Prepared food trends are taking over convenience stores to meet consumer demand. Heard the saying, “time is money”? In 2025, that couldn’t be more true. As our lives grow busier, the value of time as a resource has skyrocketed. From rushing home after work to juggling errands, extracurriculars and family commitments, we’re all looking for ways to fit more into each day. And while eating is essential, meal preparation often becomes a task we’re willing to trade for convenience.
Enter the modern convenience store—a transformed space that’s no longer just a stop for gas and snacks. It’s now a destination for freshly prepared foods designed to meet the demands of time-strapped consumers. As KPS Global CEO Mike Eakins explains:
“Going back to the not-so-distant past, your typical convenience store was a place where you bought gas. You would walk in and grab a granola bar and some soda. That’s evolved incredibly over the past few years. Our largest and most successful customers now have a large offering of prepared food. There’s more than just hot dogs and hamburgers. They have prepared food where people can stop in and get everything from pizzas to sandwiches to milkshakes, you name it. That trend is not going to change and is going to continue to grow in my opinion. Everyone is looking for ways to save time and the prepared food trend provides an ideal solution to this problem.”
The Results: Convenience Meets Freshness
Recent data underscores this shift in consumer behavior. According to NACS, a study by the Acosta Group revealed that 27% of convenience store shoppers are purchasing freshly prepared items more often than they did last year. But it’s not just about meals; consumers are seeking smaller, lightly prepared snacks, adding to the growing demand for variety in fresh options.
This demand isn’t limited to convenience alone. Healthier, fresher choices are becoming a key focus, prompting convenience stores to evolve their offerings. Expect to see an increase in fresh grab-and-go options, from salads to organic bowls, as stores respond to these changing preferences. But meeting these needs doesn’t come without challenges—notably, the importance of minimizing food waste and spoilage while ensuring quality.
Solving the Prepared Food Trend With Sustainable Solutions
To offer fresh, prepared foods, convenience stores need more than just menu innovation. They also require efficient and sustainable infrastructure. For example, strong partnerships with local vendors can help reduce food waste and support community economies. But just as critical is the right equipment—solutions that not only preserve freshness but also optimize energy use.
That’s where our expertise comes in. Patented FUSIONFRAME® technology from KPS Global revolutionizes the performance of walk-in coolers and freezers. By providing a superior R-Value than traditional wood frame construction methods, FUSIONFRAME increases efficiency, reduces energy costs and supports the scalability convenience stores need to meet the growing demand for fresh, prepared food.
Products for Convenience Stores
KPS Global offers the best-in-class walk-in coolers and freezers for convenience store applications. Fully custom designed walk-in coolers and freezers by our in-house engineering and design teams to meet the specific needs of each store. Additionally, as beer caves continue to grow in popularity, we ensure these spaces are built for functionality and style, maximizing customer experience while keeping the structural and thermal integrity of the unit.
With our innovative products, KPS Global helps convenience stores meet the increasing demand for fresh and ready-to-eat options. As experts in our field, we can help redesign your cold storage space to maximize efficiency and capacity in your store.
What's Ahead
The convenience store of the future isn’t just a place to grab a quick bite; it’s a cornerstone of modern living. With the continued emphasis on prepared food options, healthier choices and sustainability, convenience stores are positioned to meet evolving consumer needs head-on. As Mike Eakins noted, “This trend is not going to change.” And with innovative solutions like FUSIONFRAME from KPS Global, the industry is ready to rise to the challenge.
Contact us today for further information about our custom walk-in coolers and freezers and other innovative, sustainable product offerings.
