Commuter Food Trends For 2022.
Most people who are reading this blog by now are heading back to the office. The first thing you want when you’re commuting to work is food on the go that’s healthy and affordable. That can be difficult if your job requires a lot of travel, which can end up in eating unhealthy food during the day.
With the pandemic nearing its final stages, have food choices for commuters changed since COVID? It’s important that when you are heading to the office that the food you eat while commuting gives you the energy to get through the day.
Vending machines are a great option when it comes to providing office workers with plenty of options to eat on your commute. For commuters, combining healthy and vending may not be the best combination at first but our healthy vending solutions allow you to have health-conscious foods and lunches that you will keep coming back to.
In our latest blog, we look at the latest commuter food trends for 2022 and how they will shape the way commuters eat when heading to and from the office.
Current food trends for commuters
The days of office workers going to the office five days a week are a thing of the past with the emergence of hybrid working. This shift in how people work has had a big impact on people as they are commuting less into city centres, which has affected cafes and coffee shops who rely on those types of workers to keep their businesses afloat.
When it comes to the latest food trends, here’s a few that commuters are tapping into while commuting into the office.
Sustainability
Climate change remains a hot topic for the food industry. Commuters are more conscious about not just the packaging of sandwiches and pasta boxes, but also the ingredients that make up your lunch. The rise of plant-based food has meant that there are more meat-free options available for commuters to choose from that are tasty and kinder to the planet.
Supply Chain Issues
Disruption with supply chains remains an issue, particularly when it comes to finding healthy foods to eat for lunch. Factories are under pressure with just-in-time, cross-border operations to keep the daily staples of sandwiches, salads and wraps stocked not just in supermarkets, but also in coffee shops and cafes too.
Pros of current food commuter trends
The current food commuter trends that are happening at the moment have plenty of positives, not just for commuters, but for food companies too.
Here are a few positives that are currently going on for commuters with food that are listed below:
- The rise of functional food during the pandemic has meant that commuters are seeking options that promote healthy lifestyles, rather than go for a pasty or a bag of crisps.
- Better quality ingredients for lunches and snacks – the focus towards healthier products means that commuters will have more climate-friendly options available in cafes and sandwich shops to choose from.
Cons of current food commuter trends
While there are many positives when it comes to the current food trends for commuters, it comes with its fair share of cons.
So what are some of the cons with the current trends with commuters around food? Here are a few listed below:
- Unhealthy snacking – rather than eating a piece of fruit, most commuters go for a sugary option (chocolate), which makes you more exhausted throughout the day
- It’s expensive – The average commuter in the UK spends £10 a day on takeaway coffees and food. The money spent on that lifestyle could be used elsewhere
- New regulations for salt, fat and sugar content mean that food companies will need to make their food products (lunches and snacks) healthier for commuters
Advantages of providing food vending machines at the office
As an office manager, there are several advantages to providing food vending machines for workers at the office. Not only is a vending machine for food easy to manage, but by having an option available for workers to stay in the office with fresh food means employees can save both time and money.
Other benefits of having vending machines in the office include:
- Vending machines being profitable for your business
- Reduce the stress of having to wait in a canteen for food
- Time saver when it comes to grabbing that essential sandwich or piece of fruit
The range of office vending machines available are built with sustainability in mind, making them an attractive choice for your office.
Getting the right office food vending machine for your office with Connect Vending
Rather than run to the nearest sandwich shop or fast food store, Connect Vending’s food vending machine solutions are a great way to eat healthy lunches in your office. If you’re looking to bring a high street range of food, drinks and snacks, why not also take a look at our Deli Cafe solution?
Vending is a healthy option if you do not want to spend more on sandwiches, pasta bowls and salads from the nearest cafe or deli shop.
You can speak to our colleagues at Connect Vending today and we can help you find the right vending solution for your office.