Bottled Water Options in New York City

bottled water for schools in new york city

Bottled water has done it again. “For a third year in a row, bottled water is the No. 1 packaged beverage in the United States,” according to Jill Culora, IBWAs vice president of communications. Bottled still and/or sparkling water is also 72 percent of Americans’ preferred non-alcoholic beverage, an increase of nine percent over 2018. For those who prefer bottled water, taste is the most important feature (98 percent) followed by quality (98 percent), and safety (90 percent).

With 84 percent of New York City residents trying to drink more water, and the hot summer season upon us, let’s take a step back and look at fun summer beverages that often began as flat or carbonated water.

  • lemonade: water, lemon juice, and a sweetener, to taste
  • iced tea: water, tea, and a sweetener, if desired
  • fruit/veggie/herb-infused water: water plus any combination such as strawberry & lime, lemon & basil, strawberry & basil, lemon & raspberry, and cherry & lime

If none of those flavor combinations sound appealing, consider choosing one or more of the following fruits and vegetables that are in-season in the New York City area: mint, blueberries, apricots, kiwi, cherries, cucumbers and peaches. There are also a number of different ways to infuse the water with the flavors of your choice. 

bottled water in new york city schools

You might try squeezing a bit of the juice from citrus fruit (ex. lime, lemon or orange) into a glass or pitcher of water and enjoying. Depending on the size of the container, sliced or chopped fruit can be placed at the bottom of a pitcher or glass and soaked overnight (pitcher) or for a couple hours (glass). Berries can be mashed and placed at the bottom of a glass, and the glass filled with water. For herbs, such as mint leaves, tear up the leaves, cover them in water, and let the water steep. 

The number of flavor combinations and preparation methods are limitless, but not everyone will have the option or want to prepare a water-based beverage. 

While almost three-quarters of Americans voted bottled water as their first choice, don’t forget about other popular beverages. Sixty-one percent of those polled ranked coffee in second place and soft drinks in third with 59 percent. In 2019, New York City employees and students have a lot of healthier options available including natural and organic sodas and carbonated juices. 

Healthy Vending would like to help New York City employers and schools provide their employees or students with healthy beverages and snacks in their break room or lunchroom vending machine. Hydrated and satiated individuals have more energy and are more focused. For more information or to schedule a product sampling today, call Healthy Vending at 917.572.3671.

Healthy, Plant-Based Diets Are Becoming Mainstream

Healthy Snacks in New York City

Enjoying healthy, plant-based products is becoming more mainstream and less niche in New York City. A recent survey by YouGov, a global public opinion and data company, asked 1,200+ participants about their perceptions of plant-based products. The results found that improved health and wellness is an important concern for many consumers. 34 percent of those surveyed considered adding plant-based foods such as those made with almond milk to their diet as a way to achieve health-related goals.

Why are plant-based foods important? Because they offer a wide variety of health benefits. New York City residents who eat plant-based diets tend to have the following:

  • diets with more fiber and nutrients, but less saturated fat and overall calories
  • lower body weight/BMI, cholesterol, blood sugar, and less abdominal fat (all are risk factors for obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes)
  • higher levels of compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which protects against cell damage and chronic diseases.
  • higher levels of lignans and isoflavones in their blood serum, which is believed to protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Some important, but sometimes scary, numbers about plant-based diets show how eating or not eating them can impact health. Individuals who adopted an overall plant-based diet the most had an 8 percent lower chance of dying. Those who chose a healthy plant-based diet had a 10 percent lower risk of death from heart disease. But, and it’s an unsettling one, individuals who consumed the least healthy diet had an 11 percent higher chance of death.

Healthy Snacks in New York City

Which plant-based foods are New York City individuals looking for? According to the YouGov study, flavor is a key factor for 80 percent of participants when they think about trying something new. 51 percent shared that they were interested in trying a product made from almond milk. With so many paths to choose from to improve one’s health, choosing a plant-based diet has definitely moved to the front of the line. 

In general, a plant-based diet includes whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fruits and vegetables. Remembering to bring healthy snacks to eat throughout the day can be challenging. The following are a few plant-based snack ideas than can help New York City individuals stop hunger during the day. All can be brought from home, but many can also be found in healthy break room vending machines.

  • roasted chickpeas
  • nuts
  • smoothies with a plant-based milk such as almond milk
  • bars made with fruit and other plant-based ingredients
  • veggies chips
  • popcorn
  • lentil/veggie chips
  • edamame
  • fresh fruit and veggies 

Are you interested in helping your New York City employees or students find healthy snacks and beverages while they are at work or at school? Healthy Vending can help customize a break room or lunchroom solution with delicious, satiating and hydrating refreshment options. For more information or to schedule a product sampling, contact us at 917.572.3671.