7 Tips to Grow Sales of Better-For-You Options
Here are quick ideas to help retailers reach customers who want to make a healthier choice at their favorite convenience store.
Better-for-you products have come a long way in the convenience channel. From global suppliers to local producers, there are ample opportunities for retailers to source products that engage customers who are looking for a healthier option. Here are some tips:
1. Where Can You Add More Choice?
Better-for-you foods are not just fresh fruits and veggies. Center store categories like salty and alternative snacks also deliver better-for-you options. In the cold vault, new and emerging packaged beverages products have functional benefits that tout ingredients to help improve focus, hydration, gut health and muscle recovery.
2. Stay On Top of Trends
From Keto to gluten-free, health trends are great occasions for building grab-and-go product sets that deliver a quick fill-in snacking option or meal replacement for time-starved, health-conscious customers. The rise of GLP-1 use has also driven demand for protein-rich products.
3. Start the Day Off Right
Breakfast is a popular daypart for better-for-you fare, especially among consumers who are health-focused for their first meal of the day. Products packed with protein, nutrition bars and foodservice options like eggs and lower sodium meats are options for morning pick-me-ups.
4. No Fries With That Shake?
Consumers love to customize their food choices. Fresh prepared salads that are customizable with toppings, dressings, protein, etc., are a good option, as well as letting customers know if a lower-calorie substitution is available (eg., a “bunless” burger, an apple or side salad as a side option).
5. Cross-Merchandise Healthier Choices
Better-for-you product displays adjacent to pick-up counters or near the register make it easier for customers to pick up fresh snacks or low-calorie/lower-sugar beverage options with their prepared food orders.
6. Quench Their Thirst
Innovation within packaged water has exploded with functional, premium and enhanced waters.
7. Work With Your Distributors
Don’t hesitate to let your distributors know what your customers are asking for, what the new trends are, and how they can bring more better-for-you options to your category sets.
