At Aramark, we are serious about our snacking. After several months of offices working remote, it is easy to wonder what the future holds for snacking in the workplace. How have things changed? How have they stayed the same? One thing is for certain, snacking will look different.
Here is what you can expect from the snacking industry moving forward.
1. Indulgence Reigns Supreme
The best way to cope with any form of uncertainty is with a bit of indulgence. According to the Consumer Trust Insights Council, “people increasingly will seek out little indulgences to bring them joy during anxious times.” For those who are already returning to the office, the environment is surely different than in March. Snacking offers an escape.
Cookies, chocolate, and chips will always be the first thing reached for in times of uncertainty. For many, nostalgic brands like Lay’s and M&M’s carry feelings of comfort and security that are needed in the midst of holistic change. These are the snacks that will be sought out in the coming months as people transition back to normal.
2. But Health Still on the Rise
The term “underlying health concerns” has been referenced countless times over the last few months. It is no surprise that the future of snacking is largely tied to health. As the days stretch on, more and more people are becoming conscious of what they are eating and how it is affecting their body.
This is no new revelation, but one that will surely be a focal point of the snacking industry of the future. Plant-forward and nutrient-dense snacks offering supplemented vitamins and other visible health benefits will remain in demand. According to Shagun Sachdeva, Consumer Insight Analyst at GlobalData, companies “are said to be replacing artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners and other preservatives with natural, plant-based and clean label items to realign their portfolios.”
This is not a new change. In the past few years, chips made from peas, bars made from only fruit, and nut butter spreads from sources other than peanuts have risen rapidly in the snacking world. It is a good bet that these health-conscious innovations will continue making waves.
3. Snacking Early & Often
Prior to the pandemic, “44% of consumers said they often ate snacks instead of meals at home and at work.” By virtue of hectic schedules, greater demand on time, and convenience, snacking is simply the new norm when it comes to eating. In fact, US consumers are eating an average of “2.6 snacks per day, with 42% [consuming] more than three per day.”
What does this mean? Snacking isn’t going away. In fact, snacking is as popular as it has ever been and continues to rise. Months at home only heightens this fact where quick bites are more accessible than anywhere else. The future of snacking in the office is one of frequency. Employees want the quick bar or crackers that will tide them over until dinner. They want the bag of chips (potato or alternative) that reminds them of the time spent with family in early 2020.
Aramark Snack Boxes
The more things change, the more they stay the same. None of us snack the same but everyone loves a little treat every now and then, whether functional or fun. We have created three unique Snack Box personalities – Motivation, Nostalgia, Craveables – to capture every type of “snacker.”
These boxes can be shipped anywhere in the country as a welcome back to the office, or a personal stash. Each item is individually wrapped and packaged ready to enjoy which means that the only hands opening each delicious treat, are yours.
To learn more about Aramark Snack Boxes, click here.
