7-Eleven Pairs With P90X Creator To Roll Out Healthier Options
NORTH HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Those watching their health often find themselves lost in a sea of sugar, preservatives and saturated fats when they step into a 7-Eleven.
"I come in for donuts usually, but I can't eat donuts all the time," a man said while shopping inside a 7-Eleven in North Hollywood.
But the convenience-store chain is hoping to change that.
Customer Aaron Rothe said: "A lot of people are watching their weight and counting calories and becoming more aware of that now."
The company has teamed up with P90X creator Tony Horton to address the growing demand for nutritionally balanced food, developing a menu of healthier options that hit shelves Tuesdays at more than 100 Southland stores.
They're testing out the line's success in the L.A. area before bringing it to the rest of the country.
"This is an area that has a lot of different demographics," said Janet Minero, manager of 7-Eleven test market operations.
Shoppers can choose from cold-pressed juices, fresh-cut fruit, sandwiches and wraps, including a grilled chicken sandwich with blueberry mustard on a whole-grain bun, a spicy quinoa salad with chimichurri dressing and a vegetarian wrap with spicy black bean hummus and vegetables. The juices top out at 90 calories, and the other choices range from 280 to 480 calories.
The partnership with Horton seems like a smart one: the fitness guru holds strong brand recognition — his line of intensive workout DVDs have sold more than 4 million copies — and the U.S. health and wellness industry rakes in billions annually.
But those who still turn to 7-Eleven for their Slurpees, Snickers (the chain's top-selling candy bar) and chips: have no fear, those treats aren't being crowded off the shelves by the healthier options.