DALLAS – 7-Eleven Inc. continues to answer consumers’ 24-hour need for small-portioned foods, snacks and mini-meals with an evolving menu of bits, bites and snacks – all at a sweet price. The newest hot snacks to join the mini-meal scene at 7-Eleven stores are Corn Dog Bites, Mozzarella Sticks with a side of Marinara Sauce and Chicken Chipotle Go-GoTaquitos.

Snacking isn't a special dining occasion anymore; it's the norm. Americans typically eat more than 1,000 so-called snacks each year, or between two and three each day, according to a study by The NPD Group. The reasons for choosing these mini-meals vary: lack of time, a small-meals diet regimen, sudden craving, afternoon pick-me-up or late-night treat among them 

“Millennials and the generation coming behind them are snackers, and I don't see them returning to the traditional three-meals-a-day standard,” said Kelly Buckley, 7-Eleven vice president of fresh food innovation, in a press release. “They were busy as youngsters, and life has gotten no less hectic for them as young adults. Kids, teens and 20-somethings are the biggest snackers. As even meals become more snack-like, 7-Eleven is adding smaller portions, mini-sizes and bites, and the public is eating them up, so to speak.”

Earlier this year, 7-Eleven added Breakfast Empanada Bites following the successful launch of its Mini Tacos last year. Both snack-sized options have gained a loyal following, as have 7-Eleven stores' chicken wings and tenders. 

For customers looking for a better-for-you snacking option, 7-Eleven sells fresh-cut and whole fruit and veggie trays with dip. NPD's SnackTrack, which regularly monitors snack food consumption, finds that fresh fruit remains near the top of favorite snack foods.