Unique flavor explosions and a nod to nostalgia are just a few of the trends driving growth in the world of snacks in convenience retail. That is according to Anna Kjerrumgaard, director of category management for center store at convenience-store and fuel retailer RaceTrac Inc., who presented Tuesday at the 2025 NACS Show at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
- RaceTrac is No. 17 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
When it comes to the latest snacking flavors Kjerrumgaard said intense flavors that are hot and spicy are not going anywhere. In her presentation, the Snack Breakdown, Kjerrumgaard said bold flavors remain a top seller from the c-store customer.
“This has been growing for years,” she said.
As for what flavors in 2025 have really stood out, Kjerrumgaard said unique flavors that include buffalo ranch and dill also top the list.
Another key trend Kjerrumgaard mentioned is that snacks nowadays are seen more as a culturally shared moment. Snacks that nod to nostalgia are what Generation Z are seeking, and that is why there are more retro campaigns from manufacturers, including Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign that focus on this generation, she said.
“Gen Z is hungry for the 1990s when times seemed simpler from their perspective,” Kjerrumgaard said.
She reminded the audience that Gen Z is expected to lead global spending growth, adding $9 trillion by 2034: “Gen Z will have the highest per capita spending power by 2030."
Kjerrumgaard said Gen Z is unique in how they approach their product selection. This generation cares about digital engagement, experiences and social and ethical responsibility, so it is important to create moments like these that bring them into convenience, she said.
Turning to innovation, Kjerrumgaard told the audience that “c-stores outperform other segments in the perception of assortment, innovation availability, signage and pleasant shopping experience.”
When it comes to snacking habits, Kjerrumgaard said there has been a transformation in recent years. What used to be regarded as fuel before lunch or dinner, snacking is now more than a simple habit: “Snacks used to bridge the gap between meals, as a treat, or a traditional side dish,” she said.
But that has all changed with snacks transforming into foods that meet more substantial needs, she said.
“Snacks are now being used as the meal."
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