[Edaily Reporter Han Jeon-jin ] GS25, a convenience store chain operated by GS Retail(007070), announced on the 27th that cumulative sales of its high-protein gimbap and low-sugar triangular gimbap have surpassed 2.5 million units, driven by the growing popularity of health-conscious ready-to-eat meals.

The Tuna & Egg Gimbap and Egg & Mentaiko Mayo Gimbap, launched last April, have surpassed cumulative sales of 1.5 million units. These two products are characterized by their enhanced taste and nutritional value, achieved by increasing the protein content to approximately 15g and using half-oil mayonnaise.

During the same period, the Light Tuna Mayo Triangle Gimbap and the Low-Sugar Jeonju Bibim Triangle Gimbap also surpassed cumulative sales of 1 million units. This is attributed to growing demand for healthy convenience foods as “Healthy Pleasure”—a trend prioritizing health—gains traction.

Health-focused products also drove growth across the entire category. From April 28 to July 24, sales of GS25’s kimbap and triangle rice balls increased by 25% each compared to the same period last year.

GS Holdings is also launching a new product in its high-protein gimbap series: the Cheese Tonkatsu Gimbap. By adding Sangha Protein String Cheese and tonkatsu, the protein content has been increased to 17g, making it the highest-protein gimbap currently available at GS25.

GS Holdings also noted that demand for healthy foods, such as protein drinks, is growing. In the first half of this year, sales of protein drinks surpassed those of the banana milk category for the first time, rising 26.8% compared to the same period last year.

A GS Retail official said, “As health-conscious consumption spreads, high-protein kimbap and similar products are establishing themselves as key items that drive demand for new convenience foods,” adding, “We will continue to expand our lineup of health-focused products to grow the convenience food market.”