The second day of the NACS Show kicked off at 8:00 a.m. with Education Sessions that covered everything from LTOs to global innovations to demographic trends. Later that morning, the NACS Show Expo opened, with two halls featuring 1,200 exhibitors. The Expo was electric as attendees discovered new products and innovations from exhibitors across all categories.
NACS Media was also on the floor. Here are observations from the second day of the NACS Show.
THC-infused beverages are here. Sort of. In the Education Session “Cracking Open the Potential of THC Beverages,” Rebekah Stevenson of Circle K, which recently began selling the products in its Georgia and Florida locations, and Diana Eberlein of the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives, shared insights for retailers interested in this burgeoning category.
The state of Minnesota serves as a test case for THC-infused beverages, which have been allowed in stores since 2022. They’ve become so mainstream in the Gopher State that big box retailer Target now carries them.
If c-stores are allowed to sell the products, they will succeed. The key word: If.
That means THC-infused beverages are currently, in most states, more about advocacy than merchandising. A mission for retailers is to connect with advocacy groups and become champions for the products, Eberlein said, noting that advocacy is much more effective with retailers at the table.
Another clear takeaway: Education is everything. That means retailers and suppliers working together to educate frontline workers, managers and—most of all—customers. If a retailer starts selling THC-infused beverages, education is a key part of the mission. THC-infused beverages are “not for the faint of heart,” Stevenson said. But the promise makes them worth the investment. —Ben Nussbaum, Editor in Chief
A cinnamon craze? A trip through the Cool New Products Preview Room revealed one repeating flavor over and over again: cinnamon. From numerous churro-flavored products—including chips, sunflower seeds, classic desserts and more—to Twix Snickerdoodle, Butterfinger French Toast and cinnamon sugar smoked barbecue snacks, the flavor was everywhere.
Another emerging trend appears to be layered and complex flavors reminiscent of dishes rather than ingredients—think taco-, chili- or burger-flavored chips, ramen snack mix and blueberry-donut-flavored pretzels. —Lauren Shanesy, Editor and Writer
Spicy and sweet continue to bring heat. “The number one thing consumers are telling us they want is more spice, as well as nostalgic flavors,” said Sandie Deas, vice president, foodservice sales and marketing at Ruiz Foods. Elsewhere on the Expo floor, major suppliers showcased chips, pretzels and other snacks that upped the spice factor.
Catering to Gen Z’s sweet treat craze is also big on brands’ minds. “Snacks used to be something we thought of as filling the gaps for us. But the reality is that from 2020 and through today, snacks are everywhere. They are the meal; the meal is the snack,” said Anna Kjerrumgaard, director of category management–center store at RaceTrac, during the NACS Show Education Session “The Snack Breakdown.” —Noelle Riddle, Editor and Writer
All in on functional. Manufacturers are leaning into the better-for-you trend with functional ingredients—protein drinks are evolving, with a rise in clear protein (a type of protein that is specially filtered to create a clear, juice-like drink). Caffeine is also taking over the Expo floor, with multiple ways for people to consume it: energy gum, energy protein bars, energy pouches and more. —Leah Ash, Editor and Writer
Double take. Another trend standing out on the NACS Show floor: products that look like something they’re not. Most significant are the energy pouches, including those from Smky Mtn, Grinds and Wips, plus more throughout the Expo. Most come packaged in the familiar hockey-puck container usually connected with nicotine pouches or moist smokeless, but the strongest ingredient in these flavorful mesh pouches is actually caffeine.
On the other side of the energy coin are non-caffeinated beverages that appear on first glance to be energy drinks. The newest line from Bucked Up, for example, is packed with protein, not guarana. Meanwhile, the new and colorful 16-ounce Splash drinks from Primo Brands are simple sparkling water. —Steve Holtz, Contributing Writer