From onion rings ruling BC to fries dominating the nation, our delivery habits tell a surprisingly revealing story. As the internet leans hard into the viral 2016 Throwback trend, Skip is hitting rewind on something even more nostalgic—what Canadians were actually eating. In this Q&A, Alex Tripp, Manager, External Communications at Skip, breaks down how our orders have evolved over the last decade, what’s stayed comfortingly the same, and how delivery quietly went from solo fries nights to four-figure group feasts. —Noa Nichol
1. Everyone’s reminiscing about 2016 fashion and selfies—but when you look at Skip’s data, what do Canadians’ food orders from that year say about who we were back then?
While the 2016 throwback social media trend certainly celebrates the bold fashion and filtered social media pictures of the time, Skip’s data shows Canadians were craving comfort and simplicity when it came to food and consumption. Fries became the most-ordered item nationwide, orders skewed toward solo diners and small groups, and carts were filled with familiar classics rather than experimental eats. In 2016, Canadians balanced out loud viral moments with food that was simple, comforting, and reliable. But Skip isn’t just about dinner anymore – it’s about reclaiming time. In 10 years, we’ve expanded from food delivery to a full-scale ‘need it now’ network – spanning grocery, retail, pharmacy, and more, delivering convenience on demand.
2. Fries were the most-ordered item in 2016. Why do you think comfort foods consistently win during moments of nostalgia—and why do they still dominate today?
We can all agree that comfort foods are not only delicious, but are also nostalgic and remind us of memorable times. It’s not surprising that fries show up consistently in the data – they were and continue to be an all-time tried and true food favourite, no matter your mood.
Despite the continued craving for comfort foods though, we’ve also seen the evolution of this category in comparison to 2016. Since 2016, Skip has expanded its comfort food offerings to meet Canadians’ growing appetite for classic favourites. Today, Skip has more than 50,000 local restaurant, grocery, convenience and retail partners in more than 450 cities across the country, providing Canadians with endless options.
3. BC’s top-ordered item in 2016 was onion rings. What does that tell you about the province’s food personality compared to the rest of Canada?
BC’s preference for onion rings as its top ordered item in 2016 shows us that while our west coast friends like to do things a little differently, comfort food, whether fries or onion rings, were the top preferences.
We also know that British Columbia’s ordering habits have evolved over the past decade. In 2016, onion rings were the go-to favourite, but by 2025, sushi had claimed the top spot, according to our recent 2025 National Orders Report. This shift reflects not only the changing palates of BC residents but also the continued growth and variety of offerings available through Skip.
4. A decade ago, most Skip orders were for solo diners or small groups. How has the rise of group ordering—and $1,000+ carts—changed the way Canadians use delivery?
A decade ago, delivery was considered a nice-to-have. Today, convenience is the main course, as highlighted in Skip’s 2025 National Orders Report. We have not only expanded our reach across Canada and partnered with more restaurants and retailers, but have also become a trusted way for Canadians to Skip to the Good Part, giving them more time back in their day.
This same report shows that Canadians now turn to Skip for far more than just dinner. From everyday essentials and late-night cravings to large group orders that bring people together, Skip has become a part of daily life across a variety of categories, from restaurants to retail and everything in between.
The rise of group orders and $1,000+ carts demonstrates just how integral Skip has become for Canadians. Whether it’s fuelling a watch party for a big game, stocking up on groceries for the week, or celebrating with friends, Canadians rely on Skip to deliver what they need, exactly when they need it, making life easier and more convenient than ever
5. Skip’s largest order in 2016 was just over $500, and now it’s more than doubled. What does that growth reveal about how delivery fits into celebrations and big moments today?
The jump in order size tells a bigger story – delivery isn’t just for meals anymore, it’s become part of how Canadians celebrate, stock up, and manage daily life. What started as food delivery has grown into a truly on-demand convenience network that Canadians trust for everyday essentials and special moments. Skip’s 2025 National Orders Report shows major growth in retail orders, which were up over 1,700% year-over-year, with Canadians using Skip to get everything from pantry restocks and pet supplies to trending snacks and gifts. With an expanding network that now includes national retailers like Shoppers Drug Mart, Dollarama, Walmart Canada, and PetSmart, Skip helps Canadians Skip to the good part – whether that’s grabbing last-minute party supplies, picking up beauty and wellness essentials, or sending flowers to a loved one for a celebration!
6. Back in 2016, BC orders leaned heavily toward snackable sides and bottled drinks. Do you see that “side-heavy” behaviour still shaping how people order now?
Absolutely – the “side-heavy” mindset never really left. What started back in 2016 as tossing a few snackable extras into the cart has grown into full-on mix-and-match ordering. Today, sides and drinks aren’t just add-ons, they’re how people customize, upgrade, and sometimes build the whole meal.
Want a little of everything? Sides make that possible. In BC especially, it’s clear people love orders that feel snackable, shareable, and totally their own. In 2025, British Columbians leaned into this with garlic naan, edamame, and fries as some top ordered sides in the province.
7. We didn’t see a lot of trend-driven or premium dishes topping the charts in 2016. When did Canadians start embracing experimentation and upgrades in their delivery habits?
Skip has evolved a lot since 2016, and that’s especially clear when we throw it back to 10 years ago and sift through the data. Part of the uptick of trend-driven or premium dishes can be attributed to:
- Skip’s restaurant expansion which naturally, increased the diversity of options available to Canadians
- Social media has played a key role in exposure to food trends (we’re seeing more and more content of influencers “trying” new foods, encouraging their audiences to do the same)
- In 2016, delivery was reserved for comfort foods but today, it’s part of everyday life, encouraging Canadians to get a little more creative and experimental
- Today we’re seeing upgrades, add-ons and trendy dishes rise in popularity
8. With today’s endless food content on social media, how do you balance trend-led ordering with Canadians’ enduring love for reliable classics?
As Canada’s homegrown delivery network, Skip’s mission is to make sure there’s truly something for everyone. With access to more than 50,000 restaurant and retail partners nationwide, Canadians can easily choose between trusted favourites and more adventurous, trendy dishes, depending on the moment and their cravings.
Our 2025 National Orders Report highlights this variety – we saw viral, social-first foods like Dubai Chocolate surge in popularity, with orders up 2,300% year-over-year, reflecting Canadians’ curiosity and appetite for discovery through food content online. At the same time, comfort classics like fries and butter chicken remained among the top ordered items, showcasing that while trends may capture attention, familiar favourites continue to drive everyday ordering habits.
Ultimately, Canadians aren’t choosing between trends and classics – they’re embracing both, and Skip’s expanded delivery network makes sure the full spectrum is always within reach.
9. If you had to create a “2016 Throwback Meal” based on Skip data, what would be in the cart—and how would the 2026 version of that same order look different?
A 2016 Throwback Meal is all about keeping it classic. For me it’s a delicious burger or sushi – paired with fries (or onion rings, if you’re feeling bold, I’m looking at you BC!) and a drink. Just the classics, doing what they do best.
Fast-forward to 2026, and that cart looks very different. The classics are still there, but now they’ve got company. Multiple mains, upgraded sides, extra add-ons, and some fun trendy dishes (did someone say Dubai Chocolate?) – it’s bigger, bolder, and built for sharing.
10. Looking ahead, what food habits do you think Canadians will feel nostalgic about ten years from now—and which comfort foods do you think will never leave the Skip leaderboard?
When it comes to comfort foods, those will remain untouchable. Comfort foods like fries, burgers, onion rings, and other familiar favourites aren’t going anywhere. Trends will come and go, but Canadians will always come back to food that’s easy and satisfying.
Looking at the top dish of 2025, butter chicken reigned supreme for the third year in a row. Based on this data, it’s likely this go-to dish is not going anywhere
Based on the evolution of delivery over the past 10 years, we can expect Skip to continue to weave into everyday life, from on-demand retail to hyper-local trends and event-based ordering. Delivery will continue to evolve as an essential part of daily life, and Skip will answer that demand in real-time, helping Canadians Skip to the good part of their day.
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