In an increasingly grab-and-go world, it's still possible to make smart snacking choices, despite the temptations lining the shelves of most convenience stores.

Convenience store snackers are often looking for four things: convenience, affordability, portability and taste. Is it possible to add "healthy" to that mix?

When you're looking for healthy snacking options, all convenience stores are not created equal, says registered dietitian Melanie Faust. "Some of them are fantastic and offer things like sushi, fresh cut-up fruit ready to go in a container, salads, exciting sandwiches with things like grilled vegetables on whole wheat bread, cheese strings, apples with caramel dip, granola bars, and protein bars with added fibre."

Does your nearby convenience store of choice have healthy alternatives that fit into your lifestyle? If not, keep your eyes open for a nearby store that does or approach the store manager to ask about the possibility of including fresh, healthy options.

Convenience store trends
Convenience stores are exploring their food service options and customer acceptance and demand for new and healthier products. "I certainly wouldn't have thought of sushi as a convenience store item five years ago," says Ron Thompson, marketing manager for Western Canada Mac's convenience stores. "Sales of sushi have been on fire for us. I can't tell you how many times I've been in line and there's someone who's gone to the sandwich case and picked up sushi instead of chips."

"We've had a lot of success with fresh fruit like apples, oranges and bananas," says Thompson. "And we've also started bringing in seasonal things like mangoes, avocados, and star fruit."

Thompson cites the reduction or elimination of trans fats in packaged snacks as another positive move towards healthier choices. Baked product (such as corn chips and potato chips) versus deep-fat-fried product is another area of the convenience store that's showing growth among consumers.

Convenience store shoppers are seeing more choices in energy bars, too. "The organic fruit and nut bar offering has grown considerably in our stores," says Thompson. You'll also find many convenience stores stocking more diet soft drinks, juice, and water, reflecting a demand from consumers.

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