7-Eleven is taking steps to change the notion that convenience foods are unhealthy.
Earlier this month, the store chain launched its first lab store in Dallas, a real-time testing ground for the company’s new and healthier food options. One of the novel products being trialed at the lab store is the organic Slurpee, which is available in turmeric, cucumber, cherry cream, and blood orange flavors.
Organic Slurpees are made with “farm to fountain” flavors from Idaho’s Tractor Beverage Company, whose syrups are USDA certified organic, GMO-free, and “entirely” natural. The cucumber flavor contains celery and turmeric; the cherry cream flavor has licorice, while the blood orange flavor is infused with turmeric and black carrot.
Unlike most of the original flavors of Slurpee, these organic alternatives are not carbonated, so they don’t have the fluffy and smooth texture of a typical Slurpee.
In addition to organic Slurpees, other healthier options available at the lab store include soups like vegetarian tomato basil and gluten-free chili, and bowls of kiwi fruit, grapes, cantaloupe, strawberries, and pineapples. There are also organic stevia, organic safflower oil, and single-serve pouches of brown basmati rice.
The lab store also houses a small restaurant, complete with a sit-down cafe and small patio. While the external façade of the lab store looks like a regular 7-Eleven store, its interior is closely similar to Whole Foods or other modern grocers out there.
7-Eleven has plans to open at least five more lab stores in various locations across the country, including Washington, D.C. and San Diego. According to 7-Eleven Chief Operating Officer Christopher Tanco the successes from these lab stores will be implemented in new, regular 7-Elevens in the future.