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The definition of a snack is expanding. It no longer refers only to a small amount of sweet or salty food eaten between meals. A snack can also be a healthy meal replacement that helps Arlington, VA employees meet their daily caloric and hydration needs. All snacks, independent of their role, fall into one or more of three primary needs: nourishment, optimization, and pleasure.
Accurate and clearly written product labels play an important part before snacks and beverages are even consumed. For 39 percent of U.S. consumers, inaccurate or confusing information on a product label will trigger a switch to a product that has clearer and more accurate product information. Additionally, 68 percent of the participants in a Nielson study said they would pay more for snacks, beverages, and prepared food items that weren’t made with “bad” ingredients. Fresh, organic, clean, and Fair Trade are just a few of the terms Arlington, VA employees are looking for in the office break room.
Sweet or Salty Treat
I have some good news for you. Traditional sweet and salty snacks are not going anywhere. In 2017, the sale of chocolate-based treats produced over $1.8 billion in revenue, or 74.9 percent of the total sales for candy. On the salty side of the aisle, $2.9 billion in revenue came from the sale of chips. That’s 46.6 percent of sales in its category. Clean, organic, and “better” ingredients play an influence here too. While sweet and salty snacks are most often consumed as a reward or indulgence, many Arlington, VA employees also use a trip to the office break room vending machine as an opportunity to enjoy new flavors and textures.
Certain snacks have always and will continue to play the role of a sweet or salty treat, but in 2018, many snacks have a new purpose.
Healthy Meal Replacement
According to the NPD Group’s tracking of U.S. consumers’ snacking attitudes and behaviors, “snack foods eaten at main meals now represent 24 percent of all snack food eatings, which is up from 21 percent five years ago.” Not only are Arlington, VA employees looking for nourishment and optimization (a mental or physical energy boost), they have high expectations about the quality of product labels and the ingredients that they put in their bodies. A snack with healthy ingredients that fulfills nutritional needs, keeps an employee hydrated, and improves mental focus positively impacts that individual’s health as well as increases creativity and productivity. It’s a win-win for everyone.
A vending machine in your office break room offers your Arlington, VA employees a wide range of healthy, sweet and salty snacks, and beverages that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Not only is the office break room a place to grab a bite to eat, but it is also a relaxing environment to catch up with colleagues during the workday. To learn more about updating your vending selections or adding a new vending solution, contact SunDun Office Refreshments at 800.466.2731.