Online food buying behaviour among college going students

Abstract

The present study examined the awareness, usage trends and purchasing habits of 40 college students in Hyderabad, regarding online food delivery apps. Students from lower to middle-class families, mostly female, aged 17 to 19, made up the sample. The findings of the study Key findings include limited use of lesser-known applications, moderate usage of Uber Eats, Pizzahut, and Dominos Pizza, and high awareness and preference for Swiggy and Zomato (90%). The main sources of information were references from peers and word-of-mouth, while advertisements also had an impact. For different meal types throughout the day, Uber Eats was the preferred option, but Swiggy and Zomato were more popular for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and drinks. Most students used these apps frequently and typically spent less than Rs. 500/- per order. Most respondents expressed satisfaction with portion sizes, regular storage, sharing, or donation of leftovers, and low waste. Online payments were common. Among the issues raised were excessive packaging, delivery time, and food quality. The study focused the increasing dependence on food delivery apps among college students, driven by convenience and peer influence, while identifying areas for improvement to enhance customer satisfaction.