Convenience store food popularity spurs packaging adaptations

Packaging Dive reported the development on 2025-11-19. As some consumers frequent this channel over fast-food restaurants and replace meals with snacks, TC Transcontinental sees how food packaging can help build trust, emphasize freshness and offer new on-the-go formats.

The report places the news in a wider commercial context. Convenience stores are increasingly popular food service vendors — sometimes beating out fast-food restaurants among hungry consumers. Packaging companies have an opportunity to design convenient and appealing pack formats to keep up with that demand, speakers discussed on a LinkedIn livestream event hosted by flexible packaging company TC Transcontinental Packaging on Tuesday. C-store food service.

For the food sector, the practical implications extend beyond the immediate announcement. “About a third of Gen Z snack every day and regularly replace their meals with snacks in general,” Singh said. “What's driving these behaviors is a really strong focus on convenience, on affordability and flexibility. And of course, these are areas where convenience stores excel.”.

Attention now turns to how companies, customers and regulators respond. Catalysts for continued c-store food growth have also included apps for digital ordering and loyalty programs. Consumers are demanding more fresh options, which represents both a challenge and an opportunity for c-stores and their packaging partners. “Even though 70% of consumers say that they expect convenience stores to have fresher options and health-forward options, only about 25%.