With the number of New York City individuals who have to navigate life without gluten because of an illness like Celiac Disease, it is helpful to know that gluten-free foods are now more readily available. A recent report from Research and Markets, Gluten-Free Foods in the U.S. 6th Edition, projected that sales of gluten-free foods in the following categories—Salty Snacks, Crackers, Fresh Bread, Pasta, Cold (ready-to-eat) Cereal, Baking Mixes, Cookies, Flour, and Frozen Bread/Dough—are expected to grow to more than $2 billion by 2020. That is a lot of gluten-free food and snacks.

So, what exactly is gluten? The Celiac Disease Foundation defines gluten as “a general name for the proteins found in wheat (wheatberries, durum, emmer, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, graham, KAMUT® khorasan wheat and einkorn), rye, barley and triticale – a cross between wheat and rye.” Gluten behaves as the glue that holds food together. Several different categories of ingredients such as fruit, vegetables, and protein do not naturally have gluten. Creating snacks and other grain-based products requires additional knowledge about how each gluten-free ingredient works as the many of the frequently used grains contain gluten.

There are, however, many plant-based gluten-free ingredient options that are now being used to create healthy, tasty, and filling snacks. The following are a few that New York City employees might be familiar with:

Whole Grain, Gluten-Free Ingredients

• Amaranth
• Buckwheat groats (or kasha)
• Corn (maize)
• Gluten-free oats
• Millet
• Quinoa
• Sorghum
• Teff
• Wild Rice/Brown Rice
  

Plant-Based, Gluten-Free Ingredients

• Arrowroot
• Pulses (beans, lentils & chickpeas)
• Cassava
• Chia
• Flax
• Nut flours
• Soy
• Tapioca
• White Rice 

Researchers from Gluten-Free Foods in the U.S., 6th Edition found that “pulse-based [ingredients] are particularly valuable in improving the nutrient quality of gluten-free products, as they are richer in fiber, protein, and micronutrients than GF [gluten-free] staples rice and tapioca flour. The appeal of ancient and sprouted grains is much like that of pulses. For food processors [or manufacturers], these ingredients provide whole food, plant-based protein sources that enhance appearance, deliver unique tastes and textures, pack a nutritional wallop, and invite variety and innovation.”

With such a wide variety of ingredients and the different ways that they can be used, the availability of tasty gluten-free snacks in New York City vending machines has grown to include many different salty and sweet snack choices. Salty snacks now include pretzels made from whole-grain sorghum flour and puffs made with chickpea flour and rice flour. Cookies are made with rice flour or oat flour, while crackers are made using almond flour, sunflower seeds, and flax seeds.

Have you considered offering both gluten-free and traditional snacks and beverages for your employees and students? Healthy Vending offers both traditional options as well as products that are certified gluten-free for those who need gluten-free snacks and beverages. We can also help you determine the best mix of choices to offer in your office break room or school lunchroom. For more information, contact Healthy Vending at 917.572.3671.

By previous standards, it wouldn’t be considered a meal. It isn’t always consumed at traditional meal times or eaten at a table. But according to those between the ages of 18 and 35 (Millennials), it contributes to their daily nutritional needs and functions as a meal.

What is it?

It is a wholesome snack. Millennials are eating a lot of snacks. 92 percent of individuals recently surveyed by Surveygoo said they replace a meal with a snack at least once a week. 50 percent do it four times a week and 26 percent, do it seven times per week. That is a lot of snacking.

Since Millennials are now the largest segment of the population in the U.S. workforce, New York City employers need to reexamine their break room snack and beverage options. At the top of the list of preferred ingredients for wholesome snacks are whole grains, real fruit pieces, and nuts. These healthy ingredients are not just beneficial for Millennials. They are better for everyone. When researching different snack options for your employees, here are three things to consider:

Nutritional Needs

• Will it stop hunger between meals?
• Will it help me to stay hydrated?
• Will it help me to manage my health and diet?

Refuel or Energy Pick-Me-Up

• Will it give me an energy boost?
• Will it increase my mental focus?
• Will it help decrease stress?

Ingredients

• Whole Grains (oats, brown rice, millet, and quinoa)
• Plant-Based Proteins (legumes, nuts, and seeds)
• Fruits and Vegetables (berries, apple, and sweet potato)
• Low in Sugar

Each of these areas can offer benefits when considered on their own. However, when they are considered as a group, the benefits can reach even further. 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.

Have you considered including wholesome snacks in your New York City office break room or school lunchroom? Whether you are just beginning your office break room journey or would like to update your vending machine selections, we can help you with that. Contact Healthy Vending at 917.572.3671 for more information.