Grab‑and‑Go Food Demand Grows in Santiago Amid Global Convenience Trend
Below, we unpack the data and local context that explain the current demand for grab‑and‑go food in Santiago.
Global Grab‑and‑Go Market Context
Two key data points frame the worldwide landscape:
- Grab‑and‑go containers are expected to command $18.8 billion in sales by 2034, up from $13.9 billion in 2024, with a 3.1 % CAGR [2][3].
- The food‑to‑go segment has seen a 26 % year‑on‑year increase in the UK during a 52‑week period ending June 2024, reflecting a global rise in demand [2].
Chile’s Delivery Landscape and Its Impact on Grab‑and‑Go
Delivery platforms in Chile are moving beyond weekend treats. According to a 2026 report, the average number of orders per month rose from 1.5 in 2025 to 2.7 in 2026, indicating that food delivery is becoming a daily habit rather than a leisure activity [6].
Key categories driving this growth include:
- Sushi, the second most ordered category in the last year, with 3.9 million items requested on Uber Eats [6].
- Hamburgers, with more than 4 million sold by PedidosYa in the same period [6].
Pizza also shows the most pronounced recent growth, while fresh, customizable bowls and wraps are gaining traction, suggesting that consumers are seeking diverse, portable options that fit into busy schedules [6].
Santiago’s Local Snack Culture and Grab‑and‑Go Opportunities
Street food continues to dominate Santiago’s on‑the‑go scene. The completo—Chile’s version of a hot dog served in a plain roll with sauerkraut, mashed avocado, and tomatoes—remains a staple for quick bites [4].
Matcha Trend and Its Role in Grab‑and‑Go Offerings
Google Maps’ 2026 “Fan‑Favorite Dining List” identified a significant increase in mentions of matcha across Santiago’s cafés—an 84 % rise in reviews. This trend points to a growing appetite for healthy, plant‑based options that can be served quickly and taken out [7].
Practical Take‑aways for Residents, Visitors, and Local Businesses
- Residents & visitors: Look for cafés and quick‑service restaurants offering ready‑to‑eat matcha drinks or pre‑packaged completos when you need a fast bite.
- Local business owners: Consider expanding your menu to include pre‑packaged versions of popular street foods. Partner with delivery platforms to highlight grab‑and‑go items in promotional campaigns, especially during peak daily hours when orders are highest.
- Food‑service operators: Invest in sustainable, lightweight packaging—materials that are recyclable or biodegradable—to meet the growing consumer demand for eco‑friendly grab‑and‑go containers highlighted in global reports [2][3].
- Entrepreneurs: Explore niche grab‑and‑go categories such as bowls, wraps, or matcha‑based beverages, which have shown rising search interest and delivery volume in Chile [6][7].
Key Figures Summary
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Grab‑and‑Go container sales 2024 | $13.9 billion | [2][3] |
| Grab‑and‑Go container sales 2034 (projected) | $18.8 billion | [2][3] |
| Food‑to‑go UK market growth (2024) | 26 % YoY increase to £8.3 billion | [2] |
| Average delivery orders per month (Chile) | 2.7 (2026) | [6] |
| Sushi orders on Uber Eats (Chile) | 3.9 million | [6] |
| Hamburger orders on PedidosYa (Chile) | 4 million | [6] |
| Matcha mentions in Santiago reviews | 84 % increase | [7] |
| UK out‑of‑home food market value (52 weeks ending June 2024) | £48.2 billion | [2] |
| Global frozen food market projection (2024) | $376.19 billion | [3] |
| Proportion of Marriott properties preferring casual spaces | 45 % | [5] |
The global frozen food market is projected to reach $376.19 billion by 2024, driven by increased adoption of frozen convenience meals and online shopping [3].
A survey of 284 Marriott properties found that 45 % of respondents reported a growing preference for casual spaces such as bars and lounges, indicating a shift toward more intimate dining environments [5].
Across major U.S. cities, matcha mentions in Google Maps reviews have risen 82 % in Chicago, over 50 % in Seattle, and similar increases in San Francisco, New York, and Atlanta, reflecting a broader trend in plant‑based beverages [7].