Close to seven in ten convenience-store shoppers (68 per cent) turn to quick meals such as ready-to-eat meals at least a few times a week, with more (75 per cent) expected to start relying on convenient meals in future Packed and unpredictable schedules are shaping what consumers eat, with 43 per cent finding it difficult to plan dinner on a typical weekday and 40 per cent eating at irregular times Perceptions have shifted over the past three years, with 47 per cent now viewing convenience food more positively, considering convenience food as a legitimate and credible meal choice and 79 per cent agreeing that convenience food can be a satisfying meal SINGAPORE, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Packed schedules and increasingly unpredictable routines are reshaping the way shoppers across convenience stores in Singapore eat, with quick meals becoming a regular part of the week. Close to seven in ten respondents (68 per cent) turn to quick meals solutions at least a few times a week, and three in four (75 per cent) expect to rely more on quick meal options in the future, according to a new 7-Eleven Foodvenience Customer Study 2026. These findings point to a shift in how convenience food fits into everyday routines, as consumers increasingly look for meals that can keep pace with busy schedules without compromising on taste. More than four in ten respondents (43 per cent) say dinner is difficult to plan on a typical weekday, and the same proportion often make last-minute decisions about what to eat. The survey of 1,020 convenience-store shoppers in Singapore explored how daily routines shape the way Singaporeans eat, what makes a convenient meal satisfying, and how they discover new food. The survey defines a quick meal as any food or drink that can be prepared and eaten with minimal time and effort, such as ready-to-eat meals and instant food. Anushree Khosla, Managing Director, 7-Eleven Singapore, said: "As Singaporeans fit more into their days, meals are often the first thing to go unplanned, and our customers look for reliable food options that are convenient, taste good and offer real value whenever plans change. This is what foodvenience means to us. As Singapore’s largest convenience retailer, with more than 450 stores across the island, we are always near. Our assortment of light sandwiches, wraps and onigiris to hearty packed meals gives customers options at any hour, and with new products launching in our stores every month, every visit can be a chance to discover something new." Convenience food has earned a place as a proper meal For many Singaporeans, what to eat has become one more decision squeezed into an already full day, and it is often made in the moment. Nearly half (47 per cent) turn to quick meals on a busy workday, while 36 per cent do so when working late, and 32 per cent when their schedule changes unexpectedly. Meals are often fitted around the day rather than planned into it: 46 per cent often need to eat while on the go 40 per cent often eat at irregular times 30 per cent often skip meals altogether With these trends in mind, convenience food is emerging as one of the most practical ways to fit a proper meal in. Three in four respondents (75 per cent) expect to rely more on convenient meal options in future. At the same time, perceptions of convenience food are also evolving, suggesting that consumers increasingly see it as a credible meal option rather than a fallback purely for convenience. Most respondents now judge convenience food on the same qualities as any other meal, and rate it well: 79 per cent agree it can be a satisfying meal 74 per cent say it offers good quality 69 per cent say it provides good value for money More than eight in ten also agree that convenience food suits busy lifestyles (86 per cent) and that meals are becoming more innovative (83 per cent). Local flavours and travel experiences are shaping what’s next on the menu When it comes to trying something new, respondents look close to home first. When asked which food trends interest them most today, they put local Singapore flavours at the top of the list (43 per cent), ahead of healthier meals (37 per cent) and budget-friendly meals (37 per cent). Since 2021, 7-Eleven has partnered with local food and beverage brands to turn their signature dishes into limited-edition ready meals, beginning with Western food chain Andes by Astons. Partners have since included Lau Wang Claypot Delights, Playmade, Chocolate Origin and Nasty Cookie. Each partnership adapts a recognisable dish into a convenience format while keeping the flavours of the original. 7-Eleven has also pushed focus on lighter, healthier options such as high protein offerings like ready-to-eat chicken breast, protein shakes and snacks. Beyond that, travel has also shaped what Singaporeans expect from a convenience store. Many travel regularly to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, where convenience store food is part of the trip, and 7-Eleven Singapore aims to offer similar flavours and novelty at home. Japanese-inspired food (35 per cent) and Korean-inspired food (32 per cent) are among the food trends respondents are most interested in. 7-Eleven has launched Japanese favourites such as onigiri and Japanese curry rice, alongside Korean-inspired kimbap and kimchi fried rice. In 2025, 7-Eleven Singapore also launched its first halal-certified Korean snacks range. 7-Eleven has been growing its ready-to-eat (RTE) range in recent years, and it now spans more than 130 products across breakfast, meals, desserts and snacks. Each ready-to-eat product takes around a year to develop, and 7-Eleven’s RTE portfolio has seen strong positive growth year-on-year. Introducing 7-Eleven’s first Foodbar 7-Eleven also unveiled its new in-store food concept, the Foodbar, which will be available at sixteen stores islandwide, with plans to scale it over time. Foodbar deepens 7-Eleven’s commitment as a convenient place to discover delicious food and brings fresh, hot food with the speed and convenience customers expect from the brand. Khosla added: "This research found that convenience food is now a legitimate and credible meal choice. That shift in customers’ perception of convenience food has been some years in the making. As customers’ expectations for convenience meals have grown, we have worked to keep pace, investing in every step, from the development behind each new product to our partnerships with local food brands and partners. The response to our ready-to-eat range has been very encouraging and the Foodbar builds on that to offer customers more options to quick meals, giving them a freshly prepared hot meal that they can rely on, any time of day or night." Each 7-Eleven Foodbar is tailored to its store location, customer profile and space availability, so the format varies from a full build-your-own bowl counter to a selection of hot snacks. At the larger Foodbars, customers can build their own bowl from $4.50, choosing a base like rice, penne pasta or noodles, a sauce, add-ons like roasted chicken, hash browns and chicken cutlets, as well as a garnish such as fried shallots, parmesan cheese and seaweed flakes. Other Foodbars serve hot snacks such as pizza, croissants, pancakes and waffles at the counter, which are all available to eat in or takeaway. Together, Foodbar gives customers greater choice across different meal occasions, whether they are looking for a full meal, a quick bite or something convenient to enjoy on the go. – END – About the survey The 7-Eleven Foodvenience Customer Study 2026 was conducted through an online survey in August 2026 among 1,020 convenience-store shoppers who purchased ready-to-eat meals in the past month. The full survey results can be found here. About 7-Eleven Singapore Established in Singapore in 1983, 7-Eleven has grown to become the nation’s leading 24-hour convenience store chain, with over 450 outlets across the island. At the heart of 7-Eleven’s offering is a focus on convenience, value, and quality – providing a diverse selection of products, food, and essential services to meet customers’ everyday needs. From iconic favourites like the refreshing Slurpee and 7-Eleven Coffee, to a wide range of ready-to-eat meals and sandwiches under its house brand, 7-Eleven continues to be a go-to choice for busy individuals. More than just a store, the newly launched 7-Eleven app brings convenience even closer to our customers through EasyCollect, SaverStamps and ValuePacks. 7-Eleven serves as a 24/7 one-stop destination for essential services, including bill payments, courier pick-ups, and even cash withdrawals. For more information, visit www.7-eleven.com.sg. 7-Eleven Foodvenience Customer Study 2026 (Page 1/2) 7-Eleven Foodvenience Customer Study 2026 (Page 2/2)
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