33 Must-Have Items to Keep Your Office Micro Market Irresistible

Introduction

Micro markets are a modern, practical solution for forward-thinking workplaces. Offering quick and easy access to a range of foods, drinks and everyday essentials, adding a micro market to your break room is a brilliant way to provide convenience for your employees. One of the most important advantages of a workplace micro market is its versatility. The range of items you can stock in a micro market is vast. From popular items to options that aren’t so common, there’s scope to cater to all requirements and tastes.

Data shows a significant increase in the popularity of workplace micro markets, with the US market estimated to be worth $23.9 billion by 2031. Statistics indicate compound annual growth rates of over 10% in the next five years (source).

In this guide to items you can stock in a micro market, we’ll share some ingenious ideas for your break room, highlighting both common and more original options. We’ll also outline the benefits of adding a micro market to your workplace.

What is a Micro Market?

A micro market is a small-scale self-service retail zone, which offers swift, easy access to a range of goods. Micro markets can be used in addition to or instead of conventional vending machines. They represent mini versions of convenience stores, providing opportunities to shop without leaving the premises. As micro markets are self-serve, they don’t require staff and can operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

33 Items You Can Stock in Your Micro Market

Versatility is one of the biggest draws of high-quality micro market vending services. The beauty of this option is that it provides access to a diverse range of products. From snacks, drinks, sweet treats and healthy foods to essential toiletries and medicines, your employees will have everything they need on-site. Having a well-stocked micro market in your workplace makes it quick, easy and hassle-free to get what you need, saving time and effort.

If you’re looking for inspiration for a new micro market for your business, here are 33 items you can stock in your break room retail area:

1. Snack bars

Snacks are designed to bridge gaps between mealtimes, providing a burst of energy and keeping rumbling stomachs at bay. Snack bars are a simple, often nutritious option to grab on the go. Whether you have a packed schedule of meetings, which means you’ll be late having your lunch, or you get hungry between main meals, buying a snack bar is a great way to fuel your body. You can choose from a huge range of products, from fruit and oat bars to cereal bars and protein-rich items. 

Snacking is very common among US adults, with over 90% enjoying at least one snack per day. By adding snack bars to your micro market, you can cater to your employees’ needs and preferences. 

2. Frappuccino

Frappuccinos are cool, refreshing blended drinks made from coffee, ice and flavored syrups. Buying a frappuccino on the way to the office is part and parcel of daily life for many employees, especially during the warm summer months. The great news for staff working in offices and facilities with a micro market is they can access these delicious iced beverages without stopping at a coffee shop or trying to find time to squeeze in a visit to a cafe during their lunch break. 

A 2022 survey on attitudes to frappuccinos by Statista revealed over 60% of consumers either liked or loved them. 

3. Chips

Potato chips are widely regarded as a top-tier snack. These crisp, flavorful snacks are ideal to eat on the go or bulk up a lunchtime meal of sandwiches, soups, salads or wraps. In a poll of America’s most frequently consumed snacks, chips came a very close second to cookies, with almost 60% of people ranking them in first place. 

One of the main reasons why chips are a popular option for micro markets is their versatility. There are myriad varieties of chips, spanning multiple flavor profiles and incorporating different ingredients from potatoes and maize to corn and vegetables. 

4. Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most popular treats on the menu. Providing an intense, indulgent hit of sweet, creamy flavor, many of us are partial to a bar of chocolate now and again. The most popular chocolate bars in the US include Snickers, Hershey’s, KitKat, Twix and Reese’s. 

Global data shows we consume more than 8 million tons of chocolate per year. 

5. Water

Water is the most commonly consumed, abundant drink on the planet. There are several benefits of drinking water, including:

• Boosting hydration and preventing dehydration
• Aiding digestion
• Maintaining healthy body function
• Lowering the risk of constipation
• Enhancing skin and hair health
• Providing a sugar-free, calorie-free alternative to other drinks
• Maintaining optimum electrolyte balance

Health experts recommend a daily intake of 2 liters of water. Providing fast, on-site access to water will help your employees reap the rewards and health benefits while saving them time going to stores or coffee shops. Offering access to water in your break room can also help to encourage healthy everyday habits. Upping your water intake is a simple, effective way to improve your health and well-being. 

6. Energy & sports drinks

The energy and sports drinks market has exploded in the last decade and this trend shows no sign of slowing. Statista data suggests an anticipated CAGR of almost 5% between 2025 and 2029. 

Energy and sports drinks are popular because they provide an instant boost to energy levels and they can help individuals cope with long days or busy schedules. They can provide a pick-me-up after a sleepless night or help maintain high levels of energy for those working overtime or taking on early morning or night shifts. 

7. Sandwiches

Sandwiches are one of the most popular lunchtime choices, but they offer a convenient, healthy option at any time of day. Studies show almost half of US adults eat a sandwich every day. Sandwiches not only taste good, but they’re also versatile. You can switch up your bread choices, fillings and condiments to experiment and keep your weekly work-based menu interesting and exciting. The most popular fillings in the US include:

• Ham
• Grilled chicken
• Turkey
• Roast beef
• Tuna
• BLT
• Peanut butter and jelly

Providing a range of sandwiches at your micro market is an excellent way to make it easy for employees to eat in the workplace and prevent them from having to find the time to make a sandwich before work or visit a store to buy one during their lunch break.

8. Salads

Salads are a nutritious meal for lunch or dinner. Packed with vitamins, minerals and nutrients, they offer an easy way to boost your intake of fruit and vegetables and eat on the move. Offering a range of salads to your staff is an effective way to champion healthy eating at work and ensure employees have nutritious options at their fingertips.

There are lots of ingredients you can add to salads, from meat and fish to nuts, fruit, vegetables and leafy greens. Salads are an ideal lunch choice but they’re also a great side for people who enjoy sandwiches and wraps. 

9. Wraps

Wraps are a fantastic, healthy option for lunches. Designed with convenience in mind, you can eat them on the go with minimal hassle. Choose from different types of wraps, including white, seeded and wholegrain, and a variety of ingredients. Popular options include chicken Caesar, hoisin duck, falafel, cheese, avocado and egg, pesto, and mozzarella and tomato. 

10. Cookies

Surveys show that cookies are officially America’s best-loved snack. Crunchy, gooey and sweet, what’s not to love? For those with a sweet tooth and workers in need of a sugar hit, cookies are the perfect addition to your micro market. 

11. Beef jerky

A popular on-the-go snack, beef jerky provides a serious protein hit. A meaty food that is easy to carry and store, beef jerky is nutritious and filling. Snacking on beef jerky will keep you full for long periods, satisfy hunger pangs and provide essential minerals, including iron and zinc. 

For employees who follow high-protein or low-carb diets, beef jerky provides a brilliant alternative to other common snacks, such as chips, cookies, chocolate and snack bars. 

12. Oatmeal

Many employees start the day early, skipping breakfast at home to avoid traffic or crowds on public transport. Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, yet up to a quarter of Americans miss it. Stocking oatmeal in your micro market is an excellent way to provide convenient access to healthy breakfast options while saving your team time and effort. If you’ve got oatmeal in your market, your employees will know they can eat breakfast at work and start the working day with plenty of energy and enthusiasm. 

13. Cereal

Cereal is one of the most popular breakfast choices. It’s tasty and versatile, and it’s often a healthy choice. If you have cereal in your micro market, you can provide your employees with the option to eat at work in the mornings. There’s a vast array of cereals to choose from, including wholemeal cereals, products packed with fruit, nuts and seeds, and sweet options.

14. Yogurt

Yogurt is often touted as a superfood because it’s packed with calcium and it boosts digestion. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can eat yogurt for breakfast, have it as a dessert or use it as a base for a healthy snack with added fruit, dried fruit, seeds or nuts. 

15. Milk

There are multiple benefits to stocking milk in your micro market. Firstly, some people enjoy drinking milk. Secondly, it can be added to cereal and oatmeal to provide a nutritious, filling breakfast. Thirdly, many people love to drink coffee or tea during the day. The average US adult consumes around 3 cups of coffee per day, according to the National Coffee Association. 

Milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D and it’s also a good source of protein.

16. Fruit juice

Fruit juice can accompany any meal and provide a hydration hit throughout the day. Available in many flavors, fruit juice offers a nutritious alternative to other drinks, such as energy drinks and sodas. 

17. Popcorn

Once associated with going to the movies, popcorn has evolved into a snack for all locations at all times. Popcorn is available in different flavors, including sweet and savory, and it’s often lighter and less calorific than options like chips. 

18. Almonds and other nuts

Nuts are one of the most nutritious snacks on offer. Bursting at the seams with vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients, nuts also contain healthy fats. You can eat nuts as a snack, add them as a side to your main meal or scatter them on foods such as oatmeal, cereal, yogurt or salads to boost your nutrient intake. 

Here are just some of the nutrients nuts provide:

• Vitamin E
• Iron
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Zinc 
• Selenium
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• B vitamins
• Niacin
• Calcium

19. Toiletries

Most of us use toiletries on a daily basis. Stocking everyday essentials in your workplace micro market means your employees can buy toiletries at work without worrying about going to a store or being without the critical items they need for the day. From things you use at work to items you’ll take home, it’s brilliant to have everything available to you on-site. Examples of toiletries you could stock in your micro market include:

• Toilet paper
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Shaving cream
• Sanitary products

20. Cleaning supplies

Americans spent an average of $787 on cleaning products per household in 2022, according to Statista. Cleaning supplies are essential for maintaining fresh, healthy and hygienic home environments. If you work long hours, or you have a hectic schedule, you might not have time to get to the store to replenish your supplies. This is where a micro market comes in handy. With access to popular products, you can make shopping stress-free and convenient for your team. 

Items you may wish to add to your inventory include:

• All-purpose cleaners
• Dish soap, for example, Dawn
• Cascade dishwashing pods
• Tide stain remover pens
• Tide Pods
• Tide detergent

21. Gum & mints

Chewing gum and eating mints can boost oral health while also ensuring you have fresh breath. This is essential if you’re attending meetings, visiting clients or taking part in front-of-house activities and engagements. Providing a range of sugar-free options will help to enhance dental health. When you chew gum after eating, it stimulates saliva production, neutralizing acids in the mouth. 

22. Gummy candy

Sometimes, you need candy to give you a bit of extra energy and oomph. Gummies like Trolli and Lifesavers deliver an intense burst of sweet, sugary or sour flavor to prevent mid-afternoon slumps or provide a treat at the end of a long or tough day. 

23. Medicines

The vast majority of employees will be familiar with battling a headache at work or struggling through the day when they’re sick with a cough or cold or generally feeling under the weather. In cases of minor illnesses, taking medication can help you muddle through the day and tackle work with greater clarity, focus and energy. Adding medicines to your micro market will enable your team to get the treatment they need without going to a drug store. 

Examples of medicines you can stock include Tylenol and Advil. 

24. Ice cream

Ice cream is always a treat, especially when it’s hot and sunny outside. On a scorching day, there’s nothing more refreshing than an ice cream. A popular snack, treat and dessert, your employees can enjoy iced goods at any time of day. 

You can stock products from leading brands, such as Nestle, Mars and Haagen Dazs. Examples include:

• Snickers
• M&M
• Twix
• Oreo
• Helados

25. Frozen Entrées / Frozen Meals

One of the best things about having a micro market at work is that you can save time on shopping by getting everything you need in the workplace. Frozen entrées make it quick and easy for your employees to plan menus and enjoy hearty, convenient dinners when they get home. Frozen meals are ideal for late finishes, busy evenings with other commitments and nights when you don’t fancy cooking. 

26. Noodles

Noodles are an increasingly popular snack and entrée. Ready in a matter of minutes, they offer a tasty, nutritious meal with minimal effort. You can stock different flavors and types to cater to a wide range of tastes. Your team can snap up a noodle dish for lunch or shop on the move to eat at home for dinner. 

27. Crackers

Crackers are savory biscuits, which are often added to lunchboxes alongside sandwiches, wraps or salads or enjoyed as a snack between meals. They work well with butter, cheese and other spreads, but they can also pack a flavor punch without additional ingredients or fillings and toppings. 

28. Heat and serve meals

When you’re busy at work, you may not have time to rustle up a feast in the evening or pack a healthy lunch to take to the office with you. Heat and serve meals are a fast, nutritious option, which makes it easy to eat well even when you’re tight for time. These high-quality meals feature an entrée with a side of veggies, providing the perfect meal for those in a rush. 

29. Teas

Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world after water. Tea can be comforting, warming or refreshing, depending on the type you choose. A popular choice for breakfast and mid-afternoon, teas come in various guises. From vibrant, zesty fruit teas and crisp, fresh green tea to soothing milky black tea, there’s a tea for every individual and occasion. 

30. Breakfast sandwiches

A robust breakfast sets you up for the day and helps to prevent hunger and dips in energy levels until lunchtime. Breakfast sandwiches are a stalwart of the breakfast and brunch scene combining the tried and tested sandwich formula with popular breakfast ingredients. Examples include bacon and eggs, avocado and eggs, mushrooms, smoked salmon and eggs, and sausage.

31. Frozen Snacks

Frozen snacks are a go-to when you’re in a hurry, you finish late or you don’t have the time or energy to cook at home. Ideas for popular frozen meals for your micro market include:

• Hot Pockets
• Stouffer’s
• Frozen pizza

32. Mac n Cheese

An all-time favorite, Mac n Cheese is a hearty meal for any occasion. A simple but effective recipe, which involves smothering tiny tubes of pasta with decadent, smooth cheese sauce, this is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. From lunch to dinner and side to entrée, Mac n Cheese is one of the most versatile dishes around. 

33. Soup

If you’re looking for hearty meals you can enjoy on the go, it’s hard to beat soup. Perfect for cold winter days, a big bowl of soup will keep you warm and fill you up. Popular product includes Campbell’s.

What are the Advantages of a Micro Market?

There are many advantages to setting up a micro market in your workplace. These include:

1. Optimize convenience for your employees
2. Encourage healthy eating by providing access to fresh food and nutritious options
3. Prevent lost time by enabling staff to shop on-site
4. Boost productivity by providing access to everything your employees need at work
5. Increase employee engagement and socialization by encouraging people to spend more time in break rooms and communal areas
6. Reduce the need for extended breaks during working hours
7. Help employees access essentials, from food and drinks to medicines and toiletries
8. Provide rapid, easy access to useful products

Conclusion

Micro markets are a fantastic addition to your break room or workplace. Offering swift, hassle-free access to a wide range of products, micro markets deliver unrivaled convenience for employees. One of the main advantages of a micro market is its versatility. This list of 33 items contains an extensive, diverse selection of products. From the most popular snacks, treats and meals on the market to more niche requests, your micro market can cater to all your staff.

Ready to Stock Your Micro Market? Contact Us Now!

If you’re thinking about setting up a micro market in your workplace, or you’re looking for inspiration for products to stock, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.