Convenience stores continue to be sought out as destinations for cold beverages, and sales will heat up even more during the summer months. The same health trends driving better-for-you food sales also are influencing what consumers are grabbing from the cooler.

Innovation and health claims are largely responsible for fueling c-store beverage growth during the past year: Sales of water with electrolytes increased 11.2%, sparkling water sales climbed 10.4% and sales of sports drinks with vitamins jumped 45%. Combined, these sales accounted for 48% of all beverage growth for the 52 weeks ended March 2, 2019.

Looking over a five-year timeline, energy drinks (which dominate alternative packaged beverages) have surpassed carbonated soft drinks as the top-selling product group.

Change in beverage purchases over past five years

While share has remained largely the same for bottled water, its sales have increased $547 million in the past five years, while carbonated soft drink sales have declined $656 million.