The office pantry is more than just a place to store food and beverages. It is a key ingredient in the recipe for a positive workplace culture that supports employee wellness on an individual and collective basis.
Here at Executive Refreshments, we pride ourselves on offering world-class office pantry services to businesses throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, TX. While a reliable service tailored to your demands is vital, knowing which foods to stock is an equally vital part of the process.
Be sure to include the following foods in your office pantry to keep employees in the best physical and mental condition for work.
1. Energy Bars
Energy bars should now be considered a staple in every workplace. Protein bars and similar products are more popular than ever, with the industry now being valued at over $7.4bn. Your pantry should include;
- Protein bars,
- Cereal bars,
- Fruit and nut bars,
- Energy bars.
They offer convenient snacking with more nutritious ingredients than candy bars, which is great for health-conscious employees. Make them a vending machine staple to instantly take your office pantry to the next level.
2. Salads
Salads are the perfect addition to your office pantry. They make an excellent lunch option, light snack, and meals for health-conscious workers. The mainstay of healthy nutrition plans integrates perfectly with your commitment to employee wellness.
An estimated 40% of Americans eat salads regularly, and the workplace environment is a great place for them to do it. From a business perspective, the feel-good factor that follows can translate to increased staff morale.
3. Sandwiches
Research shows that Americans eat in excess of 300 million sandwiches every day. So, it would be madness not to include them in your office pantry, especially as there are so many options available to satisfy all taste preferences. For the best results, you should also include the following products;
- Gluten-free sandwiches,
- Meat-free sandwiches,
- Sandwiches without sauces.
Sandwiches need to be fresh, though, so partnering with a reputable supplier is vital. People expect to see them, and the workplace food offering won’t feel complete until they are present.
4. Wraps
In addition to sandwiches, stocking a selection of wraps will give employees even greater choice. This prevents boredom while also supporting anyone who is left feeling bloated by standard bread.
Again, wraps should be fresh. Pitas are another good alternative to consider. With so many filling options available, it should not be hard to provide an impressive selection. They can be used in vending machines or as part of a complimentary lunch from the business.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt is the perfect addition to any workplace’s food offerings. Whether eaten alone or with fruits and cereals, they provide a host of nutritional benefits. They taste great and feed into virtually all healthy eating plans. For the best results, you should include;
- A wide range of flavors,
- Some high-protein options that leave people feeling full,
- Dairy-free alternatives.
The right choice of yoghurts will also support employee gut health through prebiotics and probiotics. Their popularity, versatility, and convenience make them an ideal breakroom or office cafeteria staple.
6. Cereals
Cereals aren’t only a breakfast staple, they are also a convenient and delicious snack, not least when presented in a snack pot. Meanwhile, options like Lucky Charms can feel like a major treat, thus providing another highlight to a person’s day.
Ordering cereal as part of your office pantry services in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, is a winner. The goods also boast a long shelf life, making them ideal for smaller offices or workplaces that only have a small number of morning shift workers.
7. Chips
It’s hard to consider daily snacks without thinking about chips. They are a great snack while they can also accompany sandwiches, wraps, and other items to form a balanced lunch. The key is to stock chips that are packed with flavor, such as the following brands;
- Cheetos,
- Andy Capp’s,
- Bare Chips,
- Doritos,
- Kettle Chips,
- Lay’s.
A wide selection of flavors will prevent boredom. Even when office workers are pressed for time and seek a quick bite to eat, chips are an ideal choice. Every vending machine should have at least a few varieties on offer.
8. Popcorn
Popcorn shares a lot of qualities with chips, at least in terms of convenience and providing a light snack that’s tasty. However, they offer a different experience and focus on contrasting flavor profiles. This makes them a great addition that stands out from the crowd.
Other products that fit this criterion can include pretzels, jerky, nuts, crackers, and gum. When your Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, workplace has these in addition to chips, employees should be left smiling.
9. Candy Bars
When stocking your office pantry, it’s likely that you will prioritize health foods given the continued shift towards healthy eating. Still, candy bars have a key role to play in vending machines and break room food inventory.
Chocolate bars and other candies provide a sweet treat to give employees a lift, as well as a timely quick-release boost of energy. Most people have a favorite confectionery and will flock to the snacks should you stock them in your office pantry.
10. Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits should be a central feature in the food offering at any workplace. Most people need around two cups worth of fresh fruits daily. Getting them during a work day is highly advised, not least due to their high density per 100 calories. Popular choices include;
- Bananas,
- Apples,
- Oranges,
- Grapes,
- Berries.
Fresh fruits make a fantastic snack on their own. Alternatively, they can accompany many of the other foods mentioned in this list (yogurts, cereals, etc.) to create a more filling meal without
adding too many calories. Fruits must be fresh, though, so a reliable supplier is vital.
11. Fresh Foods
Fresh foods that provide a more substantial meal should also be included. After all, employees may work for eight hours (or even longer), meaning they need full meals. Some great examples include but are not limited to;
- Chicken tenders,
- Chicken, cauliflower, and mash meal,
- Ground turkey, cauliflower, mushroom, and mash meal.
The goal is to stock your office pantry with several options that offer a substantial meal with optimal convenience. There should be meat-free options and other alternatives to ensure that you cater to the whole team. It will help cultivate a winning workplace environment.
12. Water
Ensuring that your office pantry is stocked with the right foods is one thing, but beverages also require attention. Even a 1% drop in hydration can impact cognitive function, leading to a 12% drop in productivity. Water is naturally the best way to combat this problem.
The office break room should have access to fresh water, either through a filter tap or bottled water. When supported by a water cooler in office reception areas, you should see an instant improvement in employee alertness.
13. Coffee
Fighting dehydration is one thing. Yet, many employees will also want a hit of caffeine. Meanwhile, a great-tasting brew can be the ultimate pick-me-up from a mental perspective, either at the start or middle of a shift.
A dedicated coffee service can be incorporated into your office pantry services, giving your employees access to instant coffee, ground coffee, and K-Cup pods. From an intense dark roast to a flavored treat, it’s like bringing the coffee house to the office.
14. Tea
In addition to a variety of coffee options, your break room should offer a selection of teas. Some of the most popular choices include, but are not limited to;
- English breakfast teas,
- Earl Grey teas,
- Fruit teas,
- Green teas,
- Decaf teas,
- Chamomile teas.
Even the coffee drinkers in your workplace will probably limit themselves to two or three cups during a shift. So, having tea – as well as hot chocolate – to provide variety is advised. It is one of the simplest ways to take your drinks offering to the next level.
15. Sodas
Sodas are another essential for your pantry vending machines. They provide hydration and energy in addition to a treat for the taste buds. A lot of employees simply find it easier to drink soda in larger quantities.
From Coca-Cola to 7-Up and Mountain Dew, a range of sodas should be included in your selection. Be sure to stock diet options for calorie-conscious workers too. When working in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, you will need cold beverages available.
16. Juices
Finally, juices provide another good choice for office pantries, not least on hot days. They’re hydrating while they also provide valuable vitamins and nutrients. Moreover, juices offer a quick and convenient way to consume calories if an employee doesn’t have time to stop.
From grape juice to apple juice and apple juice, there are plenty of options available. Check that your stock includes juices with and without pulp to give your employees optimal versatility. If it’s great for the employees, it’s great for business too.
To learn more about office pantry services in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, call the Executive Refreshments team or fill out an online quote form now.
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At Executive Refreshments, we set up and maintain Vending Micro Markets for companies throughout the Dallas Fort Worth Area that transform their break rooms, help boost company morale, and gives them a new way to attract new talent.
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