7-Eleven®'s Summer of Snacking

DALLAS, July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 7-Eleven, Inc. continues to answer consumers' 24-hour need for small-portioned foods, snacks and mini-meals with an evolving menu of bits, bites and snacks – all at a sweet price. The newest hot snacks to join the mini-meal scene at 7-Eleven® stores are Corn Dog Bites, Mozzarella Sticks with a side of Marinara Sauce and Chicken Chipotle Go-GoTaquitos®.

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Snacking isn't a "special dining occasion" anymore, it's the norm. Americans typically eat more than 1,000 so-called snacks each year, or between two and three each day, according to a study by The NPD Group. The reasons for choosing these mini-meals vary: lack of time, a small-meals diet regimen, sudden craving, afternoon pick-me-up or late-night treat among them.

A report that appeared in Food Technology magazine states that the number of snackers has doubled since 2010. Afternoons, evenings and late nights remain the most frequent snack times, but mid-morning snack occasions are growing. And the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys show the number of eating occasions each day had jumped from 3.9 in the late 1970s to 5.6 meals in 2010.

"Millennials and the generation coming behind them are snackers, and I don't see them returning to the traditional three-meals-a-day standard," said Kelly Buckley, 7-Eleven vice president of fresh food innovation. "They were busy as youngsters, and life has gotten no less hectic for them as young adults.  Kids, teens and 20-somethings are the biggest snackers. As even meals become more snack-like, 7-Eleven is adding smaller portions, mini-sizes and bites, and the public is eating them up, so to speak."

Whatever the reason for this collective snack attack, convenience retailer 7-Eleven stands ready to serve with choices that range from savory to sweet and indulgent to better-for-you.

• Wrapped in a rich cornmeal batter, Corn Dog Bites are cooked to a golden crisp and served warm. Suggested retail price is $1 for three.
• The crispy Mozzarella Sticks are made from 100-percent mozzarella cheese sticks, breaded with Italian-seasoned coating and baked until the cheese melts. Served with a side of tangy marinara sauce, an order has a suggested retail price for four is $1.49.
• The Chicken Chipotle Taquito spices up the roller grill with chipotle peppers, adding a kick to the chicken and cheesy Monterey Jack, asadero and mozzarella filling. This product is specially priced at two for $2.29.

Earlier this year, 7-Eleven added Breakfast Empanada Bites following the successful launch of its Mini Tacos last year. Both snack-sized options have gained a loyal following, as have 7-Eleven stores' chicken wings and tenders.

For customers looking for a better-for-you snacking option, 7-Eleven sells fresh-cut and whole fruit and veggie trays with dip. NPD's SnackTrack, which regularly monitors snack food consumption, finds that fresh fruit remains near the top of favorite snack foods. This summer, 7-Eleven offers fresh-cut fruit at a special price of just $4 for any two fruit cups. 7-Eleven customers can find a wide selection of fresh, seasonal fruit like strawberries, grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, mango and kiwi.

About 7-Eleven, Inc.  
7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses nearly 10,200 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven has some 51,000 stores in 16 countries. During 2012, 7-Eleven stores generated total worldwide sales close to $84.8 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Forbes magazine's 2011 list of Top Franchises for the Money; #3 spot on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500 list for 2012, #3 in Forbes magazine's Top 20 Franchises to Start; #2 in Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies. 7-Eleven is No. 3 on Fast Company magazine's 2013 list of the "World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Retail" and among the Top Veteran-Friendly Companies for 2013 by U.S. Veterans Magazine.  Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven among its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven received the 2010 Retailer of the Year honor from PL Buyer because of the company's private-label brand initiative. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S. and expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

SOURCE 7-Eleven, Inc.