U.S. Convenience Store Sales Drop 4.3% Amid Snack Skipping

U.S. convenience store sales volume has declined by 4.3% over the past year, largely due to rising prices and changing consumer behavior. Popular snacks like Doritos, Twinkies, and Heath Bars are seeing significant drops in sales, with rice cakes and refrigerated products experiencing the steepest declines. Many shoppers are now opting to purchase only necessities, while a growing focus on healthier eating is steering them away from indulgent snacks. This shift is evident at gas stations, where drivers are often forgoing entering stores altogether after refueling. Industry experts point to consumer sentiment fears, particularly related to rising prices linked to trade policies, as a contributing factor to this trend. In response, companies like PepsiCo and J.M. Smucker are innovating by introducing new products to attract cost-conscious shoppers.