• From a 400 percent spike in searches* for last-minute cards to supermarket dine-in feasts, new Uber Eats data shows romance waits for no one. 
  • The Uber Eats Gifting Hub is set to save date nights across the nation this Valentine’s Day, as searches last year surged by 700 percent for Teddy Bears and demand spiked across classic and last-minute gifts.
  • From dauphinoise potatoes to after-dark treats, Uber Eats is on hand to connect customers with retailers in their hour of need this Saturday.

Uber Eats pulls back the curtain on the nation’s chaotic romantic habits, revealing the trending search data that defines modern love in the UK; from high-speed deliveries of tequila rose, to luxury fragrances, Lego, and enough dauphinoise potatoes to feed a large village.

Searches for ‘Valentine’s Day’ in the gifting category surged by upwards of 800 percent this time last February*, but the real drama came with the last-minute gifting scramble. Searches for greeting cards increased by 400 percent as the nation decided a text message to their loved one just won’t cut it anymore. Customers also turned to Uber Eats to source gifts, both classic and eclectic, with Perfume (+58 percent), Candles (+335 percent), Love Hearts (+238 percent), Teddy Bears (+700 percent), and even Lego (+149 percent) spiking in demand for a DIY date night.

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Saturday this year, many Brits may have missed the restaurant reservation window. New Uber Eats search data shows lovebirds across the nation will instead be preparing to host at home:

  • The main event: Dauphinoise Potatoes are set to be the nation’s most-wanted side (+94 percent), paired with Ribeye Steak (+48 percent), Garlic Mushrooms (+50 percent) and Peppercorn Sauce (+50 percent).
  • A red thread: The colour of love is non-negotiable, with Red Roses (+642 percent), Red Velvet Cake (+36 percent), and Tequila Rose (+58 percent) predicted to be among the most-added items this weekend.
  • Hot dates and hot deals: Value can also be an aphrodisiac; searches for Dine in Deals for 2 skyrocketed 320 percent last year, proving that nothing says I love you like a savvy supermarket saving.
  • The floral shift: While Tulips (+155 percent) and Daffodils (+54 percent) are emerging as the underdog floral favourites, searches for ‘Vases’ also increased 388 percent as Brits received bouquets – then realised they had nowhere to put them.

Katie Hunter, General Manager for Grocery and Retail at Uber Eats UK, said “Valentine’s Day used to take some serious planning, but we’ve taken the pain out of last-minute panics to help connect consumers with retailers in their hour of need. We’re really seeing Brits embrace on-demand delivery on special occasions like this to free up their time, whether that’s to get glammed up or set the perfect scene for their date. Uber Eats’ dedicated Gifting Hub and extensive grocery selection means shoppers can get almost anything delivered to their door, from candles or fragrances to steak and red velvet cake.”

Because the big day falls on a weekend this year, the getting-ready rush is expected to start as early as Thursday. Based on last year’s trends, Uber Eats predicts a significant spike in people searching for Fake Tan (+35 percent), Eyelashes (+25 percent), and Shaving Gel (+29 percent) throughout the weekend. And for when the lights go down? Discreet doorstep deliveries of bedroom essentials are expected to peak late Saturday night, with a notable rise in people hunting for deliveries in the sexual wellbeing category last February (‘Whipped Cream’ also saw a 20 percent uplift in searches – though the use case is unconfirmed…).

Whether it’s a meticulously planned home-cooked meal, a Galentine’s night in, or a 9pm panic purchase, the data shows that when it comes to Valentine’s Day, convenience, not Cupid, is the ultimate love language.

*Searches made on Uber Eats UK 6th-16th of February 2025 compared to the previous period (January 26th -February 5th 2025)

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