Month: September 2017

Healthy Snacks in Boston

The New Meal in Boston

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Healthy Snacks in Boston

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 healthy 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, Boston employers need to reexamine their break room snack, beverage, and food options. At the top of the list of preferred ingredients for healthy 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 healthy 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?Healthy Snacks in Boston
  • 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 healthy snacks in your Boston office break room? Whether you are just beginning your office break room journey or would like to update your vending machine or micro-market selections, we can help you with that.  Contact Foley FoodService at 781.551.0711 for more information.

Office Coffee Service in South Shore

South Shore, How Do You Drink Your Coffee?

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Office Coffee Service in South Shore

Did you know that the majority of U.S. coffee drinkers do not drink their coffee black? According to the most recent National Coffee Association’s National Coffee Drinking Trends (NCDT) report, 68 percent of coffee drinkers add some type of non-dairy or dairy product to their coffee, and about 50 percent add a sweetener.

 Coffee & Sugar Trends

  • Dairy and Non-Dairy Additives
    • 35% of coffee drinkers add a non-dairy creamer (or coffee whitener, as it is known in some regions)
    • 14% of coffee drinkers use half and half
    • 13% of coffee drinkers prefer whole milk
    • 5% of coffee drinkers enjoy a non-dairy milk alternative
  • Coffee Flavoring Preferences
    • 21% of coffee drinkers prefer the flavor to be in a powder or liquid creamer
    • 5% of coffee drinkers would rather add the flavoring by itself
  • Demand for “clean label” creamers or creamers made from natural ingredients including plant-based creamers has surpassed demand for “traditional” flavored creamers
  • Increased Demand for Sweeteners
    • 38% of coffee drinkers use sugar
    • 12% of coffee drinkers prefer artificial sweeteners

With an increase in the type and number of potential options that can be used to change the flavor or sweetness of a cup of black coffee, it is important to take the time to understand your employees’ preferences. If their preferences aren’t available, they are likely to go offsite to find that “perfect” beverage.  

Cafe-Style Coffee Service

Offering cafe-style office coffee service in the office break room is a cost-effective way to help encourage South Shore employees to stay onsite when they want a cup of coffee. To make sure everyone is able to customize their coffee, consider offering a mixture of the following products in the office break room:

Office Coffee Service in South Shore

  • non-dairy creamer (or coffee whitener): a plain or flavored liquid or granular substance added to coffee, tea or hot chocolate
  • half-and-half: contains equal parts of whole milk and light cream, and has 10 to 12 percent fat content (more fat than milk, but less fat than cream)
  • milk: cow’s milk that has been fortified with vitamins A and D, and is available as whole milk (~3.5% fat), 2% reduced-fat milk, 1% low-fat milk, and fat-free or skim milk
  • non-dairy “milk” options: almond milk, rice milk, soy milk, etc.
  • sugar: granulated or “regular” sugar, cane sugar, organic sugar, etc.
  • artificial sweeteners: aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, etc.

Which items do your South Shore employees request the most? Are they available? Whether your current coffee service needs a tune-up or you want to create the ultimate break room by adding cafe-style coffee service, Foley FoodService can help. For more information, contact us at 781.551.0711.