New York City Employees Look for Their Next “Snack Meal”

healthy snack options in New York City

Even if you haven’t heard of the term “snack meal,” you’ve likely experienced it with the 86 percent of Americans who already have. A snack meal is a healthy snack eaten in place of a traditional meal, and more and more people are incorporating them into their diet. For example, according to a recent survey performed for Farm Rich, the average New York City employee consumes five snack meals each week and is likely to eat their snack meals instead of lunch.

Shannon Gilreath, Director of Marketing at Farm Rich, shared that “People are no longer feeling bound to the traditional three meals a day, which gives them more variety and time back to do the things they enjoy most, and for many, that doesn’t involve a ton of time in the kitchen, especially on busy days.”

Of the different generations of New York City employees, Millennials are the most likely to believe that “three standard meals a day is a thing of the past.” Unlike older generations who look at snacks as a way to curb cravings, Millennials use snacks as way to refuel without needing a lot of time to grocery shop, prepare a meal, and then sit down to eat it. Snack meals need to be easy and quick to prepare and portable.

Farm Rich’s survey found that the top healthy choices are cheese, crackers, fruit, chips, nuts, veggies, yogurt, and pretzels. The right combination of these healthy options will enable employees to create small meals that meet their own unique nutritional needs.

Snack options in New York City

One way New York City employers can help their employees meet their meal/snacking needs is to offer healthy snack meals (with beverages) in their break room vending machines. Access to healthy, onsite options will not only save time, but it also provides employees with the fuel they need to recharge, giving them the energy to have a productive day.

If you’d really like to give your New York City employees a boost, consider implementing one of the following vending solutions – their wallets will thank you.

Subsidized Vending: The prices of the items in the vending machine are lowered. At the end of each month, your company receives a bill for the difference.

Free Vending: All the products in your vending machines are free. Your company receives an invoice at the end of each month and pays the entire cost.

For more information about customizing the right healthy vending machine menu for your employees, contact Healthy Vending at 917.572.3671.

Sparkling Water Bubbles Over in New York City Break Rooms

Sparkling Water in New York CityWhat is healthy and hydrating and delivers a fizzy boost? It’s sparkling water!

As the new year gets into full swing, new and existing health-conscious shoppers are on the hunt for all-natural, great-tasting beverages. Sparkling water and its many flavors and bubbles are the perfect choice but making a change or trying something new can be tough. To encourage your New York City employees or students to visit the break room or school lunchroom and enjoy a new beverage, there are a few things to try.

  • Introduce a new beverage, such as a new sparkling water flavor, with an incentive. Who wants to miss out on limited, special-discounted price?
  • Transform the concept of Happy Hour into an “Afternoon Pick-Me-Up” Hour with afternoon beverage specials and snacks that complement specific beverages, such as new sparkling water brand or flavor with a sweet granola bar or crunchy, baked chips.
  • Host an event-based promotion, such as midweek Trivia competition or a March Madness event with sparkling water, iced tea, organic soda and a selection of delicious and healthy snacks.
  • Host a which is the “best-tasting flavor” sparkling water competition or a competition to see who can guess the new sparkling water flavor to pique the interest of New York City employees or students who are curious about trying new beverages but are worried about spending money on a flavor they might not like. Encourage participation by offering unique prizes to the winner.

Sparkling water in New York CityTwo great sparkling water brands to encourage your employees or students to try are LaCroix and bubly. LaCroix sparkling water comes in a variety of flavors and contains 100% natural essences, no sugar, and no artificial ingredients. bubly, new to the sparkling water market, also offers a variety of flavors with no artificial flavors, sweeteners and calories. It’s all up to everyone’s flavor preferences.

Which flavors would your New York City employees or students prefer? Healthy Vending is excited to help you sort out which flavors appeal the most and add those new, healthy beverages to your break room vending options. For more information about customizing your break room with healthy snacks and beverages, contact us at 917.572.3671.