Improving a on-demand food app: 12 Must-Have Capabilities for the Year Ahead

In the fast-evolving landscape of online food delivery, consumers require speed, accuracy, personalization, and an seamless ordering journey.

As international demand for food delivery services accelerates—projected to reach over $466 billion by 2027—startups must lead the pack by enhancing their food delivery apps with the right mix of features, user-centric design, and cutting-edge tech.

Whether you are developing a food delivery app like UberEats or launching your own white-label food delivery platform, understanding what fuels user engagement and scalability is essential.

1. Smooth Onboarding and Account Creation

Onboarding is make-or-break. A quick sign-up process sets the tone for a smooth user journey. Let users to get started using mobile OTP, and offer bonus customizations like favorite cuisines to personalize future suggestions.

2. Real-Time Order Tracking with GPS

Today’s users need transparency. By including map-based tracking, you enhance engagement. Allow users to watch:
- Driver’s location
- ETA
- Stage-by-stage tracking

3. Smart Search and Filter Options

An effective discovery system is necessary as your ecosystem scales. Use filters like:
- Cuisine
- Health filter
- Speed filter
- Budget

Pair it with AI recommendations for a custom MoonFoods by Oyelabs user experience.

4. Flexible In-App Payments

To speed up checkout, integrate:
- Cards
- Wallets
- Coupons

Ensure security with PCI-DSS. Contactless payment is a must.

5. Loyalty Programs & Referral Bonuses

User loyalty is more cost-effective than new acquisition. Add:
- Point-based rewards
- Membership clubs
- Refer-and-earn

This can increase customer trust.

6. Delivery Partner App + Route Optimization}

Drivers need a streamlined app to fulfill tasks:
- Turn-by-turn directions
- Wallet
- Customer chat

Shortest paths save fuel.

7. Admin and Restaurant Dashboards

Empower your partners and team with:
- Inventory tools
- Reports
- Support

Restaurants should easily track orders.

8. Multi-Platform Support

Your app should perform seamlessly on:
- Apple devices
- Android
- Browser platforms

Use Flutter for cost savings.

9. Push Notifications & Engagement Triggers

Keep users engaged with:
- Order customer feedback and reviews status
- Coupons
- Retention campaigns

Apps with strong notification strategies enjoy better click-through.

10. AI-Powered Personalization

Use AI to:
- Suggest meals
- Study behavior
- Create optimize food app performance upsells

This can increase average basket size.

11. Reviews & Ratings

Let customers voice feedback with:
- Star ratings
- Quick comments
- Complaint escalation

Positive reviews build credibility.

12. Scalability & Cloud-Based Architecture

Use cloud services for:
- Data management
- App speed
- User traffic

This prepares your app for multi-city rollout.

Conclusion

The digital food economy is about more than just getting mealsit’s about creating satisfaction.

By including these strategic tools, your app can compete in the modern landscape.

Looking for a faster launch? **MoonFoods** provides a customizable solution to help you start strong.