September Workplace Insights and Trends Fresh Out the Pantry

The workplace is layered.  

Like the animated classic, Shrek teaches us, not all layers are pretty. One we can't ignore? Loneliness. Yep, according to Gallup, 1 in 5 employees worldwide feel like they're working in their own little swamp of isolation. Spoiler alert: it's not great for morale or productivity. But the good news? We're also sharing the office snack trends that can bring some spice and feel-good ingredients to your office pantry. You've got the power to peel back the layers and use food as a way to build real connections right at your workplace. 

1 in 5 Employees Feel Lonely

According to Gallup’s latest report, employees worldwide are feeling lonely on the job.

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.

'Swicy' is the Next Food Trend

The blend of sweet and spicy flavors is taking over. 

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.

The Demand For ‘Feel-Good’ Products Remains Strong

According to Food Dive, consumers are leaning into "good-for-you" office snacks. 

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 forminimal 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.

Conclusion

Is your office pantry ready to meet these emerging trends? Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Combat loneliness by creating opportunities for social connections through shared meals and casual conversations in the pantry.
• Spice up your snack game with a few swicy selections that bring excitement and flavor to the workday.
• Focus on feel-good snacks that align with health-conscious consumers looking for better ingredients without sacrificing taste.

By staying on top of these trends, your workplace can foster a community that’s not only well-fed but also more engaged, connected, and satisfied. Now that’s an office culture worth investing in!

Want to sip on more insights? Connect with our CEO Nate on LinkedIn!