3 Trends Redefining the Office Break Room [May 2025]

This isn’t about which celebrity appeared in a commercial. Today’s beverage battles are about supply chain survival. PepsiCo is relocating soda production back to the US to avoid rising costs tied to aluminum tariffs, while Coca-Cola is opting for a wait-and-see approach. These contrasting strategies reflect the broader instability in global packaging and ingredient sourcing.

Key developments:

• PepsiCo is shifting US production to dodge tariffs.
• Coca-Cola is sticking with its current operations despite the financial risks.
• Tariff ripple effects could impact beverage pricing and availability into 2026.

The tea: Yes, soda is still a break room favorite, but with aluminum tariffs rising and global sourcing under pressure, your pantry program needs more than fan-favorite flavors. It needs resilience. As Crafty CFO Cam Lawrence explains in his recent deep dive on future-proofing workplace programs, the key isn’t just to prepare for tariffs, it’s to design systems that can flex when disruption hits. 

“Economic volatility is no longer the exception, but the operating environment…Success starts with seeing your pantry spend as it happens and making adjustments quickly when market conditions shift.”

Cam Lawrence, CFO, Crafty

So what does that look like in practice?

• Plan for price shifts without panic. Tariffs may not impact your beverage pricing today, but costs could rise tomorrow. Take a look at your data and see where there are opportunities to swap to bulk formats. For example, you can skip the cans altogether by swapping to a Bevi for your sparkling water. It's an investment now, but the payoff down the road can be worth it.  
• Invest in what matters. Crafty’s real-time data tools allow you to see what your team consumes and make smarter choices that align with taste, values, and budget. "A great employee experience isn’t defined by the cost of a single item, but shaped by thoughtful choices," says Cam. "When prices rise, the instinct may be to cut broadly, but a more effective response is to curate carefully, focusing on the items that deliver the most value to your team."

Read Crafty CFO Cam Lawrence’s full insights. →

States like California and New York are leading a push to eliminate synthetic dyes and additives from the U.S. food system. These ingredients are already banned in Europe, and the U.S. could be headed for stricter regulations as public pressure builds.

What’s happening:

• Bans are being considered for dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5 & 6, Blue 1 & 2.
• California has already enacted school-based restrictions, taking effect in 2027.
• Rising consumer demand for “clean label” foods is pressuring brands to reformulate ahead of policy changes.

The tea: No immediate changes are needed, but the signal is clear: your employees are paying closer attention to what they consume. Staying informed and making thoughtful choices now builds trust and positions you to adapt smoothly if regulations take hold.