Traditional sandwich condiments such as mustard and mayonnaise will always be consumer favorites, but increasingly, consumers are interested in trending sauces and flavors, too. Not only do sandwich sauces add unique flavors to meals, but they add interest to what’s already a convenient choice for on-the-go customers. Offering ready-made sandwiches at convenience stores that have unique or trending sauces can help retailers meet consumer demand for ready-to-eat, flavorful food options that are available any time of the day.
Consumers turn to c-stores for flavors
Many busy consumers don’t want to take the extra time to add condiments or sauces to their meals. For those customers, it is quicker and more convenient to purchase items that are already packed with flavor. Consumers are finding these types of flavors in foods at convenience stores.
According to Technomic’s recent Flavor Consumer Trend Report, 36% of consumers are either likely or extremely likely to try new flavors from convenience store prepared foods areas, and 39% of consumers are likely or extremely likely to purchase takeout/carryout meals to explore new flavors—which stands to reason they’d do the same with convenience food items.
Consumer flavor preferences
The most craveable flavors for consumers are sweet, savory and spicy. Technomic’s recent Flavor Consumer Trend Report found that 59% of consumers crave sweet flavors, 58% of consumers crave savory flavors and 55% crave spicy flavors.
When it comes to what sauces and condiments consumers prefer on sandwiches and wraps, Technomic’s Q4 2023 U.S. Menu Trends Sandwiches & Wraps Report found consumers’ top choices included Buffalo sauce, pesto, marinara and honey mustard.
Adding flavorful sandwiches to the foodservice lineup without maxing out labor
For retailers looking to expand their foodservice offerings without adding extra stress to staff, E.A. Sween has an upgraded on-the-go lineup of sandwiches. The brand’s line of new subs have their own unique sauces to satisfy consumer demand for distinct flavors on sandwiches.
In addition to signature sauces, Market Sandwiches from E.A. Sween offer premium ingredient subs with high quality meats, cheeses and bread that provide something new for consumers. Sandwiches come in a variety of flavors and are individually wrapped, keeping products fresh, tasty and convenient grab-and-go options ready for customers all day long.
Grab-and-go Market Sandwich offerings from E.A. Sween now include three new sub flavors that provide a quick meal or snack for busy consumers. New sub flavors include the Smoked Turkey & Provolone Sub—made with Dijon Mustard Sub Sauce; the Smoked Ham & Swiss Cheese Sub—made with honey mustard; and the Italian Style Sub—made with Italian-style sauce, spicy ham, Genoa salami, provolone and pepperoni.
E.A. Sween’s grab-and-go products can retain quality for up to 30 days with their extended shelf-life packaging. This helps keep food tasting fresh and allows convenience store shelves to be filled with sandwich options that are always available and ready-to-eat.
Elevate on-the-go meal options with E.A. Sween’s saucy lineup of premium ingredient sub sandwiches. For more information, visit www.easweenfoods.com/new
This post is sponsored by E.A. Sween