Thousands of new c-store products displayed at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show in Chicago in mid-October show better-for-you and fresh-prepared foods are two of the biggest winners in the industry.
Nearly two-thirds (61%) of c-store consumers shop for products with health benefits – at least some of the time – and they’re mainly looking for products with more protein and low fat, according to Acosta Group’s Convenience Store Shopper Insights report, released in August.
But it’s the basics – candy confection, salty snacks and sweet baked goods – that still drive sales, said Hobie Walker, SVP operations - small format division, Acosta Group.
Rising costs are another major consideration for food and beverage, according to the report.
“Consumers remain budget-conscious across all channels, consistently seeking the best pricing and value. In the convenience retail space, brands and retailers can drive incremental growth by aligning with what matters most to shoppers – speed, selection and value,” said Mark Rahiya, group president of omnichannel sales and services at Acosta Group.
Healthy snacks trending
More than one in five (21%) convenience shoppers always or often look for healthier snack options, while 40% sometimes make healthier purchases, the report noted.
The hottest c-store food and beverage products include: guilt-free grab-and-go products such as vitamin-infused waters; healthier snacks; protein drinks and shakes; healthier hot foods; and products low on sugar, preservatives and artificial sweeteners, according to the report.
“We know that a portion of c-store shoppers are looking for good-for-you products. Specifically, they’re looking for protein,” Walker said. “So we’re seeing a huge uptick on protein-based products, and also really immediate-consumption products.”
Half of c-store shoppers said they look for natural and organic options at least some of the time, while 48% said the same of clean label, 43% non-GMO, 28% gluten- or nut-free and 31% vegan or vegetarian.
“GenZ and Millennial shoppers, as well as students and consumers with children in the house, are the most likely to look for healthier options on each trip,” the report noted.
Grab-and-go growth
Acosta found that 51% of c-store shoppers buy hot food items at least once a week, up from 45% in 2023. More than half (4) of those shoppers
The study reflects that 51% of c-store shoppers are picking up hot food items once or more a week, up from 45% in 2023. And more than half (52%) of those shoppers consider hot food bought at their c-store is just as good or better than meals bought at fast-food or quick-service restaurants.
Walker said the lines are blurring between c-store, grocery and restaurants, and shoppers are increasingly migrating to smaller outlets for ease of shopping and convenience.
“Location is very important. So that’s why c-store retailers are looking for ways to improve their in-store offerings and appearance,” he said. “They want to attract the female consumer.
“C-store operators are getting very good at executing good-for-you, on-the-go and immediate-consumption products, and it’s a great alternative to going to a large-format outlet. So we saw this trend coming, honestly, about six years ago.”
The Acosta survey asked which hot-food products they would like to see in the future, and the responses included a wide range of cuisines and product formats, including:
- 47% Carne asada steak burrito with rice, beans, salsa, cheese and fixings
- 43% Low-carb wrap with roast chicken, cheese, sauce and no added sugar
- 41% Honey chipotle chicken skewers with jalapeño bacon cheesy hash browns
- 37% Mexican chilaquiles rojos with patatas bravas
- 36% Chicken skewer with Thai peanut sauce
- 33% Spicy bacon bourbon meatballs with white cheddar horseradish mashed potatoes
- 30% Lobster roll with truffle aioli and fresh greens in a soft roll
- 29% Adobo pork loin, eggs and breakfast hash
- 28% Jalapeno relleno breakfast wrap/burrito
- 25% Loaded sushi roll with tempura shrimp, spicy mayo and eel sauce
- 25% Korean bibimbap with soy braised potatoes
- 24% Argentinian chimichurri breakfast tacos
