Hot Trends in Popcorn and Puffs Convenience Store Sales

Posted on 01, Apr, 2023

Popcorn and puffs have always been popular snacks, but in the past year, they have exploded as a versatile option. Popcorn can be salty, sweet, spicy, or bland. It can be flavored without major allergens and marketed as a healthier alternatives to other popular snacks.

According to Mondelez International, Inc.’s fourth annual State of Snacking report, 53% of consumers said they snack on crisps, popcorn and pretzels at least once weekly, a 5% increase from 2019’s survey results.

Source: Food Business News

This trend can be attributed to a few factors, including changing consumer tastes, increased product innovation, and the rise of health-conscious snacking.

Convenience stores can capitalize on these trends by offering a variety of options and promoting them to customers. Learn more about the latest hot trends in popcorn and puffs and how Lehi Valley puffs and popcorn can help to increase your sales.

Bold Flavors: Both Sweet and Savory

One of the hottest trends in popcorn and puffs right now is bold flavors. Consumers are looking for snacks that pack a punch and offer a unique flavor experience. Due to the wide range of flavor preferences, stores should include a couple options from each flavor profile to appeal to a larger audience.

If you're looking for savory flavors, then White Cheddar is a classic in both popcorn and puffs. For a remix on that classic, consider a spicier version like White Cheddar Jalapeno. (We've already established that hot and spicy is a major trend in the snacking industry.)

As for sweet flavors, there is a plethora of options from Caramel to Butter Toffee to Cinnamon!

Finally, don't forget options like a classic Buttered Popcorn or Lightly Salted Popcorn for those customers that prefer a subtler approach.

Healthier Options: Gluten Free and Free from Artificial Ingredients

In addition to bold flavors, another trend in popcorn and puffs is the increased emphasis on healthier snacking options. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for snacks that are gluten-free and free from artificial ingredients. Convenience stores can cater to this demand by offering a variety of healthier options and promoting them to customers who are looking for a healthier snack alternative.

For example, Lehi Valley's Simply Puffs line are:

• Sodium Wise
• Zero Trans Fat
• Low Cholesterol
• Gluten-Free
• Free from Preservatives
• Free from Artificial Flavors and Colors

And did you know that our Lean Pop - a simple and classic treat - is only 33 calories per cup? Convey health attributes like these to your customers to stir up product interest.

Seasonal Offerings: Offer flavors like pumpkin spice during the holidays

Seasonal offerings are a great way to capitalize on the popularity of certain flavors during specific times of the year. For example, during the fall and winter months, pumpkin spice and peppermint flavors are highly sought after. Convenience stores can offer these flavors in their popcorn and puffs products to attract customers who are looking for seasonal treats. By promoting these flavors through signage and social media, convenience stores can increase their sales and create a festive atmosphere in their stores.

Here are a couple ideas that would add extra cheer to the holidays:

Gourmet Mixes: Gift-able popcorn and nuts

For another POPular option (sorry if that joke was a little corny), consider adding a line of gourmet candied popcorn and nut mixes to your store. These unique mixes come in four delicious flavors that are a bit more indulgent than your standard fare of popcorn. They're paired with classy packaging and merchandising displays for a complete gourmet experience.

Convenience stores can capitalize by offering these gourmet mixes as ready-to-give gifts. By promoting these mixes during the holiday season or other gift-giving occasions, convenience stores can increase their sales and attract new customers.

For more ideas check out our fall seasonal treats and winter seasonal snacks.

Choosing the best products for your store

There is a wide variety of flavors of both popcorn and corn puffs, but how do you decide which is the best for your customers? Contact the Lehi Valley team today and ask about these next steps:

FREE Snack Set Consultation

We have over 35 years of experience in the snacking industry and we're happy to share valuable insights with your store! Our knowledgeable reps will help you develop a strategy that caters to your customers and maximizes your profit.

Complimentary Snack Samples

We pride ourselves in exceptional quality snacks - but don't just take our word for it. Once you've determined the ideal products for your store, we'll send you samples so that you can see and taste the quality for yourself. We want to make sure that you're 100% satisfied before committing to your investment.

Contact one of our friendly representatives to get started.

See the full selection of Corn Puffs and Popcorn