Healthy Break Room Choices

Have you ever wondered who purchases bottled water? As it turns out, just about everyone does. In fact, its sales continue to grow year after year. The still or flat varieties sold the largest percentage last year followed by seltzer or sparkling water and jugs or bulk water. Continued growth keeps happening because of an “interest in health, product innovation from water brands and the surge in popularity of sparkling waters.”

So, what makes this cold refreshing beverage so popular? 

The answer depends on who you talk to. Found in both vending machines and micro-markets, bottled water offers many benefits and has the potential to meet a wide variety of Augusta employee needs. The following are just a few of the features that make it popular.

Bottled water is…

Versatile

•       It can be consumed at any time of the day.
•       Water mixes well with many other types of beverages.
•       You can drink it cold or hot.
•       It can be found with carbonation or without, and flavored or plain.

Healthy

•       Contains zero calories
•       Keeps the body hydrated
•       Improve one’s mood and focus
•       Helps replenish lost electrolytes

Portable

•       Convenient when on-the-go
•       Easy to carry it with you
•       Available in many locations
•       Relatively simple disposal

Safe

•       Regulated as a food product by the FDA
•       Has a long shelf life
•       Should be kept on hand for an emergency or disaster situation
•       Helps prevent illness when traveling outside of the U.S.

With the great demand for bottled water, it is important to make sure that your Augusta employees have access to a variety of choices during their work day. Hydrated employees are more likely to be in a better mood, be more focused, and be more productive. A large selection of low or no sugar, flavored carbonated waters can also be a refreshing treat during a work break.

What bottled water options do you offer in your Augusta micro-market or vending machines? Riverside Refreshments can help you determine the best combination of flat and carbonated bottled waters as well as other beverages to offer in your office break room. To learn more, contact us at 800 476 2337.

Making sure that Augusta essential employees have access to healthy and traditional snacks and beverages in the break room is important especially during this challenging time. Offering a variety of on-site options makes it easier for employees to grab a bite to eat, enjoy a hot beverage or take a few minutes to relax.

Combine the need for easily accessible refreshment options with the challenges that employees had locating better-for-you choices before the coronavirus pandemic, and it’s easy to understand why eating healthy can be a challenge.

A recent survey conducted by the American Heart Association and Aramark, a U.S. based food service company, found that participants were more likely to choose an unhealthy lunch because of convenience (60 percent), taste preference (54 percent), and lack of ability of healthy foods (43 percent). But that doesn’t mean things won’t or can’t change. “More than 4 in 5 (82%) agree that having healthy food options at work is important to them and more than 2 in 3 (68%) value help from their employer in becoming healthier.”

While choosing better-for-you is important, there is one caveat that should be considered. Given the unprecedented stress levels that Augusta employees are under, sometimes traditional or sweet snacks, beverages and fresh food can fulfill an emotional or mental need that wouldn’t arise in normal circumstances.

Rather than assuming which products employees would like to have available, employers should survey their employees to find out. Different individuals will have different preferences that develop from a number of factors including upbringing, genetics, culture, and individual experiences.

For those Augusta employees who are looking for a better-for-you snack, that usually means a snack that has a high nutritional value or one that is high in protein, vitamins, minerals and fiber but low in calories, fat, sugar and sodium.

Ideally, a serving of a healthy snack will have between 150 and 200 calories, about 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein and no more than 12 grams of fat. Choosing fiber and protein will help create a feeling of fullness while avoiding saturated fats, which raise LDL or “bad” cholesterol, can help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Whether Augusta employees are looking for better-for-you snacks and beverages, traditional options or delicious, freshly made meals, access to variety of refreshments at work is an appreciated benefit. It can also encourage essential employees to stay on-site during breaks and give them the necessary fuel and hydration to focus on their job.

Riverside Refreshments would like to help your local business, especially during this challenging time, by providing the refreshments your employees need. For more information about our micro-market and vending machine services, please contact us at 706-793-2723.