NACS 2026 Takeaways
NACS 2026 Takeaways: 6 Convenience Store Trends to Watch
Another year at the NACS Show, another chance to catch up with John Herbert, a buyer for TrueNorth, about what he’s seeing across the company’s 190 convenience stores in the Midwest.
We covered a lot of ground with John and the team in Las Vegas. Here are six convenience store trends that stood out.
1. Alcoholic Sports-Drink RTDs Are Selling Out
The biggest surprise? SpikedAde.
John was surprised by the success of isotonic-inspired alcoholic ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, including SpikedAde. Demand has been strong enough that distributors have run out of inventory.
That’s worth watching as traditional beer faces pressure and brands look for new drinking occasions.
2. The Kids’ Snack Aisle Is Ready for Better-for-You Options
The kids’ snack aisle is still stuck in our childhood. Fritos, Cheetos and Twinkies might be what many of us grew up eating, but parents today are making different choices for their kids.
John, the father of a two-year-old, sees an opportunity for convenience stores to catch up. He pointed to Roxberry soda as an early example. Better-for-you (BFY) snacks and beverages designed for kids could be a big opportunity in convenience.
3. Nicotine Pouches Are Attracting a New Wave of Challengers
ZYN helped establish the nicotine pouch category, and new entrants are finding different ways to compete:
- Personality-led brands: The TrueNorth team is seeing interest in brands that gain exposure through podcasts and personalities, including ALP and its connection to Conor McGregor.
- Product and packaging innovation: Others are standing out with new formats, like Lucy Breakers and on!’s formats beyond the traditional round puck.
4. Familiar Flavors Are a Powerful Form of Innovation
Ghost’s collaborations with 7UP and A&W Root Beer are resonating with shoppers, according to John. Shoppers in convenience have only seconds to decide, and familiar flavors make that decision easier.
Energy brands are also launching new flavors almost weekly. That creates short-term sales lifts, but it also crowds portfolios. John pointed to Red Bull as a brand that has kept a strong core while continuing to innovate.
5. Protein Keeps Finding New Places to Grow
Clear protein beverages and meat snacks are gaining traction. John is giving meat snacks more shelf space and seeing demand for cleaner ingredients and transparent sourcing.
He’s also watching how GLP-1 adoption could reshape what shoppers buy across protein, alcohol and other categories.
6. THC Beverages Still Have Big Potential
Last year, John was optimistic about THC beverages. This year, regulation and high prices have slowed the category in his markets, even with its success in places like Minnesota.
He still sees real opportunity if regulation and pricing catch up with consumer interest.
Why NACS Is the Best Pulse Check on Everyday Consumers
NACS is always one of my favorite shows for getting a pulse on what’s happening with everyday consumers. Convenience is where shoppers decide in seconds, so it’s often the first place new trends show up.