Last fall, 365 Retail Markets provided an overview of the top-selling products in PicoCooler Vision across the U.S., and operators took notice. With smart coolers consistently exceeding expectations in break rooms, college campuses, and micro markets, it’s clear that understanding the factors that drive sales in this format is not just helpful — it’s essential.
Now, mid-2025, we’re back with the latest data.
This time, we’re not only sharing the new list but also comparing it to last year’s performance. This will help us uncover shifts in consumer behavior and identify what remains consistent. From product upgrades to wellness-oriented changes, this update is filled with insights on how to stock, plan, and sell more effectively with PicoCooler Vision..
Top 10 Selling Products – 2025 (Excluding Soda and Water)
- Premade sandwiches and wraps (new category consolidation – replaces last year’s separate wrap and sandwich SKUs)
- Premade overnight oats (▲ up 1 spot)
- Hard-boiled eggs (▲ new to top 10)
- Yogurt parfaits (▲ up 3 spots)
- Uncrustables (▲ up 1 spot)
- Coconut water and sports drinks (▲ up 1 spot — formerly "sports drinks" alone)
- Chocolate chip cookies (▲ new to top 10)
- Bottled coffee – Pop & Bottle Vanilla Cold Brew Almond Latte (11oz) (▲ new to top 10)
- King Size Twix (▲ new to top 10)
- Premade lunch bowls (▲ new to top 10)
Then vs. Now: The Biggest Movers
A few shifts stand out immediately.
- More sandwich types, no one dominating type. Last fall, Chicken Caesar wraps dominated sales among PicoCooler Visions customers. However, since then, consumers have begun to explore a wider variety of premade sandwiches.
- Better breakfast, stronger dayparts. Overnight oats, hard-boiled eggs, and yogurt parfaits now comprise three of the top four breakfast items, indicating an increase in morning consumption. Customers may be relying more heavily on their local micro markets and smart stores for their breakfast options.
- Consumer indulgence holds. While chocolate chip cookies and King Size Twix may have arrived late, they remain important drivers of single-item snacking.
- Functional beverages break through. Last fall, sports drinks ranked in the top ten, and now their natural alternative — coconut water — has made the list as well. Additionally, bottled coffee has entered the top ten for the first time, indicating a growing demand for energizing, functional beverages.
- Last fall’s gimmicks didn’t last. Upscale cheese and cracker kits, White Castle cheeseburger packs, Greek yogurt bars, and edible cookie dough have all fallen off the list, indicating a significant shift that we will analyze further in the trend analysis below.
What These Trends Tell Us
The PicoCooler Vision ecosystem is designed to adapt to consumer preferences, which these rankings reflect. Here’s what the latest data reveals about consumer desires and how operators can respond:
1. Gimmicks Come and Go — But That Doesn’t Mean Ignore Them
As mentioned earlier, four of last fall’s top ten products did not make the list this time. A knee-jerk reaction might be to stop stocking items that seem to lack staying power, but that overlooks an important insight.
Operators should focus on stocking trend-driven products. In fact, embracing popular items with online buzz can lead to quick wins, even if these products aren't long-term staples. The key is knowing when to act and when to pivot.
Take Pop & Bottle bottled coffee, for example. While bottled coffee as a whole is trending upward, this particular brand has risen to the top. Will it maintain its popularity? Perhaps not, but it’s clearly resonating with consumers right now, which presents a valuable short-term revenue opportunity.
The smartest way to manage trend-based SKUs is to stay alert. Use tools like 365 Retail Markets’ ADM and the 365 VMS to monitor sales performance in real-time, and be ready to rotate stock when momentum fades.
2. The Health–Indulgence Balance Is Narrowing
The mid-2025 list showcases a strong preference for health-conscious options, yet it also features two popular comfort foods: chocolate chip cookies and king-sized Twix bars.
The key takeaway? Shoppers desire both. Someone who opts for a protein-packed lunch may still indulge in a treat, not in spite of their healthy choice, but because of it.
Operators don’t have to pick between wellness and indulgence. A high-performing PicoCooler Vision offers a balance of both: protein and sugar, energy and comfort, as well as flexibility.
3. Premium Beverages Are Worth It
It’s time to move beyond standard soda and water and start focusing on premium bottled options that offer higher profit margins. Pop & Bottle’s rise into the top 10 is not a coincidence. Shoppers are increasingly recognizing the value of drinks that provide better ingredients, functional benefits, or a clean-label appeal, and they are willing to pay for them. Smart cooler operators can take advantage of this trend by testing emerging beverage brands that align with wellness and energy trends.
4. Versatility Sells
When comparing the Fall 2024 list to the updated mid-2025 ranking, one key theme emerges: variety drives performance.
The strong performance of premade sandwiches and wraps demonstrates how diverse formats within a single category can cater to different preferences. However, this is just part of the picture. The full list showcases a wide range of products—from high-protein snacks to indulgent treats and functional beverages—each appealing to a different type of shopper.
By stocking a mix of fresh, quick-turn items alongside grab-and-go staples, PicoCooler Vision effectively meets the needs of various consumer types, rather than just one. This versatility helps maintain sales momentum across different locations and between restocks.
The Bottom Line for Operators
The latest data confirms that PicoCooler Vision consistently performs well across various categories, including fresh food, better-for-you beverages, and classic treats. However, it also highlights that optimal results stem from a carefully considered and responsive product mix.
Operators should consider:
- Stocking multiple dayparts. Think early morning fuel (oats, eggs), mid-day meals (wraps, bowls), and afternoon indulgence (candy, cookies).
- Adding better-for-you beverages. Functional coffee, coconut water, and wellness-oriented brands are increasingly viable.
- Monitoring new item performance. Strike while the iron is hot on gimmick items and use smarter tools to track performance.
Need help optimizing your PicoCooler Vision lineup? 365 Retail Markets offers a suite of products that provide actionable insights into your operations:
- 365 ADM: Make informed decisions with up-to-the-minute data
- 365 VMS: Monitor inventory levels, optimize your products, and plan routes - all at the click of a button.
- 365Ops App: Unlock some of the most in-demand back-office functionality in ADM from the palm of your hand