America’s lunch orders, revealed: the trends that fueled workers in 2025

As companies across the U.S. wrap up another year of hybrid schedules, team meetings, and office re-openings, one thing is clear: employees are hungry, and they feel strongly about their lunch orders.

But what exactly is fueling their productivity and engagement in 2025? From a national obsession with salads and healthy bowls, to regional favorites you might not expect, Uber for Business data sheds light on what's been ordered to office desks across the country.

Keep reading for a taste of the findings.

America runs on salad

No matter the coast, timezone, or industry, one trend rose above the rest: Americans are opting for healthier lunch options. Looking at Uber for Business meal program orders, over half (55%) of U.S. states and Puerto Rico are ordering healthy bowls and salads more than anything else-helping to fight off the midday slump.

More specifically, workers love ordering from sweetgreen. It was the most-ordered-from spot in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Washington, DC-and topped the charts in states like Colorado, Connecticut, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. Other popular lunch spots include Chipotle and Panera Bread.

Big cities, big cravings

Every city has its quirks-and workday meal orders are no exception. Some of the most surprising popular food items that made it into the top 5 for major markets include:

• San Francisco: A city fueled by Karl the Fog, artificial intelligence … and apparently garlic naan, the unofficial carb of the tech set.
• Boston: Beantown is stirring things up with a workday love affair for stir-fry.
• Miami: In Miami, the egg sandwich reigns supreme-proof that sometimes a good breakfast also makes a great lunch.
• New York City: The city that never sleeps runs on Diet Coke.
• Los Angeles: LA's wellness era lives on. The goop Kitchen Teriyaki Bowl is its lunchtime crown jewel.
• Dallas: Everything is bigger in Texas, including their caffeine intake. Two of Dallas' top ordered items are cold brew and lattes.
• Chicago: Who says the Midwest can't claim a Mexican favorite? Chicago's top pick, the burrito, begs to differ.

These choices are a glimpse into each city's unique culture and cravings, showcasing just how personal (and fun) workplace food routines can be.

Employee meals are having a moment-here's who's driving it

It's not just what employees are ordering; it's how companies are supporting them. Over the past year, more organizations than ever leaned into Uber for Business meal programs, with demand for the offering growing 40% year on year. Organizations are using meal programs to build culture, support in-office routines, and show appreciation for teams.

While meal programs are gaining traction across sectors, some industries are tapping into them more than others. Consulting, financial services, and technology companies continue to lead the way.

"Food is a moment of respite for most of us and lunch is one of the moments in the day where workers get to choose exactly what they want," said Ash Kebriti, Global Head of Uber for Business. "Whether teams are grabbing salads, burritos, or a mid-afternoon Diet Coke, meal programs give employees a moment to recharge-and help companies create a workplace experience people actually look forward to, in the U.S. and beyond. We're proud to support this for thousands of organizations worldwide, and excited to keep innovating our offerings to meet the needs of companies of all sizes."