--- title: "C-Stores Navigate Growth of Nicotine-Free Alternatives Amid Regulatory Uncertainty" url: https://burnaze.com/article/955b5b1d-6f92-4567-82f4-a78181c43295 source: "CStore Decisions" original_url: https://cstoredecisions.com/c-stores-navigate-growth-of-nicotine-free-alternatives-amid-regulatory-uncertainty/ author: "Emily Boes" category: "Specialty retail" industry: "Retail" segment: "Specialty retail" topics: ["Regulation & legal"] published: 2026-06-18T13:52:47.000Z modified: 2026-10-31T13:18:33.332Z image: https://cstoredecisions.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/backbar-print.jpg --- # C-Stores Navigate Growth of Nicotine-Free Alternatives Amid Regulatory Uncertainty **TL;DR:** Convenience store operators are expanding their inventory of nicotine-free and synthetic alternatives to traditional tobacco products, tracking FDA regulations and consumer medical trends. The category is growing due to wellness trends, consumer curiosity, and evolving legislation, with regulations varying by state. *By Emily Boes, originally published in CStore Decisions on 2026-06-18. [Read the original](https://cstoredecisions.com/c-stores-navigate-growth-of-nicotine-free-alternatives-amid-regulatory-uncertainty/).* ## Key facts - C-stores see growth in nicotine-free alternatives - Regulations vary by state - Wellness trends drive consumer interest ## Story Wellness trends, consumer curiosity and evolving legislation are shaping the future of nicotine-free pouches, hemp products and other tobacco alternatives. Lifestyle changes, health trends and regulations of traditional tobacco products are persuading tobacco consumers to trial alternatives, such as tobacco-free and nicotine-free options. Historically, many of these have not been heavily regulated, although c-store retailers who carry them are watching the legislative landscape closely. Already, synthetic nicotine and zero-milligram nicotine e-liquids are under FDA authority. Still, the category is expanding, and innovation is appealing both to those looking for the sensory experience without the nicotine and those who simultaneously use traditional tobacco. ## Market trends and regulations Wellness, regulations and price sensitivity are all fueling the category, according to Purchasing Manager of Cliff’s Local Market Bill Laraby. Cliff’s operates 22 stores in New York. State by state, regulations are playing the biggest role, followed closely by functional wellness, he said. “I would say that this area definitely has long-term potential, depending on what some of the regulations end up being,” said Erin Slater, category manager for tobacco, foodservice and dispensed beverage at InConvenience Inc., which operates 29 stores in Missouri, Iowa, Arkansas and Texas under the brand names Gas Spot and Good Spot. Laraby agreed, also noting the uncertainty of regulations as a factor in the category’s long-term stamina. However, “I think functional wellness is here to stay,” he added. Functional wellness certainly seems to be an immovable macro influence over consumer purchasing patterns. Beyond the scope of GLP-1 users, others are searching for added benefits in their beverages and snacks, and the lure of better-for-you hasn’t escaped the tobacco category. When it comes to consumer trends and how we’re seeing wellness, Slater noted “better-for-you” is a trend that is broad and starting to move into the tobacco category as well. “We’re starting to see that with some of these alternative products to nicotine and consumers thinking about them more in a better-for-you way,” she added. InConvenience Inc. carries nicotine-free alternatives that are largely merchandised within the tobacco racks, with some items in secondary placements. For instance, some tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) gummy products and kratom are in a separate display on the counter. The stores also carry cannabidiol (CBD) and hemp products, as well as nicotine-free options such as caffeine pouches. ## Regulatory challenges and opportunities Tobacco and related product regulations are certainly causing upheavals in the backbar. Whether due to flavor bans, tax increases or marketing restrictions, c-store operators must be ready to pivot immediately, all while battling further legislation that can often lead to a robust illicit market. On the other side of that coin, legalization of certain products can influence the backbar, as well. At Cliff’s, for instance, stores previously carried CBD vapes, tinctures and gummies, which fizzled quickly in sales once New York legalized THC. Now, the chain carries energy pouches with 50 milligrams of caffeine that are performing well, and Laraby is looking into higher-caffeinated brands. In Arkansas, however, where InConvenience operates, recreational THC is not legal, and, in fact, many counties are dry. In Missouri, a bill was recently passed that prohibits c-stores from selling intoxicating hemp products starting Nov. 12. This aligns with a federal ban on most consumable hemp-derived products. “However, we’re doing everything in our power, and I know Tiffany’s (Fraley, CEO) writing letters and Lindsay’s (Griffith, marketing and community engagement manager) trying to get people to be more educated. And I think that’s the big hill that we have to climb for everyone to get on board to keep this, is just an educational standpoint,” said Amanda Lobes, category manager for InConvenience. In Iowa, a milligram regulation is in effect, disallowing the chain to carry certain brands whose products are over the THC milligram count. “I’m coming back to (vendors) with that information, and they’re like, ‘That’s really great to know. We can probably concoct something to where we can get it lower and have that be able to go to these stores that do have those smaller limitations,’ which is great,” said Lobes. Iowa also sent a bill to its governor expanding the definition of alternative nicotine products and vapor products to include nicotine analogs. Louisiana, Delaware and New York are among states that have similar bills in motion or already passed. Overall, many of these products have appeal and potential staying power, and the only reason they might not survive, Slater said, is regulation. ## Entities - Retail (sector) - CStore Decisions (publication) - FDA (regulator) - Emily Boes (person) - wellness trends (topic) - c-store expansion (topic) - InConvenience Inc. (company) - Lindsay Griffith (person) - Cliff's Local Market (company) - Erin Slater (person) - Tiffany Fraley (person) - regulatory uncertainty (topic) --- Originally reported by Emily Boes, CStore Decisions (https://cstoredecisions.com/c-stores-navigate-growth-of-nicotine-free-alternatives-amid-regulatory-uncertainty/). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/955b5b1d-6f92-4567-82f4-a78181c43295).