General Mills reveals 7 c-store snack trends for 2016

The Consumer Insights team from General Mills Convenience & Foodservice has released the results of their latest study on major opportunities snacking can bring to convenience stores. They have uncovered top snacking trends in 2016 and beyond based on the latest snacking data and convenience consumer behaviour.

As reported on nacsonline.com, one snacking trend is categorized as ‘Modern Mashup’, which means mixing up familiar flavours and multicultural influences. Consumers especially millennials are open to multicultural offerings, like samosas, egg rolls, and quesadillas and exciting flavours such as spices, wasabi, or Sriracha.

‘Back-to-basics’ trend, meanwhile, has been seen from shoppers who are turning to protein-rich food and those with healthy fats such as nuts, avocados, and coconuts.

‘Make it Mine’ trend refers to food offerings that are ‘just made for me’. Convenience stores can take advantage of this opportunity by offering condiments, topping bars, specialty hot beverages, and ways that allow shoppers to personalize their snacks.

Consumers are also turning to ‘Fresh=Real Food’ such as less processed food, cheese, eggs, and fruits. C-stores can expand refrigerated/fresh options and locate them near the store entrance.

‘Transparency’ is also becoming more important for shoppers and they prefer to know the ingredients of the food they eat. C-stores can offer products with simple ingredients as well as clear packaging.

Small-and-individual portion snacks are also trendy especially for the health-conscious allowing them to indulge without the guilt. The ‘Shrinkage’ trend can be an opportunity for retailers if they offer mini treats that are portable and easy to share.

‘Meal Time Blur’, lastly, refers to consumers who are more into casual meals or those who replace meals with snack foods due to their busy and on-the-go lifestyles. For this type of consumers, snacks can be meals and meals can be snacks. C-store operators can also be flexible by offering food that can be both a meal and at the same time a snack solution.