September Insights Fresh Out the Pantry

Loneliness is making waves in the workplace, and it's not just a minor inconvenience. It deeply impacts productivity, well-being and overall job satisfaction. In fact, younger employees and those working remotely are particularly vulnerable.

Why should you care? Loneliness at work doesn't just affect morale; it impacts your bottom line. Studies from Harvard even suggest that strong social ties at work can lead to a longer, healthier life. "Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives," the study found. "Those ties protect people from life’s discontents, help to delay mental and physical decline, and are better predictors of long and happy lives than social class, IQ, or even genes."

The tea: Want to combat loneliness? Then you need to start improving team engagement.

• Engaged employees are 64% less likely to feel lonely.  
• Employees who say their opinion counts are 39% less likely to be lonely.
• Those who get to do what they do best every day are 37% less likely to be lonely.
• Employees who say they have a best friend at work are 21% less likely to be lonely.

Your office pantry can become a gathering spot, creating those casual, yet meaningful interactions that make employees feel more connected. Think of it as fueling more than just bodies—it’s about fueling camaraderie, too.

If you haven’t heard of “swicy” yet, get ready, because it's coming in hot—literally. ‘Swicy’ is all about mixing sweet and spicy to create a flavor explosion that's both bold and irresistible. Think ghost pepper jams, spicy-sweet salsas and fiery potato chips that spice up your life. 

According to CNN, “As consumers seek out more intense and exciting taste experiences, the fusion of sweet and spicy has emerged as a dominant trend.” They go on to say that brands like Starbucks and Coca-Cola are also adding a little spice in an effort to appeal to younger demographics. Coca-Cola specifically launched a spiced version of the classic Coke and Coke Zero in February of 2024. Coke is starting to feel the heat from smaller, trendier brands like Olipop and Poppi, who are known for their punchy, fruit-forward flavors.

The tea: You don’t need to completely revamp your entire office pantry to jump on this trend. Simply integrating a few ‘swicy’ office snacks can do the trick. Here are a few we recommend: 

• Oh Snap! Hottie Bites, Hot N' Spicy Pickle Snacking Cuts
• Think Jerky Sriracha Honey Turkey Jerky
• Solely Fruit Jerky, Chili Mango with Salt
• Annie Chun's Noodle Bowl, Sweet Chili
• gimMe Snacks Organic Roasted Seaweed Snacks, Wasabi

These options are an easy and effective way to cater to evolving taste preferences without overhauling your entire office snack station. Trust us—once they try a snack that combines the sweetness of honey with the heat of Sriacha, they’ll be hooked.

Despite rising food prices, the demand for feel-good products is stronger than ever. Consumers are increasingly turning to office snacks that not only taste great but also deliver real nutritional benefits. 

"The trend towards premium, health-conscious snacks continues to gain momentum," Food Dive found. "People are seeking out products with fewer additives, more vitamins, and simple, whole ingredients.” 

Here are some highlights from the article: 

• Strong focus on well-rounded whole foods versus diet trends. 
• Use of food as a supplement to add more nutrients to their diet.
• Increase in spice and natural sweetener usage to achieve taste rather than sugar. 
• Continued preference for minimal additives in office snack products. 

The tea: You don’t need to search far to meet these evolving demands. Brands like IQ BAR, CELSIUS, and UnReal are leading the charge with products designed to fuel both body and mind. Stocking your office pantry with these nutritious options can help keep your team energized and engaged. Whether it’s a low-sugar energy drink or a nutrient-packed snack bar, offering these feel-good products is a straightforward way to support your team’s health and boost their productivity.