LAS VEGAS – Today's teens are sophisticated shoppers, as well as some of the most frequent shoppers of the convenience store channel.

To help retailers better understand today's teen and young adult shoppers, the NACS Show featured its first Trendspotter Panel on Monday, where six panelists between the ages of 18 and 24 hit the expo floor to choose their favorite and hottest new product pick in the non-alcoholic packaged and dispensed beverages categories. Each participant then brought one product back as their "favorite," which they then presented to the group. In no particular order, they were:

• Rip It Chic (National Beverage Corp.): The panelist who chose this product commented that she liked the aluminum cover over the lid of the can; that it's sugar-free and she was drawn to the product for its pretty pink and purple packaging.
  
• Teazzers: The panelist said the machine is unique and caught his attention. He also liked that he could watch his drink being made.
  
• Full Throttle Blue Demon (Coca-Cola): The panelist enjoyed the fruit flavor and that she was drawn to the blue color of the drink and the blue packaging.
  
• Nos: The panelist commented on the product's smooth taste and lack of "funky" aftertaste, which most panelists agreed is common in sugar-free energy drink products.
  
• Ben & Jerry's MilkShakes (PepsiCo): As a college student, the panelist liked the convenience of the product, suggesting that she considers it more of a breakfast food that she would enjoy on her way to class.
  
• Tampico (Tampico Beverages): The panelist chose this product because she likes juice drinks and the clear packaging lets her see what she's drinking.

In addition to sharing their favorites, the panelists were asked which products they buy inside a convenience store and how often they frequent a store; all but one panelist said they shop in a convenience every day. The most commonly purchased product is an energy drink or some type of packaged beverage, as well as candy, gum and snack foods.

One panelist said he likes trying new products and is lured by the packaging. After trying a new product, he often tells his friends about it.

How much do the panelists spend inside the store? On a weekly basis, the amount they spend ranges from $2 to 10 a day to $20 to $100 a week – and they are frequent shoppers. Not only do they shop inside the store each day on the way to school or work, they also come back during lunch, on work breaks or on their way home from class.

Be sure to check out the Trendspotter's top picks in candy and snack products today from 4:15 to 5:15 in the Merchandise section of the expo floor.