79% of Americans Doubt Convenience Store Food Safety. Are They Right?
Convenience stores have changed a lot. They now offer coffee bars, fresh sandwiches, and hot meals. But many people still worry about food safety at these places.
A recent study by Logile found that 79% of Americans are concerned about food contamination or spoilage in convenience stores. This skepticism could impact the industry’s investment in fresh food offerings. Despite improvements in food quality, trust remains low.
The 2025 Logile Convenience Store Food Quality & Safety Report surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults in April 2025. It showed that while people see better food options, they still question if it’s safe to eat.
Foods to Think Twice About
Some items are less trusted. For instance, 85% of respondents wouldn’t buy sushi from a gas station. Other items on the “think twice” list include packaged salads (41%), pre-cut fruit (40%), hot-case burritos (39%), and roller-grill hot dogs (36%).
Many consumers fear spoiled food (66%) and cleanliness (59%). Nearly half (48%) worry about food poisoning. If a food prep area looks unkempt or if food seems old, shoppers are quick to walk away.
Foods People Trust
Some foods are easier to trust. Bottled drinks lead the way, with 85% saying they would buy them. Fountain drinks (64%) and self-serve coffee (56%) are also popular. Freshly made pizza (32%) and sandwiches (30%) are favorites, especially when prepared in view of customers.
Cleanliness Matters
A clean store significantly influence buying decisions. Seventy-seven percent of consumers say food left out too long is a dealbreaker. Meanwhile, 59% won’t buy from a store that looks dirty.
Even simple things, like a clean soda nozzle or microwave, can make a big difference in how safe food appears. Though the industry has improved, 74% of people still trust convenience store food safety less than restaurant food safety.
Signs of Improvement
There’s a bit of hope: 53% of consumers believe gas station food safety has gotten better, and 18% note that quality has “noticeably” improved. This suggests that efforts in food quality and safety are starting to pay off.
However, only 9% of consumers report having high trust in gas station food safety. Many (71%) feel moderate trust, while nearly 20% have little or no trust in it. For the industry, inconsistency may hinder growth as 48% have had positive food experiences, but only 10% find those experiences reliable.
What Builds Trust?
Shoppers are clear about what boosts their confidence in convenience store food. Sixty-seven percent look for fresh food signs, 62% assess cleanliness, and 54% check for freshness labels on packaging. Brand familiarity also helps; 40% are more inclined to buy from major chains. A well-lit store can also sway 53% of shoppers.
Interestingly, tech might help close the trust gap. One-third of consumers (33%) would feel more confident if they could see cleaning or food rotation schedules in-store. Another 40% think tech-based safety systems could enhance their trust—but only if procedures are visible.
The Road Ahead
Convenience stores face a challenge. They’ve invested in food quality and design, but consumer perceptions lag. Future growth will depend on closing this trust gap.
Shoppers need to see proof of safety and freshness. Clean counters, labeled packaging, and consistent staff routines are essential. C-store workers play a vital role in building long-term trust. Providing them with proper tools can lead to a better shopping experience.
Stores that make food safety as visible as fuel prices are likely to reshape the market. The goal isn’t just to sell more; it’s to make convenience synonymous with trust—one fresh meal at a time.
This story was produced by Logile and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
