Category Trends

  • A worker offers a sample of Tater Kegs potato snacks to a show attendee
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    Jeff Wells/C-Store Dive
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    From ‘newstalgia’ to the protein takeover: What we saw in 4 key categories at The NACS Show

    After spending several hours walking the expo hall, these 10 trends grabbed our attention in foodservice, beverages, snacks and candy.

    By • Oct. 12, 2026
  • Two people stand on a stage talking to a group of people. Text displayed behind them says "ROI REturn OPn Insight."
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    Jessica Loder/C-Store Dive
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    Column

    3 Big Numbers: How Spinx quietly moved into THC beverages

    The retailer didn’t market the addition of adult beverages to its stores last year, but the products have been profitable even as legislation threatens their legality.  

    By • Oct. 9, 2026
  • NACS
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    Brett Dworski/C-Store Dive
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    5 highlights from Day 2 of the 2026 NACS Show

    The second day featured more educational sessions, introduced a new NACS chairman and opened the massive show floor.

    By , • Oct. 8, 2026
  • A photo of several people sitting on a stage addressing a group of people.
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    Brett Dworski/C-Store Dive
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    6 highlights from Day 1 of the 2026 NACS Show

    Leaders shared strategies for driving growth, building strong travel centers and what this year has brought the convenience retail industry.

    By , • Oct. 7, 2026
  • Buc-ee's
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    Brett Dworski/C-Store Dive
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    Buc-ee’s eyeing Oklahoma expansion

    CSMS Management, an entity associated with the Texas-based retailer, is seeking a project agreement with state and Oklahoma City officials for road improvements at a proposed site.

    By • Sept. 29, 2026
  • A cup full of a frozen beverage with gummies and other snacks around it against a gray background.
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    Permission granted by 7-Eleven
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    Sour power: How c-stores can capitalize on the in-demand flavor profile

    Wawa and 7-Eleven are among the companies profiting from the trend, which is still in a growth and evolution phase.

    By Christine Blank • Sept. 22, 2026
  • Boxes of Coca-Cola in a grocery store.
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    Christopher Doering/C-Store Dive
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    Coca-Cola to spend $10B on US manufacturing by 2030

    The soda giant and its bottlers are planning to expand production and distribution in part of its largest market.

    By Laurel Deppen • Sept. 22, 2026
  • Mother holding product and girl pointing at product.
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    Dimple Bhati via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by Bel Group

    Why the future of c-stores includes more families

    Portable, parent-approved snacks can boost c-store trips and baskets.

    Sept. 21, 2026
  • A close up of a gas pump that shows unleaded, plus and premium fuel with prices over $4 and $5 a gallon.
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    Getty Images
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    Column

    3 Big Numbers: The rise of stacking fuel rewards

    As gas prices remain elevated, more customers are combining multiple fuel-saving benefits, though guests using just one program may save more.

    By • Sept. 18, 2026
  • Two bottles of Dirty Mountain Dew are pictured in front of a creamy background.
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    Courtesy of PepsiCo
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    Inside PepsiCo’s dirty soda playbook

    The beverage giant is putting a ready-to-drink twist on the buzzy drink trend, which an executive said has yet to reach its peak.

    By Laurel Deppen • Sept. 17, 2026
  • shopper grabbing a drink from a grocery store cooler
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    VIVAZEN® via OpenAI

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    Sponsored by VIVAZEN®

    C-store maxxing: How convenience stores became the ultimate one-stop shop

    As wellness becomes part of daily routines, c-stores are rising to the occasion.

    Sept. 14, 2026
  • lil' drug
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    Retrieved from Lil' Drug Store Products.
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    Lil’ Drug Store Products acquires Navajo’s health, beauty and wellness portfolio

    The c-store general merchandise supplier is expanding into grocery and drug stores while broadening its health and beauty assortment.

    By • Sept. 11, 2026
  • A photo of the interior of a large store. There is a crowd of people shopping. A sign hanging from the ceiling on the left side of the photo says "Sweets. Fudge. Nuts. Desserts."
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    Jessica Loder/C-Store Dive
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    Column

    3 Big Numbers: C-store retailers are feeling optimistic

    While macroeconomic disruptions have made shoppers more cautious, retailers are largely positive about the future, according to a survey from retail technology company Toast.

    By • Sept. 11, 2026
  • on-tap beverages, Wally's
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    Permission granted by Quality Draft Solutions
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    Wally’s, Jump Start add on-tap beverages

    The retailers are tapping into demand for greater beverage variety and customization, with eight-faucet systems tailored to each store’s menu.

    By • Sept. 9, 2026
  • Circle K
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    Getty Images
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    Couche-Tard’s merchandise growth keeps on rolling into fiscal 2027

    Circle K’s parent company saw U.S. same-store merchandise revenue increase by 1.7% during Q1, driven by momentum in food, energy drinks and other nicotine products.

    By • Sept. 3, 2026
  • An image of a Juul2 vaping device.
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    Permission granted by Juul Labs
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    Juul granted marketing approval for second device

    In addition to the Juul2, the FDA also gave the green light to menthol and tobacco-flavored pods for use with the product. 

    By • Aug. 31, 2026
  • A closeup of five people's arms holding beer glasses.
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    Stock via Getty Images
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    US alcohol consumption remains at all time low

    A new report from Gallup showed drinking rates are stabilizing after a multiyear decline, but still remain at the lowest level since 1939.

    By Laurel Deppen • Aug. 28, 2026
  • Love's
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    Permission granted by Love's
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    Love’s to roll out premium private label baked goods line

    The assortment, which will debut nationwide on Aug. 30, will feature muffins, cakes and danishes.

    By • Aug. 24, 2026
  • A sign alerting customers about SNAP food stamps benefits is displayed in Spanish
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    Scott Heins via Getty Images
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    Where SNAP participation has fallen the most

    All but one state saw a year-over-year drop in the number of people enrolled in the food assistance program in April.

    By Catherine Douglas Moran • Aug. 21, 2026
  • gopuff
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    Retrieved from Gopuff.
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    Gopuff expands private label, debuts first-ever seasonal product lineup

    The additions mainly include baked goods such as cakes, cookies, danishes, edible and bakeable cookie dough, toaster pastries and fudge.

    By • Aug. 21, 2026
  • Murphy USA
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    Retrieved from Murphy USA.
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    4 c-store execs weigh in on cautious consumers

    Leaders from Arko, CrossAmerica Partners, Global Partners and Murphy USA shared the impact tentative spending and high gas prices had in Q2.

    By • Aug. 17, 2026
  • A photo of two yellow bags of snacks against a yellow and orange swirled background. The bags say Hippeas protein crunch, 8 grams protein, crunchy baked pea protein snack. One says Cheddar Vibrations and the other says Pizza Party.
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    Permission granted by Hippeas
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    5 new snacks capitalizing on hot c-stores trends

    Unique offerings from both newer and popular snackmakers are rising up to meet changing customer tastes.

    By Christine Blank • Aug. 12, 2026
  • A sign hangs on the side of a buildings. The sign includes a square, multicolored logo and the word Altria.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    FDA grants marketing approval to 4 On! nicotine pouches

    The agency greenlit the products as part of a pilot program aimed at shortening approval times. 

    By • Aug. 5, 2026
  • tyson foods truck
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    "Tysons Food Donation 2012" by Central Texas Food Bank is licensed under CC BY-ND 1.0
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    Tyson suggests high beef prices face long recovery

    The meat giant said the Trump administration's efforts to boost supply are unlikely to make a significant impact in the near-term.

    By Sarah Zimmerman • Aug. 5, 2026
  • A photo of the exterior of a building, with a sign on the wall. The sign says "Altria." A person walks by the sign.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Altria Group expands On! Plus distribution

    The nicotine pouch brand, which received marketing approval from the FDA for multiple varieties in late 2025, expanded to 120,000 stores nationwide.

    By • Aug. 4, 2026