Does CVS Want To Be a Grocery Store?

Where can’t a flexitarian find a plant-based burger these days? Shoppers at select CVS Pharmacy locations, the retail division of CVS Health, will now be able to purchase Beyond Meat meatballs and burgers, Birds Eye frozen broccoli, Amy’s Kitchen kale bowls and much more.

Woonsocket, R.I.-based CVS is getting further  into the grocery game, adding an expanded assortment of frozen foods and meal solutions to select stores. Additionally, CVS will add over 140 better-for-you snacks to its aisles next month, including products from LesserEvil, SkinnyDipped and Ketologic.

Grocery experienced a surge in sales of frozen foods during the pandemic, as shoppers sought to stock up on meal solutions, meat and veggies with a longer shelf life. Now it seems CVS is hungry for a piece of the action, looking to make mealtimes and snacking occasions quick, simple and healthier for its customers.

Select stores nationwide now have a refreshed assortment of more than 100 frozen foods from brands such as Beyond Meat, Birds Eye, Ore-Ida and Amy’s Kitchen, which CVS said simplify creating a balanced meal that meets various dietary preferences such as gluten-free, certified-organic and vegan.

“Customers can find everything they need to create a well-balanced, easy-to-assemble meal, including plant-based protein options from Beyond Meat as a base, rice, frozen vegetables, and refreshing beverages to complete the meal. Those seeking quick grab-and-go meals can also find a variety of fresh prepared foods and other refrigerated options in select stores,” CVS added.

Some of the products new to CVS also include Healthy Choice Spicy Black Bean & Chicken Bowl, Healthy Choice Basil Pesto Chicken Bowl, Amy’s Kitchen Three Cheese and Kale Bake Bowl, Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowl, Meat Lovers, and Red Baron Pizza.

Starting next month, CVS is introducing an expanded assortment of more than 140 better-for-you snacks, including more than 60 that are completely new to CVS shelves.

Pointing to a survey conducted online by The Harris Poll on behalf of CVS Pharmacy in March 2021, nearly three quarters of American adults (74%) say their meal and/or snack habits have changed during the pandemic. When thinking about choices at home compared to what they would normally do prior to the pandemic, 67% of American adults who snack say that in general, they find themselves snacking at home more now, and 52% of American adults find themselves choosing better-for-you snacks and meal solutions.

CVS’ expanded snack assortment includes national and niche brands like Quinn (paleo-friendly) Snacks, Beanitos, Krave and Soley Organic. The new offerings feature choices that cater to dietary preferences and offer new flavor combinations. Shoppers can find a variety of organic and plant-based options, zero sugar-added options, meat and cheese snacks, grab-and-go bars, and bold flavors, says the company.

Select food and grocery items are available in-store and on CVS.com as well as available for purchase and delivery through Instacart, DoorDash and Shipt, from select locations. Customers can also use their ExtraCare Rewards Program deals and personalized email offers on the new grocery items.

“The expanded assortment of food items is the latest way CVS Pharmacy serves as a premier health and wellness destination, making it easier for millions of customers to access healthier choices and meal solutions without having to make extra trips to specialty and grocery stores,” said the company.