US Convenience Store Foodservice Market Report 2025
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US Convenience Store Foodservice Market Analysis
The U.S. convenience store foodservice market has grown significantly in 2024, increasing by more than 11% from the previous year. Historically, the convenience food market has expanded steadily from 2019 to 2023, driven by consumer demand for quick, high-quality meals. It’s projected to continue growing, with a substantial increase forecasted in the foreseeable future.
This growth is fueled by a preference for fresher, diverse food options and the rise of digital solutions like mobile ordering. Despite a slight decline in visitation frequency due to economic pressures, convenience stores are positioned as value-driven alternatives to quick-service restaurants (QSRs), with innovation and digital integration being key to future growth in convenience food market size.
US Convenience Store Foodservice Market Consumer Trends
Consumer trends in the US convenience store food market are largely shaped by a preference for fresh, healthy options, with more than half of consumers expecting freshness in their food. Snacking has become increasingly popular throughout the day, prompting stores to expand snack offerings. Younger consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, favor digital conveniences like mobile ordering and loyalty programs. Value-driven pricing is crucial, particularly in light of economic pressures, while customizable, quick meals and tech enhancements like app-based ordering are key to attracting and retaining customers.
Purchasing the full US convenience food market report provides valuable insights into consumer behavior, emerging trends in the convenience food market, and detailed market forecasts. This information helps you refine your strategy, enhance customer engagement, and stay competitive in the evolving convenience store foodservice market.
About The Report
This convenience store foodservice market report offers key insights into the US convenience food market, focusing on consumer preferences, emerging trends, and market forecasts. It covers areas such as foodservice consumption patterns, digital ordering trends, pricing, and market segmentation by age and generation. The research highlights how convenience stores can compete with QSRs and adapt to evolving consumer demands. Retailers and business owners in the convenience food market will find actionable insights to refine their strategies and maintain a competitive edge in the US convenience store foodservice market.
Key Topics Analyzed in the Report
- C-store visitation and shopping frequency
- Types of food service items purchased at c-stores
- Consumer interest in c-store concepts
- Consumer behaviors and perceptions towards c-store foodservice
- Consumer attitudes towards c-store foodservice
Meet the Expert Behind the Analysis
This report was written by Pooja Lal. Pooja is an Analyst for US Foodservice and Mintel Menu Insights. She has over 5 years of experience working in Sales and Consumer Insights with CPG companies on both the Retail and Foodservice segments of the business. Pooja earned her Bachelors of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia, Canada. She is based in New York.
Convenience stores are transforming into go-to destinations for foodservice needs, offering quick, quality meals that rival QSRs.
Pooja Lal
Research Analyst
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- What you need to know
- Market size & forecast
- Market predictions
- What consumers want & why
- Opportunities
- Keep sights on AFH snacking
- Graph 1: foodservice snacking purchase location, 2018 vs. 2023
- Cater to consumer needs in the era of weight loss drugs
- Brace for impact and embrace the EV evolution…
- …yet there are challenges to watch for
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MARKET DYNAMICS
- Market context
- Market drivers
- Economic pressures will continue to influence purchasing behaviors
- Graph 2: consumer price index change from previous period, 2023-24
- Food and drink is a key c-store visitation factor
- Graph 3: convenience store trip types, 2024
- Major c-store players are expanding their footprint
- …while boutique and local corner c-store shops face challenges
- With new infrastructure, convenience is being redefined
- Market size and forecast
- Convenience store foodservice sales continue to grow YOY
- Total US sales and forecast of convenience-store foodservice
- Total US sales and forecast of convenience store foodservice
- Market segmentation
- C-stores are targeting a bigger share of the FS market
- Convenience store sales and forecast of prepared food
- Graph 4: [no title]
- Convenience store sales, by segment
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CONSUMER INSIGHTS
- Consumer fast facts
- Convenience store visitation
- C-store visitation experiences a slow down in 2024
- Graph 5: convenience store visitation, 2023-24
- Older consumers are less likely to shop at c-stores
- Graph 6: convenience store visitation, by generation, 2024
- Give women more reason to visit c-stores
- Graph 7: convenience store visitation, by gender, 2024
- Convenience store shopping frequency
- Make c-store visits more impactful and build on routine visitation
- Graph 8: convenience store shopping frequency, 2023-24
- Millennials are the most engaged c-store shoppers
- Graph 9: convenience store shopping frequency, by generation, 2024
- C-stores offer the ease that parents need
- Graph 10: convenience store shopping frequency, by gender, 2024
- Convenience store foodservice consumption
- Leverage snacking to drive traffic outside traditional mealtimes
- Strike the balance between convenience, freshness, and quality
- Graph 11: convenience store foodservice consumption, 2024
- “Snackify” offerings to encourage consumption beyond breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Pave a path to further explorations
- Leverage accommodation in the c-store FS experience
- Baked goods and coffee are core, but opportunities exist to grow fresh offerings
- Graph 12: convenience store foodservice consumption, by frequency of convenience store foodservice consumption, 2024
- Tailor products and experiences to shifting generational needs
- Graph 13: convenience store foodservice consumption – NET – any item, by generation, 2024
- Fresh and prepared items are top of mind
- Graph 14: convenience store foodservice consumption, by generation, 2024
- Take cues from grab n’ go foodservice in the UK
- Convenience store concept interest
- Fresher food options are on the radar…
- Graph 15: convenience store concept interest, 2024
- …but younger consumers are focused on tech amenities
- Graph 16: convenience store concept interest, by generation, 2024
- Frequent shoppers want more food options and streamlined ways to buy them
- Graph 17: convenience store concept interest, by frequency of convenience store foodservice consumption, 2024
- Quality and practicality can go hand in hand
- Deliver on freshness for women and tech for men
- Graph 18: convenience store concept interest, by gender, 2024
- Convenience store behaviors/perceptions
- Make convenience stores a top destination for foodservice
- Strengthen weak points to build long-term loyalty with Gen Z
- Graph 19: convenience store behaviors/perceptions, by generation, 2024
- Hone in on value to stay competitive with LSRs
- Graph 20: convenience store behaviors/perceptions, by financial situation, 2024
- Provide meal and snacktime solutions for families
- Graph 21: convenience store behaviors/perceptions, by parental status, 2024
- Convenience store attitudes
- Quality coffee can serve as a foundation for new customer routines
- Graph 22: convenience store attitudes – satisfaction, 2024
- Make building frequency a priority
- Graph 23: convenience store attitudes – satisfaction – Net – Any agree, by frequent shoppers, 2024
- Balance exclusivity with practicality
- Graph 24: convenience store attitudes – menu, 2024
- Classic items that promise freshness will resonate
- Graph 25: convenience store attitudes – menu – Any agree, by household income, 2024
- Loyalty apps help deliver on the core promise: convenience
- Graph 26: convenience store attitudes – apps and value, 2024
- Balance trendy products with trusted classics to win across generations
- Graph 27: convenience store attitudes – apps and value – Any agree, by generation, 2024
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INNOVATION AND MARKETING STRATEGIES
- Launch activity and innovation
- Spotlight on Gas N Wash in Chicago
- C-stores are engaging customers through gamification
- Customization on the menu
- 7-Eleven tests Japanese inspired meals and snacks on the west coast
- Marketing and advertising
- QSRs inspire c-store meal deals
- Beverage deals as a gateway to increased dining
- C-store coffee gets a revamp
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APPENDIX
- Market definition
- Consumer research questions
- Consumer research methodology
- Generations
- Abbreviations and terms
- Forecast methodology
- Forecast fan chart methodology
- Market forecast table: total market (inflation-adjusted)
- Market forecast table: prepared food (inflation-adjusted)
- Market forecast table: hot dispensed beverages (inflation-adjusted)
- Market forecast table: frozen dispensed beverages (inflation-adjusted)
- Market forecast table: cold dispensed beverages (inflation-adjusted)
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