Top 9 C-Store Snacks Subcategories Ranked By Sales

CHICAGO -- Salty-snack sales were up in convenience stores by 4.3% in 2016, to the tune of $7,084 on average per store per month, making it the fifth-best-selling category in convenience behind cigarettes, packaged beverage, beer and other tobacco products. Though potato chips still sit at the top of the highest-grossing packaged salty snacks, expect non-potato chips to gain traction in 2017 with the influx of customers looking for better-for-you and natural snacking options.

Here's a look at how the other subcategories under salty snacks ranked in c-stores in 2016 ...

(Data Source: CSX/Nielsen)

Monthly sales: $1,773

Monthly gross-profit dollars: $633

Gross profit margin: 34.5%

One new product under the potato-chip subcategory is from Boulder Canyon. Rice Bran Oil Kettle Cooked Potato Chips are available in Teriyaki Ginger, Roasted Jalapeno and Himalayan Pink Salt flavors. The varieties are available for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3.49. The potato chips are cooked in 100% pure rice bran oil, which is regarded for its balance of heart-friendly polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats, according to the company.

Monthly sales: $1,237

Monthly gross-profit dollars: $386

Gross profit margin: 30.3%

A new offering in the corn-tortilla-chip subcategory is Pringles Loud, a bold new lineup from The Kellogg Co. The snacks are layered with flavor and available in five varieties: Fiery Chili Lime, corn crisps with a spicy tomato flavor; Mighty Margherita Pizza, a grain and veggie crisp with tomato, basil and mozzarella flavors; Salsa Fiesta, corn-based with a salsa twist; Spicy Queso, corn-based with cheese and pepper flavors; and Super Cheesy Italian, grain- and veggie-based with notes of parmesan and herbs.

Monthly sales: $1,166

Monthly gross-profit dollars: $436

Gross profit margin: 37.4%

One example is BeanStalks, a gluten-free, non‐GMO snack featuring white cannellini, red pinto and green pea beans in Sea Salt, Cheddar and BBQ flavors. With 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and 40% to 50% less fat than traditional salty snacks, the variety is available for an SRP range of $2.99 to $3.49 per 3.5-ounce package. 

Monthly sales: $987

Monthly gross-profit dollars: $453

Gross profit margin: 45.9%

Kathie’s Kitchen is introducing SuperSeedz, a new line of organic, gourmet pumpkin seeds available in Pink Himalayan Salt, Garlicky Dill and Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt flavors. The varieties are Non-GMO Project verified, vegan and allergy friendly; they contain up to 8 grams of complete, plant-based protein. Available in 4-ounce standup pouches, SuperSeedz have an SRP range of $4.49 to $5.49.

Monthly sales: $645

Monthly gross-profit dollars: $224

Gross profit margin: 30.8%

Snikiddy is launching Organic Cheese Puffs in Grilled Cheese and Mac & Cheese flavors, as well as Purple Corn Puffs in Sea Salt and White Cheddar flavors. Both puffed varieties are made in peanut- and tree-nut-free facilities. In addition to being USDA organic, Snikiddy’s Organic Cheese Puffs are vegetarian, certified gluten-free and kosher. Purple Corn Puffs are also certified gluten-free and kosher. The SRP range for the varieties is $3.29 to $3.49.

Monthly sales: $379

Monthly gross-profit dollars: $171

Gross profit margin: 45.2%

A good example comes from Cheez-It. Cheez-It Sriracha Snack Mix is made with real cheese. The new product joins a lineup that includes Cheez-It Original, Cheez-it Duoz Cheddar Jack/Baby Swiss, Cheez-It Classic Snack Mix and Cheez-It Grooves Zesty Cheddar Ranch.

Monthly sales: $343

Monthly gross-profit dollars: $168

Gross profit margin: 49%

Boulder Canyon has three new gluten-free snack crisps made with an array of wholesome ingredients, including lentils, peas, carrots, quinoa, amaranth and other ancient grains. Varieties include Lentil Carrot Quinoa Crisps in Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper and Balsamic Herb flavors; Snap Pea Crisps in Sea Salt and Creamy Ranch; and Ancient Grains Crisps in Roasted Red Salsa and Pink Himalayan Salt & Cracked Pepper. Crisps are available in 5.5-ounce bags for an SRP of $3.49 per package.

Monthly sales: $287

Monthly gross-profit dollars: $91

Gross profit margin: 31.6%

Annie’s Popcorn is now available in Organic Butter & Sea Salt and Organic White Cheddar. Naturally gluten-free, both varieties contain less than 75 calories per cup and offer 8 grams of whole grains per serving. Annie’s Organic White Cheddar Popcorn is dusted with 100% real cheese and is available in jumbo 16-ounce bags and 20-pack, single-serve bags.

Monthly sales: $267

Monthly gross-profit dollars: $106

Gross profit margin: 39.7%

One example: Organic Original Pretzel Crisps are the latest better-for-you offering within the Snack Factory portfolio. The variety is Non-GMO Project verified and does not contain trans fats, saturated fat, cholesterol, preservatives and artificial flavors and colors. The introduction, which will be available for a limited time, is the first of several new better-for-you snacks the brand plans to introduce in 2017 and beyond.