Unlocking Afternoon Snack Opportunities

While convenience stores have long ca­tered to morning commuters, the potential of the afternoon and evening snack segment remains largely untapped. In fact, one-third of convenience store visits occur during the afternoon and evening, according to Technomic, indi­cating a significant oppor­tunity for stores to better serve these snack-hungry customers. By focusing on three key insights from Rise Baking Company Vice President of Foodservice Marla Cushing, convenience stores can capture the attention and appetites of consumers across all age groups throughout the day.

Craveability: The Key to Driving Traf­fic

Craveability is crucial for attracting customers during afternoon and evening snack times. Across all age groups, from Gen Z to baby boomers, taste consistently ranks as a higher priority than price. This means that when a consumer wants to indulge in a treat, which 69% do at least once a week, according to Technomic, they are more likely to seek out and pay for snacks that deliver on flavor. By focusing on the classics and, most importantly, do­ing them well, convenience stores can be­ come a destination for consumers looking to treat themselves with a chewy chocolate chip cookie or indulge in fudgy brownie bites.

Nostalgic Desserts Appeal

Across Generations, Nostalgic desserts hold a special place in consum­ers’ hearts (and stomachs). Listening to consumers and identifying the preferences of different generations can reveal gaps in menu offerings. From our snickerdoodle cookies to our peanut butter chocolate crispy bars, these timeless favorites resonate with all age groups. Including these items in the core menu not only satisfies the craving for something familiar but also taps into consumers’ emotional connection with their favorite childhood snacks.

Seasonal Flavors Create Excitement

In addition to classic flavors, seasonal offerings can generate excitement and drive traffic to the fresh bakery case. Certain flavors, such as strawberry, pumpkin, and citrus, have proven to be particularly ap­pealing to specific demographics. Straw­berry, for instance, continues to be a favor­ite, especially among female consumers and millennials. Incorporating our straw­berry snack pies, cake squares, or muffins into the menu can appeal to this audience. Similarly, pumpkin remains a fall favorite that consumers have yet to tire of. Our pumpkin cookies and loaf cakes are a must for any autumn menu. Looking ahead, cit­rus flavors like lemon are expected to expand beyond beverages into baked goods, with options like our lemon iced loaf cake or lemon blueberry muffins offering a refreshing twist.

By focusing on craveability, nostalgia, and seasonal trends, convenience stores can ef­fectively tap into the afternoon and evening snack market, helping to drive traffic and boost sales during these often-overlooked dayparts. At Rise Baking Company, we aim to be a total bakery partner, optimizing menu offerings for our partners and con­tinuing to delight customers time and time again.

The article was originally featured in the NACS Day 1 Edition of Convenience Store Industry News. To access the complete issue, click here.