Are You Safe? 79% of Americans Doubt Convenience Store Food Safety—Here’s Why You Should Care!

Convenience stores are changing. They’ve transformed from quick stops into food destinations with fresh options like coffee, sandwiches, and hot meals. Yet, many people remain wary about how safe this food really is.

A recent survey by Logile reveals that 79% of Americans are concerned about food safety in convenience stores. Despite improvements, skepticism remains a significant hurdle for the industry.

According to the 2025 Logile Convenience Store Food Quality & Safety Report, many consumers feel torn. They see better food quality, yet doubts about safety linger. Eighty-five percent said they would never buy sushi from a gas station. Other foods on the “think twice” list include packaged salads (41%), pre-cut fruit (40%), and roller grill hot dogs (36%).

Why the hesitation? The main concerns include fear of spoiled food (66%), worries about cleanliness (59%), and the risk of food poisoning (48%). Visual cues matter a lot—dirty preparation areas or food that looks old raise red flags instantly.

On the brighter side, some foods earn more trust. Bottled drinks lead the way, with 85% of people willing to buy them. Pizza (32%) and freshly made sandwiches (30%) also enjoy consumer confidence, especially when preparation is visible. Cleaning plays a vital role too; 77% of consumers are turned off by food that’s been sitting out too long.

Despite the changes made by convenience stores, many still trust restaurant food more than c-store fare. Around 74% of respondents feel less confident in convenience store food safety. However, there is some positive momentum—53% say they’ve noticed improvements over time, with 18% finding the quality “noticeably better.”

To build trust, convenience stores need to prove their food safety measures are reliable. Many shoppers look for fresh signs of preparation (67%) and cleanliness (62%). A modern, clean store can sway over half (53%) of consumers toward buying food. This connection between cleanliness and trust is clear: people are more likely to avoid buying food if they see evidence of neglect.

With advancements in technology, stores can further enhance customer confidence. About 33% of consumers would feel more secure knowing cleaning schedules are visible. A significant 40% would trust technology-enabled safety systems more, provided they see them in action.

For convenience stores, the road ahead is clear: it’s time to close the trust gap. Showing cleanliness and safety through visible actions, clean counters, and organized environments is essential. The focus shouldn’t just be on new food items but rather on making food safety a key part of the shopping experience.

Long-term trust and loyalty are built on consistent quality. When workers are equipped with the right tools for maintaining food safety and cleanliness, they become essential to a better in-store experience. As the industry evolves, convenience stores that make food safety as visible as their fuel prices will likely lead the way, redefining what convenience really means.

For more insights into food safety in convenience stores, check the full report by Logile.

Source link