3,000 orders placed as Brits looked to reset and rehydrate after the festivities.
Leigh Phillipson, commercial director at Just Eat UK, comments: “December is a fast-paced month where routines shift and convenience really comes into its own, we see customers leaning into familiar comfort foods and last minute treats as they celebrate with friends and family. However, it was clear to see that customers quickly pivoted to recovery and healthier choices on 1st Jan, aiming to get off on the right foot and take part in the health-led trends that we’ll see continue to gain momentum in 2026.
“From Chinese takeaways to a sharp rise in on-demand grocery, the data reflects how Just Eat supports customers through changing needs across the month, while helping our restaurant and retail partners capture demand at critical mo
