Back-to-School C-Store Opportunities
By Angela Altass
When a new school season begins, the challenge of packing healthy, nutritious and tasty lunches and snacks influences food purchases for Canadian families.
C-stores have a huge opportunity to become the quick stop snack solution for families, says Rhonda Goldberg, president Oh! Naturals.
“A great school snack should be easy to pack, not too messy, and enjoyable enough that it does not come home untouched,” says Goldberg. “Parents want snacks that their children will actually eat but they also want to feel good about putting them in the lunchbox. Convenience is huge as busy mornings mean parents need snacks that are easy to grab, pack, and trust.”
Parents want balance with a snack that feels fun for the children but still makes sense for school, saying Goldberg, who suggests that parents are looking for the following snack attributes:
• Tasty and kid approved.
• Easy to pack in lunches.
• Less messy.
• Suitable for school environments.
• Made with recognizable ingredients.
• A better alternative to candy or traditional salty snacks.
“At Oh! Naturals, we are focused on making snacks that children actually want to eat, and parents feel good about packing,” says Goldberg. “Our Banana Chips are available in natural, chocolate, and strawberry flavours, with natural being our top seller. Our goal is simple: Make better snacking feel fun, not forced.”
Parents and students are looking for more than just candy and pop, says Goldberg.
“They want grab-and-go snacks that feel convenient, affordable, and better-for-you,” she states. “Parents need options that make mornings easier and keep kids happy throughout the day. At Oh! Naturals we believe snacks should bring a little joy into the lunchbox. Children want flavour and fun. Parents want convenience and peace of mind. Retailers want products that stand out on the shelf.”
Parents are increasingly prioritizing snacks that are both nutritious and convenient, with a strong emphasis on clean ingredients and recognizable foods, says Elysia Vandenhurk, co-founder and chief brand and innovation officer, Three Farmers Foods Inc.
“Parents need to balance health with taste, ensuring kids will actually enjoy eating them,” says Vandenhurk. “At Three Farmers, we continue to see strong demand for our high protein and fibre snacks with simple ingredients. It is tough to find protein and fibre solutions that are not full of sugar or bad ingredients and are nut free and safe for school. Our core lineup of roasted fava beans, chickpeas and our new protein snack mix offer a natural crunchy, nut-free option that fits well into school environments.”
School-friendly snacks should be portable, mess-free, and made with wholesome ingredients that provide sustained energy throughout the day, says Vandenhurk.
“Convenience stores can differentiate themselves by offering better-for-you snack options that align with modern health trends, including plant-based, high-protein, and minimally processed products,” says Vandenhurk. “Made in Canada brands are also a bonus. Grab-and-go packaging and clearly labeled allergen-friendly options are especially important for busy families.”
Affordable, convenient snacks that are readily available and easy to pack will get the attention of parents, says Leen Alsaffarini, marketing and social media manager, Big Chief Meat Snacks.
“Parents also appreciate products that are lower in sugar and carbs, require no refrigeration, and can be easily carried in lunch bags or backpacks,” says Alsaffarini. “Pre-packaged snacks are always popular because they are convenient and portion controlled. Parents are also looking for products made with simple ingredients, fewer artificial additives, and no artificial colours.”
Offering a wide variety of snack options is important and convenience stores can stand out by featuring products from local companies whose products can be competitively priced compared to imported alternatives, says Alsaffarini.
“Flavour is a major factor for older students,” notes Alsaffarini. “This age group is often more willing to explore new and unique flavours rather than sticking to traditional or mild options. They also tend to look for convenient, high-protein snacks that fit their active lifestyles.”
Consumers are looking for healthy snacking options, says Krista Anderson, founder and CEO, Healthy On The Go.
“An added bonus is if these products with simple ingredients also contain more protein and fibre for the satiation and energizing capabilities,” says Anderson. “What’s important to note is that there are a lot of products that are coming out with a great amount of protein but they’re filled with ultra-processed ingredients and because of that, they become an immediate turn off for a lot of consumers today.”
After school snacks should be easy, energizing and enjoyable, adds Goldberg, noting that after school is when children are hungry, tired and usually looking for something fast.
“It is not just about filling a stomach; it is about helping kids reset after a long day,” says Goldberg. “This is the perfect time for snacks that feel satisfying but do not spoil dinner.”
Snacks for after school should provide a balance of protein and carbohydrates to help students refuel and sustain energy until the next meal, says Vandenhurk. “Portability and ease of preparation are key as families are often looking for quick solutions during busy afternoons. Older students are often looking for snacks that deliver both functionality and flavour, including options that are high in protein and made with simple, transparent ingredients. There is also a growing interest in plant-based foods, as well as bold, globally inspired flavours.”
Older students are looking for snacks that fit their lifestyle: Portable, flavourful, affordable, shareable, and satisfying, says Goldberg, adding that high school or post-secondary students are often seeking snacks with the following features:
• Plant-based ingredients.
• Gluten-free or nut-free.
• Vegan-friendly.
• Protein or energy support.
• Bold flavours.
• Resealable or easy-to-carry packaging.
• Snacks that feel fun but are still better-for-you.
“High school and post-secondary students are also very influenced by convenience and flavour,” says Goldberg. “If a snack tastes good, looks good, and fits into a busy day, it has a much better chance of becoming a regular purchase.”
Post-secondary students are looking
for tasty but cleaner snacking options,
says Anderson.
“A lot of vending machines at schools today offer ultra processed candies, chips, and beverages, which makes focusing a lot harder for students with the spikes and crashes in energy that come with it,” says Anderson. “It affects mental health.”
Back-to-school remains a key seasonal need where both retailers and brands can support families with convenient, nutritious options, states Vandenhurk.
“There is a strong opportunity to educate consumers on the benefits of plant-based snacking, particularly options that are naturally allergen-friendly and minimally processed,” she says. “Ultimately, success in this category comes from delivering snacks that meet the needs of both parents and kids: Nutrition, taste, and convenience.”
Angela Altass is an experienced writer and editor based in Ontario. She has covered a variety of topics and industries throughout her career. She can be reached by email at altassangela@gmail.com.
