C-stores can boost sales by offering some of the most in-demand snack items, including healthy and protein-dense options.
Customers love snacking and a new report by global research consultancy TNS showed the top 20 snack categories showing the most growth potential among U.S. consumers.
The rankings were identified using Growth Point, TNS’s new proprietary, first-of-its kind directional tool that captures unmet needs of consumers and category momentum in the U.S.
Growth Point generates its rankings from the TNS Consumption Universe, which consists of more than 19,000 consumer interviews and covers 250 food and beverage products.
“Our Growth Point rankings highlight a real opportunity for retailers and manufacturers,” said John Essegian, Executive Vice President, TNS. “Being able to identify where consumer needs and the markets are heading before spending any research dollars not only increases efficiencies and success, but can also greatly accelerate the innovation process.”
The top 20 snack categories that show the most growth potential among consumers are:
| Ranking | Category | Ranking | Category | |||||||||
| 1 | Nuts | 11 | Protein-based sandwiches (chicken/tuna) | |||||||||
| 2 | Greek yogurt | 12 | Peanut butter | |||||||||
| 3 | Regular yogurt | 13 | Gluten-free bread | |||||||||
| 4 | Health-oriented cereal | 14 | Guacamole dip | |||||||||
| 5 | Natural | organic crackers | 15 | Squeezable yogurt | |||||||||
| 6 | Soft tortillas | wraps | pitas | 16 | Salsa | |||||||||
| 7 | Dessert-type yogurt | 17 | Hot specialty coffee drinks | |||||||||
| 8 | Block | wedge of cheese | 18 | Iced or frozen coffee | |||||||||
| 9 | Cottage cheese | 19 | Fruit smoothies | |||||||||
| 10 | String cheese | cheese sticks | 20 | Tuna from can | pouch |
“Our rankings indicate that there are growth opportunities for healthy type snacks like nuts, yogurts and natural ingredient based snacks. This doesn’t mean there isn’t room to enjoy more indulgent type items like smoothies and specialty coffee drinks. When we look at protein based snacks—yogurts, cheeses, and peanut butter—their place in our rankings indicate the emerging importance of protein-dense foods in consumer’s diets,” said Essegian. “While our rankings do show a health-oriented skew, it is interesting to note some extremely healthy items like fresh fruits and vegetables, and health bars didn’t make the top 20 ranking. While convenient for any occasion, these categories don’t capture that unique balance of consumer momentum and unmet need. That’s the beauty of Growth Point; it provides clear direction for growth, taking the guesswork out of where you should focus your innovation efforts.”
