As convenience stores have evolved beyond a quick stop for emergency or fill-in groceries and other essentials, customers have increased their demand for grab-and-go meals and snacks. In addition, as the appeal of grab-and-go food offerings continues to rise, so do consumer expectations for easy-to-read labeling and high-quality ingredients.

Shoppers seeking convenience are still on the lookout for quality, good-tasting and healthy foods that look and taste close to homemade.

To find those foods, consumers look closely for ingredient and nutrition facts printed clearly on the label. Finding ways to turn hurried customers who focus on the convenience of grab-and-go foods into repeat customers can be one of a c-store’s biggest challenges—and one of its biggest opportunities.

As a c-store retailer, providing customers with basic facts about the foods they are purchasing is an easy way to keep them informed, which will keep them returning to a specific store. Effective label messaging solutions will make the stores that use it “top of mind” with customers once they have made their purchase.

Although labels have been on food packaging for many years, more complex labels, such as those offered by DayMark Safety Systems, are compatible with customized messaging. Printed using DayMark’s MenuPilot™ platform, these labels provide c-store retailers with the ability to connect with their customers by printing useful information on each label, including safe handling instructions, the date and time the food was made, how it was prepared and nutritional information.

Taken a step further, c-store retailers can create attractive labels using the store’s logo and tagline, perhaps also adding a phone number or web address—whatever customized marketing information that best delivers their message.

The ability to quickly identify ingredient and nutrition facts printed clearly on a label delivers both the convenience shoppers want and the information they expect. Customized labels are a cost-effective, highly visible way for convenience stores to stay ahead of customers who are in and out quickly. Providing customer satisfaction while building brand awareness should guarantee a return visit.

Article originally appeared on the CSP website.