C-Store Consumers Increasingly Seek Fresh Foods NACS Survey

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- More than one in three Americans (34%) say that they have purchased more snacks they regard as "healthy choices" over the past year, and they are increasingly turning to convenience stores for these purchases.

According to a survey by the National Association of Convenience Stores, more than six in 10 American consumers (61%) said that c-stores are offering healthier, nutritious products and serving sizes. This was the third-consecutive year that a majority of those surveyed by NACS said c-stores are providing more better-for-you items.

Sales reflect growing consumer choice for food items in convenience stores. Nearly six in 10 consumers (59%) and seven in 10 of those age 18-34 (70%) said that convenience stores offer food that they feel comfortable eating. Foodservice sales at c-stores increased 9.7% in 2014, according to NACS's data.

Overall, 44% of Americans said convenience stores offer nutritious items, which is a significant increase from the 30% who felt that way in 2013. In addition, 43% said c-stores are a place to get fresh food items. C-stores sales of fresh fruits and vegetables (whole and fresh-cut) increased 10.3% to $362 million in 2014, according to Nielsen data.

"Convenience stores are increasingly becoming food markets for time-starved consumers seeking snacks, meals and grocery items that are both fast and healthy," said NACS chairman Steve Loehr, vice-president of operations at LaCrosse, WI-based convenience store chain Kwik Trip.

The NACS survey of 1,103 consumers surveyed in early April was conducted by the New York City-based researcher Penn, Schoen and Berland Associates LLC.