Food Delivery Services for one Person

Food Delivery Services for One Person: A Solo Diner Complete Guide

Honestly, I never thought I'd become someone who orders takeout for one on a Tuesday night. But here we are.

The Rise of Solo Dining & Food Delivery 🍽️

You know what's funny? Five years ago, ordering delivery for just myself felt... weird. Like I was admitting defeat or something. Fast-forward to today, and solo dining through food delivery has become my secret weapon for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, and those moments when I just don't want to cook for one person.

The truth is, food delivery services for one person have completely transformed how we think about eating alone. What used to feel lonely or indulgent now feels smart and efficient. I've tried pretty much every major app out there (and some you've probably never heard of), and I'm here to share what I've learned about navigating this world without breaking the bank or ending up with enough leftovers to feed a small village.

Here's the thing ordering for one comes with its own unique challenges. Delivery fees that make a $12 meal cost $20. Minimum order requirements that force you to over-order. Apps that seem designed for families, not solo diners. But I've figured out some workarounds, and I think you'll find them pretty helpful.

The Best Overall: DoorDash & Uber Eats 🚗

Let me be completely honest here: DoorDash and Uber Eats are my go-to apps about 80% of the time. Not because they're perfect (they're not), but because they consistently deliver on what matters most to me as a solo diner.

Why DoorDash Works for Solo Orders

I've been using DoorDash for three years now, and what keeps me coming back is their DashPass subscription. For $9.99 a month, you get free delivery on orders over $12 which, let's be real, is pretty achievable even when you're ordering for one. I did the math last year (yes, I'm that person), and I save about $15-20 monthly just on delivery fees.

What really impressed me about DoorDash recently was their group ordering feature. I know, I know we're talking about solo dining. But hear me out. Sometimes I'll create a "group order" just for myself and add items throughout the day, then place one big order for dinner. It sounds weird, but it helps me hit those minimum delivery thresholds without feeling like I'm wasting food.

Uber Eats: The Convenience King

Uber Eats has this thing where they remember your order history better than I remember what I had for breakfast. Their algorithm is scary good at suggesting exactly what I'm craving based on time of day and weather. Last Tuesday, it suggested Thai food at 6 PM during a rainstorm, and honestly? It was exactly what I needed.

The Uber One membership ($9.99/month) is similar to DashPass, but I've noticed Uber Eats tends to have better restaurant partnerships in my area. Plus, their customer service is surprisingly responsive when orders go wrong which, unfortunately, happens more often than I'd like with any delivery service.

My Takeaway: Both apps work well for solo diners, but I lean slightly toward DoorDash for reliability and Uber Eats for restaurant variety. If you can only afford one subscription, go with whichever has better restaurant selection in your specific neighborhood.

The Budget-Friendly Choice: Postmates & Grubhub 💰

Plot twist: Postmates got absorbed by Uber Eats in 2020, but Grubhub is still fighting the good fight for budget-conscious solo diners.

Grubhub: The Underdog with Surprising Perks

I'll admit it I kind of forgot about Grubhub for a while. Everyone talks about DoorDash and Uber Eats, so Grubhub felt like the Bing of food delivery apps. But I gave it another shot last month, and I was pleasantly surprised.

First off, their Grubhub+ membership is cheaper at $9.99 monthly, but more importantly, they often have lower delivery fees even without a subscription. I've noticed that the same restaurant will sometimes charge $2.99 for delivery on Grubhub versus $4.99 on other apps.

Here's what really won me over: Grubhub pickup option. I know, I know if I wanted pickup, I wouldn't be reading about delivery apps. But sometimes their pickup deals are so good that it's worth the 10-minute walk. I saved $8 on Indian food last week by walking two blocks instead of having it delivered.

The Reality Check on "Budget-Friendly"

Truth be told, no food delivery app is truly budget-friendly when you're ordering for one person. The economics just don't work in our favor. But Grubhub consistently comes out 10 - 15% cheaper in my experience, especially when you factor in their frequent promo codes.

My Takeaway: Grubhub isn't flashy, but it's reliable and often cheaper. Perfect for when you want to save a few bucks without sacrificing food quality.

The Deep Dive: Optimizing Your Order to Avoid Waste and High Costs 🎯

This is where I get a little nerdy, but stick with me these strategies have saved me probably hundreds of dollars over the years.

The "Strategic Leftovers" Approach

I used to avoid restaurants with large portions because I hate food waste. But then I realized: strategic leftovers are actually a superpower. Now I intentionally order from places like Chipotle or Mediterranean spots where I know I'll get 2-3 meals worth of food.

My current system: Order something substantial on Sunday that'll give me dinner Sunday, lunch Monday, and maybe even dinner Monday if I'm lucky. Yes, the initial order costs $15-18, but that's three meals for the price of what used to be one meal plus delivery fees.

Timing Your Orders Like a Pro

Here's something most people don't think about: delivery fees fluctuate based on demand. I've noticed that ordering between 2-4 PM or after 9 PM often results in lower delivery fees and more frequent driver availability.

Also, Tuesday and Wednesday are golden for promo codes. I have no idea why, but both DoorDash and Uber Eats seem to push more discounts mid-week.

The "Minimum Order Hack"

Most apps have minimum order requirements for delivery usually $12 - 15. Instead of padding my order with random stuff I don't want, I've started adding shelf-stable items like drinks, chips, or desserts that I'll actually use later.

Last month, I ordered Thai food and added a pack of their coconut cookies and a Thai iced tea mix. The cookies lasted two weeks, and I still have the tea mix. It felt way better than ordering an extra entree that would go bad.

My Takeaway: Think strategically about portions, timing, and minimum orders. A little planning turns delivery apps from expensive impulses into actually reasonable meal solutions.

The Deep Dive: Specialized Services for a Healthier Solo Life 🥗

You know what surprised me? How many delivery apps actually cater to health-conscious solo diners. I used to think it was all pizza and burgers, but the landscape has changed dramatically.

Freshly: The Meal Prep Alternative

I tried Freshly for two months, and honestly, it changed how I think about solo dining. They deliver pre-made, healthy meals that you just microwave. Sounds boring, right? But when you're tired after work and the alternative is spending $25 on delivery plus tip, a $8 Freshly meal starts looking pretty smart.

The portion sizes are perfect for one person not too big, not too small. And the variety kept me from getting bored, which is my biggest problem with meal prep.

Local Juice Bars and Health Food Spots

This might be specific to my city, but I've discovered that local health-focused restaurants often have the best deals for solo orders. The Mediterranean place near me does a "personal plate" that's perfectly sized and costs $11 including delivery through their own app (not the big platforms).

My Takeaway: Don't sleep on specialized healthy options. They're often better portioned and sometimes cheaper than traditional restaurants for solo diners.

The Niche Players: Ethnic, Vegan & Local-Specific Apps 🌍

Here's where things get really interesting. Some of my best solo dining discoveries have come from smaller, specialized apps that focus on specific cuisines or dietary needs.

ChowNow: The Local Hero

ChowNow isn't as flashy as the big apps, but it connects you directly with local restaurants without the massive markup. I've found family-owned Thai, Mexican, and Indian places through ChowNow that I never would have discovered otherwise.

The best part? Many of these restaurants offer better deals through ChowNow because they're not paying the huge commission fees that DoorDash and Uber Eats charge.

Caviar: When You Want to Treat Yourself

Okay, Caviar (now part of DoorDash) is definitely not budget-friendly, but sometimes you want to order from that fancy Italian place without getting dressed up. Their solo portions are actually reasonable, and the food quality is consistently higher than what you'll find on other apps.

I probably use Caviar once a month when I want to turn a regular Tuesday into something special. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it worth it occasionally? Also yes.

My Takeaway: Don't overlook smaller apps and local platforms. They often have better relationships with restaurants and can offer unique options you won't find elsewhere.

The Best Apps for Ordering from Your Favorite Chain Restaurants 🍕

Let's be honest sometimes you just want Chipotle or Panera, and you want to know which app will get it to you fastest and cheapest.

Chain Restaurant Favorites for Solo Diners

Chipotle through DoorDash is my go-to lazy Sunday order. A bowl lasts me two meals, and the consistency is exactly what I want when I don't feel like thinking about food.

Panera through their own app usually beats third-party delivery prices, plus their "You Pick Two" option is perfect for solo diners who want variety without waste.

Subway might sound basic, but their footlong deals work great for solo diners when you eat half for lunch and half for dinner.

My Takeaway: For chain restaurants, check if they have their own delivery service before using third-party apps. You'll often save money and get better deals.

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A Comparison Chart: Pricing, Cuisines, and Features 📊

Based on my year of testing (yes, I kept a spreadsheet), here's how the major apps stack up for solo diners:

DoorDash

• Average delivery cost: $4 - 6
• Best for: Reliability, suburban areas
• Solo-friendly features: DashPass, wide restaurant selection
• Downside: Can be expensive without subscription

Uber Eats

• Average delivery cost: $3 - 5
• Best for: Urban areas, restaurant variety
• Solo-friendly features: Great app interface, accurate tracking
• Downside: Surge pricing during peak times

Grubhub

• Average delivery cost: $2 - 4
• Best for: Budget-conscious orders
• Solo-friendly features: Lower base fees, good promo codes
• Downside: Smaller restaurant network in some areas

Local/Specialized Apps

• Average delivery cost: $1 - 3
• Best for: Unique cuisines, supporting local businesses
• Solo-friendly features: Often better portion sizes, direct restaurant relationships
• Downside: Limited selection, less reliable service

The Verdict: Our Top Recommendation for Solo Diners 🏆

After a year of ordering delivery as a solo diner, here's my honest recommendation: Use DoorDash as your primary app, but keep Grubhub and one local app as backups.

Here's why this combo works:

DoorDash handles about 70% of my orders because of reliability and DashPass savings. When you're hungry and tired, you want to know your food will actually show up.

Grubhub is perfect for when you're trying to save money or when DoorDash doesn't have what you're craving.

One local app (ChowNow in my case) gives you access to hidden gems and often better prices for family-owned restaurants.

My Personal System

I check DoorDash first for convenience, Grubhub second for price comparison, and my local app when I want something different or want to support small businesses.

Is it overkill to have three apps? Maybe. But it takes 30 seconds to compare prices, and I've saved enough money to justify the phone storage.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Solo Delivery Partner ✨

Look, I'm not going to pretend that ordering delivery for one person is always the most economical choice. Cooking at home will always be cheaper. But life is busy, and sometimes you need the convenience of having good food delivered to your door without the hassle of cooking for one.

The key is being strategic about it. Use subscriptions if you order frequently. Time your orders to avoid peak fees. Think about leftovers as a feature, not a bug. And don't be afraid to try smaller, local apps some of my favorite food discoveries have come from apps I almost didn't download.

Most importantly, don't feel guilty about ordering delivery for one. You're not being wasteful or indulgent you're making a practical choice that gives you more time to focus on other things that matter to you.

My final advice? Start with DoorDash if you want reliability, or Grubhub if budget is your main concern. Try each app a few times to see which restaurants and deals work best in your area. And remember the best food delivery app is the one that consistently gets you food you enjoy at a price you can afford.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have some Thai food to order for tonight. And yes, I'm getting extra spring rolls because I know I'll want them for lunch tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This article is based on my personal experience using various food delivery apps over the past year. Prices, availability, and features may vary by location. I'm not affiliated with any of the mentioned companies, though I do pay for DashPass and Uber One subscriptions with my own money.

FAQ About Food Delivery Services for One Person

1. Are there food delivery services designed for one person?

Yes. Many services like Factor, Hungryroot, CookUnity, and Home Chef offer single-serving meals or customizable kits ideal for solo diners. These options reduce food waste and simplify meal planning.

2. What are the best food delivery services for one person in 2025?

• 🍽️ Factor – best for ready-to-eat, dietitian-approved meals
• 🥗 Hungryroot – best for meal kits with grocery add-ons
• 👨‍🍳 CookUnity – chef-prepared meals with flexible plans
• 🌱 Purple Carrot – best vegan meals for singles
• 🍳 Home Chef – customizable kits with single-portion options

Each service caters to different dietary needs and prep preferences.

3. Are meal delivery subscriptions worth it for solo eaters?

If you often waste groceries or dislike cooking for one, subscriptions can save time and money. They offer portion control, variety, and convenience—especially for busy professionals or students.

4. What should I look for in a solo-friendly food delivery service?

• 📦 Single-serving portions
• ⏱️ Quick prep or no-cook options
• 🥗 Dietary flexibility (vegan, keto, low-cal)
• 📅 Skip/pause options for subscriptions
• 💰 Transparent pricing and no hidden fees

These features help tailor the service to your lifestyle and budget.

5. Can I customize meals for dietary preferences?

Yes. Most services allow filtering by diet (e.g., keto, vegan, low-carb) and offer plans tailored to health goals. Factor, for example, includes high-protein, low-calorie, and GLP-1 support meals.