What to Drink & When: Beverages for All-Day Refreshment

Think about your daily routines: waking up, preparing for the day, eating meals, unwinding before bed… Chances are, you tend to do similar things around the same time every day. Now, think about what drinks you sip on throughout it.

These days, consumers think of drinks as more than just something that goes alongside a meal or a snack; they can stand on their own. The world of beverages has expanded in recent years. With consistent innovation, drinks have become essential parts of everyday rituals, nourishment for health and wellness, and reasons to enjoy meaningful moments with friends and colleagues.

In the morning, it’s fairly typical to reach for an energizing cup of coffee or tea. So, what should we continue to drink throughout the day? What will keep us energized and refreshed during a hard day’s work? Read this blog to better understand what to drink throughout the workday and when to drink it.

The Current State of Beverages

The beverage market is seeing growth across multiple categories, reaching $490 billion in sales in 2025 with an average compounded growth rate of 3%. As of February 2026, beverages made up six of the top 20 growth categories in the retail sector.

Some of this growth is due in part to trends surrounding health and wellness, recreation, innovation, generational preferences, and even viral online recipes and trends.

Functional Beverages

In the health and wellness space, functional and better-for-you beverages are on the rise. Health-conscious consumers are looking for unique ingredients with additional benefits like prebiotics

, probiotics, electrolytes, and naturally-derived energy. They want drinks that go beyond hydration and refreshment to offer healthy elements that positively affect their wellbeing.

Think of how many gut-healthy sodas you’ve probably seen pop up over the last couple of years. These drinks along with kombucha, reduced sugar sports drinks, and plant-based energy drinks are becoming staples in people’s grocery carts.

The population of functional beverage seekers is growing. Recently, 62% of consumers believed that beverages play an important role in their health and wellness. This is especially true among younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z. 44% of all consumers agreed with the statement, “I like my beverages to do something for me, such as provide energy, nutrients, or other benefits.”

The Snackification of Beverages

When you think of a drink, you might not immediately think of it as a snack, but think again! These days, 64% of consumers say they snack on beverages. These drinks might accompany a quick bite or even replace a meal altogether.

Hartman’s “Modern Beverage Culture Report” found that 65% of consumers said they always have a beverage on hand. Of this 65%, 73% are Millennials, followed by 63% of Gen X and 58% of Boomers.

As attitudes around beverages and their role in our diets change, it’s important to cater to people’s wants and needs. This is something to keep in mind when creating an all-day beverage program guests will love.

The Zero-Proof Revolution

Many consumers, especially those of the Gen Z demographic, are driving development in non-alcoholic drinks. These drinks experienced 10% growth in 2024, outpacing traditional alcoholic categories.

Social drinking occasions are then centered around coffee or tea-based drinks and mocktails. Gen Z is especially interested in customizing their drinks, experimenting with innovative flavors and adding sweeteners, creamers, and syrups.

Viral Drinks

The content consumers see online is another source of inspiration for the drinks they enjoy. Social media platforms are accelerating beverage innovation. Content creators try new formats and flavors in their drinks that quickly go viral on apps like Instagram and TikTok.

One trend that’s emerged from social media is “dirty sodas.” This refers to drinks that combine soda, flavored syrups, and creams like half-and-half and coconut cream.

Another kind of drink gaining traction online is the mocktail. Mocktails are non-alcoholic mixed drinks that blend juices, syrups, herbs, and tonics to create beverages with complex flavors. As Gen Z consumers shift away from alcoholic beverages and take more interest in alcohol-free drinks, mocktails continue to thrive with this demographic.

Drinking in Dayparts

Current beverage trends are shaping what and how we drink throughout the day. The development of functional and non-alcoholic beverages has emphasized the importance of beverages that target specific times of day. Morning drinks might include ingredients like adaptogens and nootropics to enhance alertness. To unwind later in the day, people might reach for evening drinks with ingredients that promote relaxation, like chamomile or lavender.

Creating a robust beverage program in your workplace or business can cater to consumers’ wants and needs, allowing you to offer an enjoyable and memorable refreshment experience.

Morning

Kick Off with Caffeine & Hydration

It’s often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The facts back this up. How you fuel your body in the morning jumpstarts your metabolism and influences how you process the rest of your meals, snacks, and drinks.

So, when it comes to what you drink, you should think about setting yourself up for success. Whether you’re looking for something to kickstart your morning or a filling meal replacement, here are a few drinks you should consider having first thing:

• Coffee: This is probably the most obvious choice. For a lot of people, a morning cup of joe is essential to productivity. And for good reason! Starting with a good cup of coffee can provide an energy boost and get your metabolism into gear.
• Green tea: Like coffee, green tea is another caffeinated and energizing drink. It has less caffeine than coffee, so it’s typically considered a gentler energy boost. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine can improve focus and mental clarity.
• Smoothies: Often used as a meal replacement, smoothies can make great breakfast drinks. This is especially true for smoothies with high amounts of protein and nutritious ingredients like leafy greens.
• Protein Drinks: Ready-to-drink protein shakes and protein-infused drinks can also make great meal replacements. Drinks like these help people feel full in the mornings and easily absorb necessary nutrients.
• Fruit-Infused Water: A great way to hydrate in the mornings and gain some extra nutrients is drinking fruit-infused water. For example, lemon water can support digestion, provide vitamin C, and overall be a refreshing way to start the day.

Afternoon

Refresh Throughout the Day

You may have experienced or at least heard of the “midday slump.” Sometimes, our energy dips in the middle of the day. This is especially true when we don’t properly fuel our bodies with the right nutrients.

When consumers seek something to drink in the afternoon, they’re likely looking for drinks that are light and refreshing. They want something to keep them going. In the afternoons, we tend to reach for:

• Water: Staying hydrated throughout the day is an essential part of staying productive throughout the workday. It’s also vital to our well-being. Offering multiple options for water, including sparkling, fruit-infused, and flavored water can help workers or guests increase water intake and feel their best.
• Pre or Probiotic Sodas: Gut-healthy sodas have gained a lot of traction in recent years. Health-conscious consumers are interested in drinks with reduced sugar and less processed ingredients that still offer the crisp, carbonated taste of soda. Several fiber-rich sodas are gaining popularity with inventive flavors.
• Energy Drinks: Plant-based energy drinks and naturally caffeinated energy drinks help fight off midday dips in productivity. Many consumers prioritize consuming caffeine earlier in the day, including early afternoon hours.
• Iced Coffee: The global iced coffee market is expected to grow from $11.1 billion in 2024 to $21.4 billion by 2034. In the afternoon, consumers might still want a cold and energizing drink and often reach for cold coffee whether that be iced coffee or cans of ready-to-drink coffee.
• Tea and Tea-Based Drinks: Those looking for a gentler lift in energy might be more enticed by tea drinks. Iced black tea and matcha contain an amino acid known as L-theanine that provides a gentle lift and promotes a state of “calm alertness.”
• Other Functional Drinks: The afternoon is also a great time to prioritize taking in nutrients that might not have been in the food someone has eaten throughout the day. Drinks like kombucha or a beverage with electrolytes are also popular choices for midday refreshment.

Evening

At the end of the day, consumers tend to want to relax and unwind. They choose drinks with ingredients that promote stress reduction and may aid in sleep.

Workers might grab something to drink before leaving the workplace, and guests may select one of these beverages before retiring to a hotel room for the night. In your selection of evening drinks, consider offering things like:

• Water: Just as during any other time of day, hydration is important in the evening as well. Whether they grab a bottle of water from a cooler or refill a refillable bottle at a water dispenser, workers might need something to sip on for the drive home.
• Adaptogenic Drinks: Drinks with adaptogenic ingredients like ashwagandha or reishi can help people reduce stress and foster a calm attitude at the end of the workday.
• Herbal Teas: Herbal teas containing chamomile, valerian, or lavender can promote relaxation and aid in sleep.
• Mocktails: For those hoping to meet up with friends after a hard day’s work, mocktails are great drinks to enjoy while socializing. Mocktails offer all the fun of a mixed drink without the alcoholic ingredients that might disrupt sleep.

Creating a Beverage Experience

The first part in creating a great beverage program is… well, great beverages. Whether brewing craft coffee and tea or catering to health-conscious employees’ needs for functional beverages, your business can supply it all.

When you provide great amenities, your employees feel cared for and may think more positively about your organization as a whole.

Employing a food service partner like Canteen can help you customize an all-day beverage experience that your employees will love. Get started with us today and explore the pos-sip-bilities.

The post Beverages for All-Day Refreshment first appeared on Canteen.

Offer Great Campus Dining to Fuel Student Success

When people think of what drives success on a college campus, they might think of supportive, helpful professors and well-stocked libraries. While those things are certainly important, there’s something we tend to overlook. 

What fuels students’ success (quite literally) is the food they eat every day. Nutrition impacts so much of students’ lives, including their focus, memory, mood, and ultimately their GPA.

To care for students’ wellbeing, it’s important to have access to the right food on campus. Unfortunately, higher education institutions are increasingly facing challenges in supporting student well-being. Nearly half of U.S. college students experience food insecurity at some point in their academic careers. Many report that campus dining doesn’t meet their needs. But, with the right approach, campus dining programs can be powerful tools to support academic performance and student well-being.

Let’s take a closer look at why nutrition matters to students, what students want from their foodservice providers, and how Canteen can help your campus deliver exactly that.

How Does Nutrition Impact Academic Performance?

When students are food insecure, they have far more to worry about than their pending exam score. They’re hungry and might not know exactly where their next meal is coming from or when they’re going to get it. According to national estimates, about 44% of American college students are food insecure, more than four times the rate seen in the general population. Having accessible, affordable options on campus is all the more important to support students’ well-being.

In turn, food insecurity measurably impacts academic performance. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, food-insecure students average a 3.33 GPA while food-secure students averaged a 3.51 GPA. It may seem like a relatively small gap at first, but it can lead to fewer scholarships, less confidence, and far more stress both in and out of the classroom.

Beyond the numbers on paper, students who are forced to skip meals can have a generally hard time with academics. Skipping meals, especially breakfast, can reduce alertness, impair memory, and slow down problem-solving skills. This makes it all the more difficult to study and learn. Food also provides key nutrients like vitamin B, folate, iron, and calcium. A lack of these nutrients are linked to fatigue, anxiety, and mood disturbances.

When students can’t regularly access balanced meals, it’s harder to stay focused in class, complete assignments, or participate fully in campus life.

What Students Want from Campus Dining

Today’s students have made what they want clear. Students prefer fresh, balanced meals that fit their lifestyle, values, and budget. Higher education student surveys consistently highlight students’ primary priorities.

1. Variety and Balanced Nutrition

Students want more than your typical cafeteria options. It shouldn’t all be pizza, pasta, and continental breakfast. They want globally inspired dishes, plant-based and flexitarian options, and meals that accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and religious dietary needs.

One study found that 57% of students want global or regional cuisine on campus, and 15% prefer plant-based or flexitarian menus. This variety not only keeps dining interesting but also ensures that dining facilities are meeting students’ nutritional needs.

By implementing exciting and nutritious culinary concepts and food stations that cater to students’ needs for variety and health-conscious foods, you can make a real difference to the people on your campus.

2. Flexible Hours and On-Demand Access

College schedules don’t follow a traditional 9-to-5. Students don’t even have the same schedule as each other. Some have classes early in the morning while others have them well into the night. And they need on-campus dining hours to reflect their unconventional schedules. Nearly half of students want dining halls to open earlier or stay open later, and 39% say they’d like continuous service throughout the day.

Students also cite convenience as the single biggest reason they choose to eat on campus, with 65% saying it’s the top driver for using dining facilities.

You don’t need to put all your eggs in one basket, either. You might not have the infrastructure or manpower to keep a dining facility running 24/7. This is where on-campus vending and markets can deliver the experience your cafeterias can’t. Unattended retail solutions are available all day and night, making the perfect solution for early mornings or late night study sessions. They’re also affordable alternatives to meal plans and may better support students from low-income backgrounds.

3. Technology Integration

Students today expect dining to be tech-enabled. They appreciate integrated technology like mobile menus, nutritional information apps, self-checkout kiosks, and contactless payment.

Over 50% of Gen Z, the generation making up the majority of the current college student population, have used delivery platforms or aggregator apps for meals. And 41% say they would switch providers for a smoother digital experience. As we mentioned before, convenience is key, so it makes sense that people on campus are looking for a quick and easy way to get their food that’s both convenient and cost-efficient.

4. Freshness, Quality, and Value

While students have made it clear they want variety in their meals, they tend not to prefer novelty. Most students prioritize the taste, freshness, and value of food over unusual or new ingredients.

You might have some changes to make. According to a survey from Inside Higher Ed, 37% of students believe their campus dining needs improvement. And it won’t just make students happier, it might also entice more students to purchase a meal plan. 

According to Technomic’s College and University Consumer Trend Report, 77% of students who don’t have a meal plan said that better quality, greater variety, and improved convenience would persuade them to sign up. That could be a big opportunity for campuses to win over more students.

Benefits of Improving On-Campus Dining

When college and university campuses invest in the well-being of their students through student-centric dining, the benefits extend far beyond the plate.

Here are some additional benefits of enhancing the dining experience on your campus:

• Improved Academic Performance: Students perform their best when they have the right food fueling their bodies and brains. Good nutrition improves college students’ focus, energy, and mood which can all affect how they perform in the classroom. Ultimately, better nutrition helps narrow the GPA gap between food-secure and food-insecure students.

• Better Mental Health: We know that healthy foods support our physical health, but they also support our mental health. Our guts produce over 90% of our body’s serotonin, the neurotransmitter that produces feelings of happiness and well-being. Nutrient-rich meals support stable moods, reduce fatigue, and improve resilience. This is especially important as higher education institutions face rising concerns about student mental health. In 2025, 70% of students have struggled with mental health since starting college, according to a U.S. News/Generation Lab report.

• Higher Meal Plan Participation: Quality, convenience, and value encourage more students to enroll in meal plans. More students can then have access to convenient, nutritionally fulfilling meals that will help them bring their best selves to the classroom and achieve academic success.

• Stronger Campus Community: Dining spaces that reflect student tastes and priorities become social hubs and give groups of peers a sense of belonging. Food brings people together, and many can have a conversation over a good meal and stay connected.

Key Recommendations for Campus Dining Success

For universities and colleges looking to improve dining services, implementing these strategies can help:

1. Prioritize Breakfast and Nutrient-Dense Meals: Give students the fuel they need to get through their days. Consider extending your dining hall hours to earlier in the morning or later in the evening or install unattended retail solutions so students can eat at any time.

2. Offer Variety: Consider incorporating seasonal menus, global cuisine, and plant-based options. Keep your student body in mind. With a multitude of backgrounds, students may need food that aligns with their dietary restrictions or cultural or religious practices.

3. Include Unattended Retail: Add micro markets with grab-and-go food options for maximum flexibility. Study hours can be at any time, and many people need brain food at any given time.

4. Integrate Technology: Include technology with mobile ordering, nutritional transparency, and touchless payment. In an increasingly digital world, younger generations tend to stay on the cutting edge of technology.

5. Gather and Act on Feedback: Ensure your campus dining meets evolving student needs. Students want to know that their voices matter, so listen to what they have to say and see what your campus can reasonably implement.

6. Make Dining Affordable: Try creating meal plan incentives and programs that reduce food insecurity.

7. Connect Food and Wellness: Introduce programming that supports mental health and academic focus.

How Canteen Helps Campuses Deliver

Meeting these expectations takes more than adding a few new menu items. It requires a thoughtful, student-centered dining strategy. This is where Canteen shines.

Varied, Seasonal, and Balanced Menus

Canteen designs menus that are nutritionally balanced and appeal to a variety of people, offering everything from plant-based entrees to globally inspired dishes. Seasonal rotations keep menus fresh and exciting, while allergen-friendly and high-protein options ensure all students can find something that meets their needs.

Flexible, 24/7 Access

Through self-checkout micro markets with grab-and-go offerings, Canteen provides around-the-clock access to healthy snacks and meals. This directly supports students with late-night study sessions, early morning labs, or nontraditional class schedules.

Tech-First Dining Experience

With mobile menus, nutritional transparency, contactless payment, and self-service kiosks, Canteen offers the digital experiences students expect. That makes dining faster, easier, and more engaging.

A Wellness-Focused Approach

Canteen integrates wellness programming into campus dining spaces, encouraging healthy eating habits and connecting food to mental health and academic performance. Nutrition-focused culinary concepts like Chef’s Table, the Main Dish, and Salad Studio close the nutrient gaps that impact concentration and mood.

Student-Driven Innovation

Regular surveys, feedback loops, and focus groups ensure dining evolves with student preferences. From adjusting menus to expanding service hours, Canteen works in partnership with campuses to keep offerings relevant and well-received.

Nutrition is a cornerstone of student success, but it’s often overlooked. It’s an important part of the college experience that we need to address. With nearly half of students facing food insecurity, campus dining programs have a unique opportunity and responsibility to bridge that gap.

Students want meals that are fresh, balanced, convenient, and tech-enabled, all at a fair price. By partnering with a provider like Canteen, campuses can meet these needs, improve student satisfaction, and directly support better academic outcomes.

When dining is designed around students, everyone wins. Support your students’ wellness and nutritional needs with upgraded food service that positively impacts your campus. Get started with Canteen today.

The post Offer Great Campus Dining to Fuel Student Success first appeared on Canteen.

When most people think of a typical eating schedule, they think of three square meals a day. Some might even throw in some room for snacks or desserts. But what if we told you that may be turning into an unconventional way of eating? Our attitudes and behaviors surrounding food are changing, and people are creating new rules for when and how they eat.

Recent research shows that people are evolving past the standard work-eat schedule of three meals a day and towards a snack revolution of around-the-clock eating. It isn’t just an American phenomenon, either; people are snacking more all around the world.

According to Mondelēz International’s State of Snacking Report, tracking attitudes and behaviors among thousands of consumers across 12 countries, 91% of global consumers have at least one snack per day. 61% of global consumers have at least two snacks per day, and the average number of snacking occasions in a day has now risen to 2.3. These numbers reflect the modern consumer’s needs. With rises in remote work, a need for convenience, health-consciousness, and younger demographics like Millennials and Gen Z creating a “snackification” culture, millions of people are changing the population’s eating patterns.

Let’s take a closer look at the factors shaping how we snack and why it’s relevant to your business.

How We Work and How We Eat

For centuries, people have centered their eating schedules around when they work. 

In ancient times and throughout the Middle Ages, people ate sporadically. They based when they ate on success in hunting or agriculture and the amount of light they had during the daytime. By the late 1700s, the Industrial Revolution changed this. Workdays became longer, and people couldn’t return home in the afternoon to have dinner. By the end of the 18th century, most people began to eat dinner in the evening after the workday. 

Workers in Europe and the United States also needed a regular morning meal that could sustain them throughout the workday. By the early 20th century, breakfast culture was on the rise. 

Lastly, workers needed food between the two meals to keep them fueled while working in factories. Lunch used to be more of a snack than a formal meal, but around 1850 lunch became a meal to fill the gap between breakfast and dinner.

In modern times, there’s been a rise in remote and hybrid work. And once again, how we work has changed when and what we eat. 

For many, more time at home means more time for snacking. The short walk from the couch to the kitchen makes food more accessible throughout the workday. Sometimes, a snack gives you the chance to step away from your work and take a break. Other times, it’s to satisfy a craving or just to offer a moment of reprieve that makes you happy.

Some people even began skipping meals altogether and replacing meals with snacks. Think of those friends who describe themselves as “grazers,” opting to munch throughout the day rather than set chunks of time aside for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. According to ezCater’s 2024 Food for Work Report, 65% of workers eat snacks as meals, and 48% of workers skip meals entirely.

Remote and hybrid work may be a key driver for the increase in snacking.

How We Think About Snacks

From America’s inception through about the mid-1980s, the American workday, menu, and social clock centered around meals, and people discouraged eating between meals. Think of all the times you might have heard, “Don’t eat that; you’ll spoil your appetite,” as a kid. Even as adults, eating outside of mealtimes might be unseemly or overindulgent.

Now, it seems more people have embraced snacking, especially folks from Millennial, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha generations. These groups tend to run on snacks. Think about viral internet trends like “girl dinner” where young women and girls ditch big dinners for high-volume assortments of low-effort snack foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and cheeses. Charcuterie boards are all the rage, and young people are embracing the idea of grabbing “a little treat” or “a sweet treat” to boost their moods throughout the day.

In the three decades leading up to 2008, the average American doubled their daily snack intake. The percentage of adults snacking during the day rose from 59% to 90%.

More and more, people are considering snacking as a form of self care. More consumers are turning to snacks for a form of emotional support. Millennials and Gen Z love their snacks, and they also love to share them. 71% of global consumers say that sharing snacks is their “love language,” and nine in 10 consumers agree, “Life is more fun with a bit of indulgence.”

The stigma around enjoying snacks has lessened overtime, and more and more people have accepted the fun side of snacking. Some people eat snacks just because it’s a fun thing to do! It can also be a way to connect with others. We often gather around meals, and snacks are no different. When people want to meet up, they’ll often do so around food, whether it’s a nice dinner or a quick bite in a coffee shop.

This positive repositioning of snacks and the culture that surrounds them is another key driver creating a snack-happy society.

Snacks and Health-Consciousness

It might seem counterintuitive that snacking would be a health-conscious activity, but that isn’t the reality! Eating smaller meals and snacks throughout the day can be just as healthy, if not more healthy, than prioritizing three meals a day. 

In fact, many studies suggest that eating more frequently can decrease hunger and overall food intake. One study of about 2,700 people even found that people who ate at least six times a day at fewer calories, consumed healthier foods, and had a lower body mass index than those who ate fewer than four times a day. Eating multiple small meals throughout the day may also have positive effects on cholesterol and insulin levels.

It’s also becoming more common to eat meals frequently. According to the Mondelēz International State of Snacking Report, 62% of consumers agree that they prefer to eat many small meals throughout the day, as opposed to a few large ones.

People are also starting to consume snacks more mindfully than they have in the past. It’s not just about grabbing something convenient, it’s also about fueling your body to keep you going throughout the day. 

Wellness is on the rise, and folks have begun to scrutinize nutrition and ingredient labels a little more closely. The healthy snacks market reached $90.62 billion in 2022, continuing the trend of steady annual growth.

More consumers are choosing brands that include quality ingredients in their food. They want to enjoy less healthy foods in moderation and prioritize eating what’s good for them and aligns with their dietary goals. Options like low or no fat, low or no sugar, gluten-free, and vegan snacks are growing increasingly popular.

Having snacks is important. Having the right snacks is crucial.

The Future of Snacking

We’ve looked at the present, now let’s take a glance toward the future. Several consumer-related trends are shaping the way we snack.

Increasingly Fluid Lifestyles

As we mentioned before, more people work remotely or on hybrid schedules than ever before. The home has become a central hub of activity. As more workers prioritize a work-life balance, the demand for convenient and on-the-go options increase.

Modern consumers live busy lives. Some people don’t have time to sit down and plan out what meals they’ll eat throughout the week. More than ever, people decide on their meals in the moment. They might have less time to prepare meals. This is another reason the “snackification” of meals has become more popular. When you don’t have time to map out what you’re going to cook for dinner, having a pre-packaged back-up. It’s  all the more important that consumers have snacks that are high in nutritional value and can replace meals.

In the digital age, convenience is key. Whether it’s because more people are multi-tasking while working and eating simultaneously or the need for time-saving solutions, people crave efficiency. More than ever, convenient checkouts and hassle-free eating are shaping how we eat and making snacks that much more relevant. 

Sustainable Snacking

Knowledge surrounding environmental awareness is all the more accessible, and people are making more sustainable and ethical decisions about how and what they eat. People are looking for food options that aren’t just good for them, but are also good for the planet.

Today’s consumers are increasingly looking for brands and products that seek to minimize their carbon footprint. They are looking to support brands that prioritize environmentally-friendly packaging and reduced food waste.

There is also an increased interest in plant-based and vegan options. More consumers are concerned with greenhouse gas emissions and animal welfare, leading them to choose foods with plant-based and alternative ingredients. 57% of consumers say they are trying to eat less meat, and 46% are actively reducing their overall dairy consumption.

Health and Well-Being

Greater understanding of health and nutrition has influenced how we eat. As more people are aware of how nutrition works and how they can make mindful, healthy decisions, there is a greater emphasis on making nutritional choices.

There is a growing demand for foods with clean ingredients and clear, straight-to-the-point nutrition information.

People also prioritize certain ingredients in their foods. Whether it’s the season’s superfood or ingredients that play a key role in gut health, consumers are interested in functional nutrition. For example, gut health has become a hot topic, driving the creation and sales of products with pre-and probiotics. 

In recent years, people have had  increased stress and mental health concerns. This has placed an emphasis on products with ingredients like vitamins B and D, zinc, and magnesium, to support mood and cognitive function. It’s also played into a need for taking breaks, enjoying snacks, and being mindful about indulgence.

An Experience Economy

People have also put an emphasis on experiences over material possessions. The experience and social situations surrounding food are all the more relevant in a current context.

Food and snacks can then be an exciting way to try new things. There is more emphasis on innovative flavors and attention-grabbing ingredients that can offer a brand new experience to a consumer. Premium and artisanal foods also play into the novelty of food.

Aside from new experiences, one might prefer to reflect on the past. Escapism and nostalgia offer a moment of reprieve in today’s fast-paced and complex world. 68% of global consumers often seek out snacks that remind them of their childhood or past experiences. In a world of an experience-based economy, looking at the past can be just as worthwhile as looking to the future.

How we eat has changed drastically, especially since the boom in remote and hybrid work. More people are snacking through rather than building a schedule around three large meals. Workers are all the more interested in what perks and benefits their employees offer, specifically when it comes to free or subsidized food. 

Keeping up with how modern consumers, and employees, speaks to how your company cares about its workers. At Canteen, we understand it can be difficult to stay on top of every snack trend. That’s why we make partnering with us simple and do all the heavy-lifting for you!

As a food service partner and the largest unattended retail provider in the U.S., we leverage design expertise, consumer insights, and the latest in product and equipment innovation to help you create a better workplace and connect your employees. Get started with Canteen today and see how a food and beverage program can transform your workplace.

The post Eating Evolution and the Shift to Snack Culture first appeared on Canteen.

For many of us, the work day would feel incomplete without a cup of coffee. In fact, it can be difficult to properly start the day without it. Four out of five adults consume caffeine daily. And for good reason! It isn’t just about how much we enjoy the taste of that first sip, it’s about what caffeine does to our bodies and brains. It’s like having a superpower in a mug!

Coffee is the most common source of caffeine, and caffeine is a stimulant that affects the functions of our cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and nervous systems. The coffee or tea you drink throughout the day directly impacts your mood, memory, alertness, and cognitive performance.

Coffee is one of the most beloved drinks in the world, and many of us acknowledge it as a productivity elixir. But what’s the magic behind caffeine? And how does it boost our brains to power our workdays? In this blog, we’ll dive into the science behind the brew and how a few cups of coffee throughout the day keep you going.

How Does Coffee Give Us Energy?

One of the things we love most about coffee is how it kickstarts our mornings and gives us a jolt of energy before diving into the buzz of the workday. This is primarily a result of the caffeine in coffee and tea.

Since caffeine is a stimulant, it increases the activity of your brain and nervous system. It also increases the circulation of chemicals such as cortisol and adrenaline in the body. It can also block certain receptors in the brain that affect functions like sleep. We absorb caffeine through our gastrointestinal tract into our circulatory system, traveling throughout the body and to the brain. Caffeine can then dilate blood vessels in the brain, increasing blood flow and providing more oxygen to brain cells.

Technically, caffeine doesn’t create energy, rather it borrows it. Caffeine blocks adenosine receptors. Adenosine is an organic compound that is responsible for regulating sleep and waking cycles. Our bodies create adenosine while we’re awake. When it attaches to its receptor, it allows the cells to slow down and makes us feel sleepy. Caffeine is structurally similar to adenosine and binds itself to adenosine receptors. Because caffeine isn’t exactly the same shape as the adenosine molecule, it doesn’t trigger drowsiness. This gives you energy without making you feel sleepy.

Eventually, the caffeine molecule detaches from the adenosine receptor and the adenosine your body created while you’ve been awake builds up and binds all at once, hitting you with that all too familiar crash. Caffeine borrows energy from later in the day, but the pay off for the burst of energy at work is well worth it to most of us.

How Does Coffee Affect the Body and Brain?

We often associate a cup of joe with energy boosts and improved mental awareness. But how does it do it? Here’s how caffeine affects the body and mind:

• Increases Dopamine: Dopamine is a brain chemical that is generally associated with feelings of happiness. Caffeine naturally boosts dopamine and makes you feel happier and more positive. That’s why you might feel your mood boost after your morning cup of coffee, especially if you’re not typically a morning person and feel grumpy as soon as you wake up.
• Increases Adrenaline: Caffeine makes the body release adrenaline and provides higher energy levels. Adrenaline also increases your heart rate, increasing blood flow to the brain.
• Creates Brain Entropy: Entropy in our brains is a measure of the complexity of our brain activity and has been linked to various cognitive abilities. Caffeine can increase entropy levels, meaning caffeine increases brain processing and activity.

How Coffee Increases Productivity in the Workplace

Many workers rely on caffeine to keep them going throughout the day. Whether they pour a cup first thing in the morning or use espresso to beat the afternoon slump, coffee can give employees the energy and brain power they need to complete a job well done.

Coffee in the workplace can improve productivity by:

• Keeping Employees Alert: As caffeine blocks adenosine in the brain, preventing the body from becoming sleepy, it also makes a person feel more awake and alert. The increase in energy caffeine provides can improve one’s productivity.

  The right amount of coffee can also increase mental awareness, allowing employees to learn and retain more details in important meetings. It can also keep them focused and motivated to work through projects in the afternoon.

• Improving Memory Performance: Recent studies have revealed that consuming caffeine enhances memory performance, making memories clearer and easier to recall. After consuming caffeine, people are more likely to remember important details. This can be especially useful as employees need to retain important company information like business updates, renewed company goals, and current company achievements.

  Memory is a key part of learning as well. For employees who are upskilling and learning new things, a strong working memory can help them achieve their goals faster.

• Encourages Breaks: Studies have shown time and time again that taking breaks is a key part of staying productive at work. Without them, we run the risk of burning ourselves out, feeling sluggish and fatigued. After all, it’s hard to produce quality work when you’re not feeling your best. Having coffee ready to drink in your office encourages employees to take time away from their desks to refuel. This facilitates socialization in the workplace, allowing people to make connections and collaborate with one another.

With a coffee bar available in your workplace, employees won’t have to go off-site to coffee shops, saving valuable time and money for your staff and your company.

• Boosting Learning: As mentioned, caffeine can increase brain activity. The increased brain activity primes the brain for learning, allowing us to collect new information more easily. Just because we’re out of school doesn’t mean there isn’t learning to do. Workers need to learn every day whether they’re gathering the details about a new project or looking for insights while analyzing data.

  Caffeine can also improve someone’s focus. Having coffee and tea available in your office helps employees stay on task and reach deadlines.
  
  

• Increasing Creativity: Caffeine has been proven to boost mood and brain activity which can also inspire higher levels of creativity. This might inspire innovative new ideas or fuel creative problem solving among your team members.

  Brainstorming over coffee can be a great way to have your associates socialize while inspiring some great ideas that can help the company.

How Much Coffee Should I Drink?

While there are plenty of benefits to drinking coffee and caffeine, there can be too much of a good thing. How much caffeine someone can drink will vary from person to person, but there are some general rules of thumb to keep in mind while enjoying coffee throughout your workday.

Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when gauging how much coffee to drink throughout the workday:

• Start Slow: It might be tempting to start the day off with a few cups of coffee, but too much caffeine can leave us feeling anxious or jittery, especially on an empty stomach. Start with one cup and some food and monitor how you feel. If you don’t feel much of an effect, go for a second cup.
• Stay Hydrated: Coffee and tea are known to have diuretic effects that cause the body to lose water. It’s important to drink water alongside your caffeinated drink of choice to maintain good hydration and keep yourself healthy.
• Limit Sugar: Many of us like to add milk, creamer, or sugar to our coffee and tea drinks, but too much might lead to increased sugar intake or energy crashes in the afternoon. You can still enjoy a bit of flavor in your coffee or tea, but be sure it’s not too much.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you consume no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day. Drinking too much coffee can cause symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, increased heart rates, headaches, and nausea.

We drink coffee to help with productivity, but too much can set you back. Like any other thing in life, it’s important to strike a balance when it comes to how much caffeine you consume in a given day.

How someone reacts to caffeine will ultimately depend on an individual’s own tolerance levels and any sensitivities one might have. For example, it might be more common for someone with a heart condition to be more susceptible to negative reactions.

In moderation, coffee is a great way to get the workday kicked off right. Just make sure it’s the right amount for you.

What Can Canteen Coffee Services Do for My Workplace?

Canteen has a vast selection of coffees and teas to offer something for everyone in your workplace. We deliver a one-of-a-kind coffee and tea experience your associates can connect with. We transform spaces, invite people to gather, and deliver high-quality products to keep your team going no matter the time of day.

Get started with Canteen today or explore what Canteen can do for your office space.

The post The Power of Caffeine: the Science Behind Coffee first appeared on Canteen.

When life gives you lemons, you can create some truly delicious things.

As the weather continues to warm up, a lot of us are ready for flavors that match the feeling of spring. We might turn to the bright taste of citrus in fruit tarts, custards, salads, and fruity drinks like teas and lemonades. One of the most beloved citrus fruits is the lemon. Its intense and punchy flavor brings out a tartness in some of our favorite drinks, desserts, and snacks.

In this blog, we’re deep-diving into the origins, flavor, and trends surrounding this timeless citrus.

Where Are Lemons From?

Lemons have been around for a long time. Mankind began cultivating lemons over 2,000 years ago in Northeast India, specifically in the eastern Himalayan region. People also cultivated lemons in China in 500 BC. They later spread to the Middle East and Mediterranean before traveling to Europe and the Americas.

Today, lemons grow in warm climates around the world. India, Argentina, Spain, Iran, and the United States are all lemon-growing countries. California produces the most lemons in the U.S. Lemons are a common ingredient in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory.

How Do You Describe How Lemons Taste?

We tend to love lemon for its distinct flavor, but how do you put its taste into words?

Without any additives, natural lemon is a zesty citrus fruit that is sour and tart. A lemon’s flavor can vary depending on the variety of lemon and how it’s extracted. Lemons have a fruity taste, specifically the sharp taste of a citrus fruit. Given that lemons grow on trees, these fruits are also resinous. The terpenes in lemons, like limonene and alpha-terpineol, give lemons piney, peely, and herbal notes.

Some lemons can even be spicy when the flavor compounds adopt a sharp, bergamot-like note.

Popular Varieties Lemon

As we picture lemons, the same image probably comes to mind: a yellow spherical fruit. But there are several kinds of lemons, and each variety has a unique flavor profile.

Some popular varieties of lemon include:

• Eureka Lemon: The Eureka Lemon is the most common lemon variety. We know it for its bright yellow skin, tangy, acidic juice, and classic lemon flavor. This is likely the lemon you encounter most and can easily find in grocery stores.
• Meyer Lemon: This lemon is a hybrid between a lemon and a mandarin orange, giving it a sweeter and less acidic taste. They tend to have a softer, more floral taste.

• Lisbon Lemon: Lisbon lemons are slightly more acidic than Eureka lemons and have a high terpene content that gives them an intense citrus taste

• Ponderosa Lemon: This large, thick-skinned lemon tends to have a milder, less acidic lemony flavor.

Health Benefits of Lemon

The nutrients in lemons have several health benefits. Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Some of the health benefits of lemons include:

• Heart Health: Lemons’ high vitamin C content makes them heart-healthy. Recent research concludes that vitamin C is good for the heart. The vitamin C and flavonoids in citrus fruits may reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Weight Management: Lemons contain a soluble pectin fiber that expands your stomach and helps you feel fuller for longer. Not many people eat lemons on their own, but lemon juice itself doesn’t contain pectin. Lemon juice drinks might not have the same effect. One of the best ways to consume lemon for weight management is to add lemon to your water.

• Digestive Health: The main fiber in lemons is pectin, and this soluble fiber can improve gut health and slow the digestion of sugars and starches. This may reduce blood sugar levels.

• Increased Iron Absorption: Foods high in vitamin C help the body absorb iron. Adding lemon juice to a salad with leafy greens like spinach can help maximize your iron and vitamin C intake.

• Immune Boosting: Vitamin C and antioxidants in lemons may also help strengthen the immune system and help fight against the common cold and the flu. While vitamin C may not necessarily prevent colds, it shortens the time a cold lasts.

The Current State of Lemons

In recent years, the general public has set its sights on lemons. Today’s consumers are driving demand for fresh produce, health awareness, and culinary trends. As a result, the global lemon industry has been steadily growing.

Because lemon has an iconic taste, it’s become a not-so-secret ingredient in the food and beverage industry. Whether it’s harmonizing the spices in a pasta dish or transforming the flavor of a ready-to-drink tea, lemon packs a powerful punch. 

Lately, lemon is a key ingredient in many RTD drinks. Additionally, it’s a great flavor to pair with botanicals, another trend influencing today’s food and beverage trends.

Current Lemon Trends

Here’s a look at some of the most prominent product innovations and trends involving lemon.

Lemon Protein

The fastest rising consumer need for lemon is protein. Modern consumers are on the hunt for lemon-flavored protein powders, shakes, and bars. Those who eat plant-based and vegan diets are especially fond of this zesty flavor. Lemon protein smoothies can be a great post-workout treat that helps the recovery process.

Social media can drive food and drink trends, too. In the past couple of years, we saw the rise of protein lemonade, a more nutritious take on frosted lemonade, on social media platforms like TikTok.

Plenty of protein products rely on dessert-based flavors like chocolate, peanut butter, or pie. Why not add lemon treats to the mix?

Craft Beverages

The craft beverage scene has been thriving in recent years and is constantly innovating, and lemon is an ingredient creating new opportunities in this space. Lemon-flavored seltzers, sparkling waters, and lemon-infused cold brews are popping up on shelves and in coffee and tea spaces.

Many people are looking for functional and wellness-oriented drinks. More brands are creating lemon-flavored teas, kombuchas, and refresher beverages.

Sustainability and Lemon Byproducts

While people enjoy lemon products, they also need to find a way to consume them responsibly. Lemon is becoming a part of the eco-conscious conversation. As consumers demand more sustainable products, innovators are repurposing lemon byproducts. Lemon growers and manufacturers have begun incorporating commonly discarded ingredients like lemon peels, juice, and pulp. This sustainable approach is benefiting the environment and the bottom line, helping the industry reduce its carbon footprint while delivering more value to consumers.

We love lemon, whether it’s in wellness drinks or bringing out the complex flavors in a savory dish. This citrus fruit is proving it’s more than just a flavor; it’s a powerful and dynamic ingredient in everything it’s in.

Want the latest lemon products in your breakroom? Get started with Canteen today.

The post More Than Lemonade: Lemon Flavors, Trends, and Innovations first appeared on Canteen.

While remote working and hybrid work schedules have become the norm, many things about the workplace have stayed the same. One thing that hasn’t changed is employees’ desire for connection.

As much as they may love working on the couch in their pajamas, there are some things workers can’t get from working at home. Many people still value having a community in the workplace and socializing with coworkers.

Employees seek out the ability to make conversation and form relationships with their colleagues. There is plenty of value in taking breaks and devoting time to socializing in your place of business. Socialization can significantly impact not only individual well-being but also overall organizational success.

A recent study by E15 Group surveyed over 30.000 employees across 21 countries to better understand their behaviors, attitudes, and preferences surrounding socializing in the workplace. In this article, we’ll explore these insights and how socialization in the workplace benefits everyone involved.

How Socializing at Work Benefits Employees

Improved Employee Well-Being

Working is a big part of our lives, and the hours we put in at the office or worksite affect us. It’s important that we look out for our well-being while at work and create environments where we can thrive.

How social employees are at work significantly impacts overall employee well-being. Employees who have friends at work tend to be happier than those who don’t.  86% of employees feel having good relationships with colleagues is important to their overall happiness at work, and 76% of employees feel having good relationships with colleagues is beneficial for their well-being. When employees are happy with their work environment, they tend to be more productive and motivated and lead happier, healthier lives.

Encouraging Professional Growth

A social workplace can also encourage career growth that can make employees feel professionally fulfilled. Forging relationships with colleagues can lead to valuable networking opportunities. As employees work together and exchange insights, mentorship, and career advice, employees can learn from those around them. They can then grow professionally, learn new skills, and even advance their careers.

Improving Employees’ Mental Health

We’ve all been stressed about work at one point or another. The workplace can be a source of stress and anxiety for many employees. Handling these emotions alone can be isolating and worsen negative thoughts and emotions. When employees are in a supportive work environment, they can lean on others for help.

By simply having a light-hearted conversation or sharing personal experiences with co-workers, an employee may feel less stressed and more supported at work. A strong sense of community can create a healthy workplace culture and promote employees’ mental well-being.

How Socializing at Work Benefits Your Organization

Boosting Collaboration and Productivity

Increasing socialization in your workplace not only improves individuals’ well-being, but it also contributes to the overall success of your business. A satisfied, more productive workforce can also foster a more effective one.

By encouraging open communication with employees, you are encouraging employees to gain a deeper understanding of each worker’s strengths, weaknesses, and work styles. When people get to know each other on a personal level, they’re more likely to communicate openly and constructively, reducing the number of misunderstandings and conflicts that might arise. Employees in very social workplaces are more likely to agree that they work well with others and provide accurate, quality work, on schedule, than those who are not.

Higher Company Loyalty

Employees are loyal to companies that encourage socialization. Employees who have friends at work tend to be happier with their employers and are less likely to be looking to leave their current company. This loyalty helps your business retain its most talented workers.

Loyal employees are also more likely to recommend the company they work for to others. This improves your company’s reputation and may help you attract and recruit new talent.

Return to Office

Most people who have had the opportunity to work remotely enjoy it, and many people prefer it to being on-site for work. Unfortunately, working remotely can also make people feel isolated and create a disconnect within your workforce. Socialization can be a great incentive to encourage remote workers to return to the workplace.

74% of employees (nearly three-fourths) say they would come to the office more often if there were more events to socialize with peers.

While there’s always the opportunity to host virtual company events, not all employees within your company may be willing to participate. In fact, 26% of employees never socialize virtually.

How to Make Your Workplace More Social

Implement the Right Break Spaces

While at work, people most often communicate while on breaks. Stepping away from one’s desk or workstation can be a great way to recharge and indulge in casual conversation with work friends. Having the right environment to facilitate these breaks is important.

Creating welcoming spaces where employees can relax and replenish is a great way to encourage employees to take breaks and socialize. 71% of employees say it is important that social spaces look and feel like somewhere they want to spend time. 

If your break spaces need a refresher, Canteen can help you build your dream breakroom. We work with your team and your unique space to build breakroom experiences that your employees want to utilize.

Offer Food and Beverage Services

Food and drinks bring people together. Whether your team meets over cups of coffee or a quick bite to eat, people are likely to start a conversation when they link up. 

The majority of employees today agree that it is important to have on-site food and beverage offerings in the workplace. 70% of employees feel it is important that there is food and drink provided in the workplace whether it’s free or paid. Not only is it important to provide the amenities, but it is also important to provide a space where people can enjoy them. 74% of employees feel it is important there is somewhere for employees to sit and eat together.

Canteen provides a full-service breakroom solution. Whether you’re looking to keep things simple with a small collection of snacks or want to provide lunches with a full dining operation, we’re here to work with your team to identify your options.

Host Organized Events

You can’t expect your employees to do all of the heavy lifting. While day-to-day conversation is great, it’s always nice to see a company extend a little extra effort to take care of its people. Hosting a company-wide event is another great way to encourage socialization across your organization. And your employees are likely to appreciate it. Two in three employees find it important that there are employer-organized social events.

Where there’s an event, there should be food. Food and drink events are at the top of the list when it comes to desired social activities, once again demonstrating that food and beverage play a central role in encouraging socialization.

No matter the setting, people need a community to feel a sense of belonging. In an era where remote work and digital communication dominate, people greatly value in-person socialization in the workplace. By fostering an environment where socialization is encouraged, companies can improve employee satisfaction and drive operational success.

Food and beverage play a key role in bringing people together. By having the right offerings and spaces where people can enjoy them, your company can become more connected and successful. Making room for socialization in the workplace is an investment that pays off in so many ways. After all, a connected team is a thriving team.

The post Why Socialization in the Workplace Matters first appeared on Canteen.

Foot traffic around banks and other financial institutions has significantly decreased in recent years. As of 2022, 78% of adults in the U.S. prefer to bank via a mobile app or website and only 29% of Americans prefer to bank in person.

Younger generations are especially resistant to physically visiting their preferred financial institution. For many, automated technology and mobile apps have become a better way to bank. With a digital-forward approach to banking, financial institutions are inventing creative ways to stay relevant. How do you get clients to return to physical branches in such a tech-savvy world?

With many companies adopting remote or hybrid work, demand for third spaces (places that aren’t home and work) is on the rise. Millennial and Gen Z workers enjoy a high-tech environment with free wi-fi and other amenities that allow them to work outside their home offices or traditional workplaces.

An emerging trend that has grabbed our attention lately is the integration of cafés within bank branches. These spaces are outfitted with advanced technology, free wi-fi, and food and drink amenities to invite guests into an experience they won’t soon forget. It might sound like a novel idea, but this fusion of finance and flavor is more than just a gimmick. It’s a strategic move to enhance customer experience, foster community engagement, and reimagine what a bank can be.

A New Way to Bank

Traditionally, financial institutions have been seen as purely functional spaces. There was a strict business-forward approach to handling one’s finances. Cafés are a refreshing way to break away from this norm and invite people into an interesting and engaging space. 

Through these innovative ways of transforming branches, financial institutions are starting to recognize that a visit to the branch doesn’t have to be a solely transactional experience. Instead, it can be a pleasant and engaging outing where clients can enjoy themselves.

Why the Trend?

Enhancing Client Experience

Financial institutions are consistently putting their clients first. This is why so many are focused on creating an exceptional experience for their clients. When a financial institution has more to offer in its space, clients are more likely to invest time in its branches.

With an integrated café, clients can enjoy an energizing coffee or a relaxing cup of tea while waiting for their appointment or completing transactions. Not only is this a great way to make the banking experience more enjoyable, but it can also be a way to reduce perceived wait times. People often feel stressed when completing financial tasks. Creating a more pleasant interaction with the financial institution can alleviate some of these negative feelings and leave clients with a more positive perception of a business.

Creating a Community Hub

Implementing a café in financial branches can create a more open, social space for the general public. With a welcoming community hub, a financial business is not limited to the typical functions of an FI. By creating a social space, banks and other FIs can strengthen their relationship with the surrounding community. 

In turn, members of the community may feel a greater sense of belonging within the company’s branches. This can foster client loyalty and better professional relationships with an FI’s clientele. This could ultimately better the reputation of your financial institution and even attract new business.

Increasing Foot Traffic

As digital and online banking continue to dominate the financial landscape, physical branches should offer more than just banking solutions to draw people in. By including a café space in your branches, you invite people into your space even if they don’t have specific banking needs at that moment. This can cause an increase in foot traffic that can ultimately lead to more opportunities for in-person client interactions and cross-selling of financial products and services.

While it might seem like extra expenses for your business, a café concept in your branches may ultimately be profitable and benefit your organization.

Enhancing Brand Image

Adding café spaces in a financial institution’s branches can also be a branding strategy. A tech-forward café or similar public gathering space positions a business as a modern, client-centric, and innovative company. This image can be especially appealing to younger demographics who value experiences and social spaces.

When clients enter your banking space, it will no longer be a dreaded experience surrounding the stress of handling finances, it will be an experience they remember fondly and look forward to recreating.

Providing a café or similar amenities shows consumers that your company is dedicated to evolving alongside your client base. By putting your clients’ needs first, you have a greater appeal than those dedicated to traditional business methods.

The Future of Bank Cafés

Many banks around the world have already begun implementing café and lounge spaces in their branches with great success. The trend is still in its early stages, but it has significant potential to change how people bank. As more banks and financial institutions explore this concept, we may see variations and innovations tailored to different markets or customer preferences. The future may bring about other public spaces like co-working areas, event spaces, or even small retail solutions.

The addition of cafés and similar conveniences to bank branches is more than a trend— it’s a strategic evolution in how financial institutions interact with their clients. By creating a more engaging, community-oriented environment, banks are not just offering financial services, they’re reimagining what it means to bank in the modern age. Whether you’re there for a financial consultation or just to enjoy a cup of coffee, the blend of banking and café culture may become a staple in the modern banking experience.

Choose Canteen

If you’re looking for a technology-forward partner who can help make this trend a reality for your business, Canteen offers many services that may align with the needs of your clientele. Our simple coffee bar solutions may be the first step to appeasing your employees and clients alike. From there, there’s even more room for improvement with our craft coffee partners, Tradecraft Coffee and Tea. Tradecraft can deliver the coffee bar of your dreams and create an unforgettable experience centered around beautifully crafted coffee and specialty tea.

Not sold on adding a café to your branches? Looking for other amenities to offer your clients? Consider introducing unattended retail spaces like micro markets. These markets are a great way to showcase your hospitality and offer your clients food and drink options they will appreciate.

Consult Canteen today and find out how you can transform your financial institution into a modern, innovative space your clients will love.

The post How Public Amenities Shape Branches of the Future first appeared on Canteen.

In today’s landscape of innovation and progress, industries are continuously evolving, posing ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention. According to recent studies, 90% of organizations are concerned about employee retention, and 69% of employers say they struggle to find qualified candidates for open positions. Amidst these challenges, more and more employees are seeking unique and enticing office benefits and perks.  

Recruitment remains a top workplace struggle as executives strive to attract high-quality talent. Leaders are finding it increasingly difficult to attract talent because skilled employees are looking for top-tier companies offering competitive compensation, the opportunity for career development and growth, and desirable benefits and perks. 

Not only are workplaces struggling to recruit exceptional talent, but they are also struggling to retain it. Given the rarity of exemplary talent, prioritizing retention becomes essential. Considering the rapid pace of technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, employers are looking for employees who can keep up. The ability to adapt, referred to as upskilling, is incredibly significant to retention efforts. 

Driving Innovation and Optimizing Operations through Upskilling 

Employers who prioritize upskilling are working to ensure that their workforce is equipped to face the demands of a changing industry. The goal of upskilling is not to replace jobs, but to enhance their current workforce by introducing new skills and knowledge. A Gartner study found that 58% of employees need new skills to do their jobs successfully, calling attention to the necessity for upskilling. Companies with upskilled workers can remain competitive as technology, like artificial intelligence, continues to propel the industry forward.

Upskilling is an investment, but one that has financial benefits. The cost to upskill employees can be much less expensive than the cost to replace employees due to turnover. Companies can upskill their employees by frequently providing new training opportunities and mentorship programs that introduce new skills and competencies. When provided with the necessary tools, employees become valuable assets that drive operational excellence within the organization.

The Role of Employee Satisfaction in Workplace Success 

Employee satisfaction plays a huge role in workplace success. Engaged and satisfied employees tend to be more productive, loyal, and committed to the organization. Investing in employee satisfaction can reduce turnover, attract top talent, and foster a positive workplace culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, and excellence. 

Offering competitive compensation, opportunities for career development, a positive work environment, and good benefits are all excellent ways to promote employee satisfaction. When individuals perceive that their contributions are recognized and rewarded through benefits, they will likely feel more motivated and engaged with their work and company. 

One of the most effective approaches to support employee wellness and satisfaction is to offer food-based perks. Food-based perks, not only provide a well-sought-after benefit, but also create time to connect. By offering a space for employees to connect over food or drinks, companies can cultivate a sense of community and enhance a positive workplace environment.

What Food-Service-Based Perks Look Like in the Workplace

Advancements in technology across the workforce beg the need for future-forward food services that embrace innovation. Our real-time reporting systems and data analytics offer valuable insights into breakroom operations, facilitating informed decisions, predicting maintenance needs, and identifying inefficiencies. Implementing these solutions increases efficiency and boosts profitability for your company. 

Food-based perks are a valuable tool in increasing employee well-being, happiness, and satisfaction. This can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, improve safety, raise engagement and retention, amplify positive culture, and attract talent. Our diverse portfolio of solutions is designed to provide options of food-based perks for your unique space and industry.

How Do Food-Based Perks Support Recruitment and Retention? 

Food-service-based perks make employers stand out to employees, as high-quality candidates want quality benefits. A recent E15 survey uncovered that 54% of workers said that catered lunch events were their preferred social event type, followed by 39% of workers who prefer breaks with coffee, tea, and snack options. These findings highlight the significance of food-based perks in attracting top talent and ensuring a competitive edge amongst other employers. 

Food-service-based perks not only attract talent, but help to retain talent as well. When companies invest in benefits that their employees care about, they create a positive and supportive environment that helps retain employees. Additionally, these perks foster a sense of community among workers as they share time over snacks and meals, strengthen connections, and feel engaged with the company and its people.

Benefits of Outsourcing In-Office Food Perks with Canteen 

Food perks don’t just benefit the employee, they benefit the company. By prioritizing strategies that help with recruitment and retention, turnover rates are reduced, minimizing those expenses. Additionally, outsourcing food services presents cost-saving opportunities as we offer bulk purchasing and menu optimization to mitigate costs that would otherwise fall on your company. Moreover, our healthy meal and snack options promote employee health, potentially leading to decreased health insurance costs for the company. 

By outsourcing food service, your company can allocate resources more effectively and allow employees more time to focus on your business’s core competencies. Additionally, your company mitigates food-related risks by ensuring proper sourcing and employing certified and insured technicians, effectively transferring responsibility to our team. 

As a food service partner and the largest unattended retail provider in the U.S., we leverage design expertise, consumer insights, and the latest in product and equipment innovation to help you create a better workplace and connect your employees. Get started with Canteen today and see how a food and beverage program can transform your workplace.

The post How Food-Based Perks Support Recruitment and Retention in the Workplace first appeared on Canteen.

All that time daydreaming about warm weather, short Fridays, and happy hours has finally come to a close. Now, it’s a reality! Summer is here. 

While the season may conjure up images of sunbathing on a beach or skipping out of the workplace early to cool down with an evening cocktail, you don’t have to wait until after hours to drink in the summer vibes.

A wide selection of cold, refreshing drinks full of tropical flavors will bring the island vibes right up to your desk. We’ve been keeping an eye on what drinks consumers are cracking open this season and which products you should have on hand in your breakrooms.

So, break out the flip-flops and shades and set your clocks to island time. We’re kicking back at a beach condo right here in the workplace.

Well, Well, Wellness

Starting with the definition of what’s on trend, new-age drinks are taking our markets by storm. These drinks are healthier alternatives to the legacy beverages known to dominate the market.

With reduced sugar and added nutrients, these drinks are perfect for a health-conscious public looking for alternatives to high-sugar, carbonated beverages like sodas. Despite the name, new-age beverages aren’t new; they’ve been around for nearly a decade!

The desire for guilt-free indulgence allows these products to stay relevant throughout their tenure. Often made with electrolytes and other nutrients, these drinks are designed to refresh and hydrate without sacrificing delicious flavors.

So Juicy

You don’t have to be ashamed of sneaking a juice box for yourself. These childhood favorites are for adults too. With bold citrusy and fruity flavors, not to mention all the great-for-you vitamins and nutrients, fruit juice is a summer fan favorite.

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes are especially great sources of water and vitamin C in the summertime. According to several lifestyle news outlets, they help to reduce body temperature, and vitamin C is a great nutrient to prevent skin damage in hot weather.

A classic glass of OJ, a bottle of grape juice, or an apple juice box will help you stay cool and energized this summer. And you won’t be alone; juice rises in popularity as summer comes around. Stock up and enjoy!

A Bit of the Bubbly

It seems like everywhere you turn there’s a new brand entering the sparkling water or seltzer market. It comes as no surprise given how often people have plucked these fizzy favorites from store shelves.

The number of brands in the sparkling water space is increasing, and so are the innovative flavor combinations. Sparkling water distributors are pairing tropical tastes like pineapple and coconut with the citrus of lemon and lime. Fruit flavors from passionfruit to peach are capturing buyers’ attention.

Alternative sodas are also trending. Carbonated with ingredients like apple cider vinegar, these alternatives are a health-conscious replacement for a classic cola.

Go with Your Gut

Alternative sodas aren’t just a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Often paired with prebiotics and probiotics, they also support gut health! 

Probiotics, the healthy bacteria in your gut that aid digestion, are essential to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Fermented tea drinks like kombucha are loaded with these, and their cult following is steadily growing. Kombucha might not be king for long, though. New brands are constantly popping up with probiotics in flavored sparkling and water varieties.

As the summer sun blazes on, everyone will be looking for cold, refreshing drinks. This summer, pack up your cooler and fill your workplace with summertime flavor and hydration-forward beverages. After hours, you can enjoy some happy hour fun, but you’ll have to keep the drinks zero-proof when at work. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Canteen keeps all of your team’s favorites in stock all summer long. Get started today to kick off the season in style.

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Tensions are high within the current workforce landscape. Companies are fighting to recruit and maintain their top talent while workers prioritize putting their needs first. Employee wellness is a popular topic of conversation, and employee benefits and perks have become many companies’ first lines of defense in the current “war for talent.”

Take a look at your artillery. Are you offering your employees valuable amenities? What would make your employees more satisfied and, in turn, more loyal to your organization? With the competitive edge of a food and beverage program or on-site cafeteria, your workplace might have the secret weapon to get ahead.

A food and beverage program that meets your employees’ needs isn’t just a perk, it’s an investment in the success of your workforce. By meeting the needs of your team members, you’re more likely to attract new talent and retain your best workers. Here’s why!

Changes in the Workforce

The pandemic has caused a great shift toward flexible and hybrid work, but there’s still trouble in paradise. Worker dissatisfaction is at an all-time high. Since the height of the pandemic, work satisfaction metrics have dropped alarmingly quickly.

This threat can affect companies with any employee demographics. According to a 2023 Mintel survey, 60% of workers across all age groups say they are scrutinizing employee benefits more closely than they used to. This number only rises when it comes to the younger generations of working age.

While 2020 marked the Great Resignation, one leading HR organization describes that 2023 has brought about the Great Gloom. Employee happiness has steadily decreased with a severe drop in 2023. Employee dissatisfaction can lead to higher turnover rates and a lack of talent retention.

There’s no more ignoring that Millennials and Gen Z are getting older and are becoming key players in the workforce. By 2025, Gen Z is expected to make up 27% of the global workforce. Gen Z and Millennials will make up most of the workforce a year from now, and they want very similar things from the people they work for.

Higher costs of living have led to tighter budgets and increased demand for workplaces to offer benefits beyond insurance and a 401(k.) According to a Global Eating Work Survey, proper lunch breaks and on-site cafeterias are in high demand among these age groups. When it comes down to the wire, these programs may be what gives your company a leg up in the job market.

Return to Office

The pandemic has transformed the way many people work. More workers have shifted to a hybrid or fully remote work model and don’t seem eager to come back into the office. Who could blame them? There’s little that can compete with working in the comfort of your own home in your favorite pair of pajama pants. Free or subsidized meals seem to give your organization the best fighting chance.

In a study of over 1,000 business and industry workers, 77% of participants confirmed that free food or drink vending was at the top of the list of what would tempt them to come back to the workplace.

If you’re a business leader concerned with absenteeism, providing food and drink to your employees will likely push those fears aside. After all, since the dawn of time, food has been bringing people together. Food is the ultimate incentive for the majority of the workforce, whether it’s providing full meals or quick bites alongside coffee and tea.

Boosting Productivity

Taking the time to make the most out of your lunch break can be difficult. Many of us are guilty of swiping bites at our desks or skipping our midday meals altogether. While it might seem like the right thing to do during a hectic workday, its negative impact can outweigh the benefits.

Skipping lunch and other breaks may cause burnout which ultimately contributes to lower job performance. Your body and mind need the time to refresh throughout the workday. Taking the time to press pause in the middle of a hard day’s work ultimately improves your focus, productivity, and creativity.

What’s a great way to encourage employees to take breaks? A coffee or snack bar in your work building should do the trick. Whether you have the space for a whole cafeteria or just enough for a micro market, offering food and beverages at your workers’ fingertips will encourage them to regularly part with their work and replenish.

Engaging Your Workforce

Having a communal space where workers can come together and collaborate creates a sense of unity among your employees. Keeping your team members engaged with one another is one great way to combat the loneliness that may affect remote and hybrid workers.

When your workplace encourages comradery, great things happen. Whether unlikely partnerships create new opportunities for projects or employee connection creates a sense of belonging, employees want to communicate with each other. Sometimes all it takes to start those conversations is a lunch meeting or shared ideas over great cups of coffee.

Make your work building a place where employees want to be. Sometimes, standing around the water cooler just won’t cut it. Foster an environment that encourages employees to take breaks together or apart.

Fostering Employee Loyalty

There’s a great payoff when your company puts its workers first. By providing great meal and snack options, your employees are happier and healthier each day. A robust food and beverage program will make it easier for your workers to maintain a work-life balance. Just think about how much time they’ll save when they don’t have to pack food every day.

Offering food and drinks that delight those in your workplace isn’t just a great perk, it also shows that you care. By going above and beyond for your employees, you boost their overall happiness and increase their willingness to dedicate themselves to their work and your organization.

Choose Canteen

You may not have the ability to match the salaries of other job offers, but that’s not the only way you can stand out to candidates.

A workplace food program speaks volumes about how you show up for your employees. Putting employee wellness and perks first has a valuable payoff and may help you win over your ideal workers. It may even be considered more valuable than a pay raise.

Offering the benefits employees want is key to attracting and maintaining the best people for the jobs in your organization. Whether you want to offer wow-ing meals in a work cafeteria or start small with a great selection of snacks, Canteen is here to deliver food, service, and experience that wins workers over.

As the largest unattended retail provider in the U.S., we leverage design expertise, consumer insights, and the latest in product and equipment innovation to help you create a better workplace and connect your employees. Get started with Canteen today and see how a food and beverage program can transform your workplace.

The post How a Food and Beverage Program Betters Your Workplace first appeared on Canteen.