Top trends in workplace vending machines for 2025
Every new year brings changes in consumer preferences, with certain drinks and snacks emerging as workplace favourites. So, let’s delve into some of the biggest food and drink trends taking shape this year and how our workplace vending machines and refreshment services cater to this growing demand.
A balanced approach to healthy eating
The demand for workplace snacks that are both filling and healthy remains strong. Consumers want convenient options they can enjoy multiple times a week without feeling like they’re overindulging.
At Coinadrink, we carefully curate our vending machine and micro market selections to ensure a balanced mix of nutritious and indulgent options, avoiding an overabundance of HFSS (high fat, salt, and sugar) products. Whether that’s meals below 400 calories, diet drink options, or low-fat crisps, we provide choices that align with today’s vending trends.
The rise of protein-packed products
One of the biggest trends this year is the demand for protein-rich products. Research shows that consumers are actively seeking a protein boost in their everyday diet, often prioritising it over concerns about slightly higher sugar content.
With a variety of protein snacks available in our healthy vending machines in the workplace, whether that be a smart fridge fresh food facility or a Merchant Media 6 snack vending machine, we’re well-equipped to keep pace with this trend.
Fibre as a key nutrient
Another essential component of a balanced diet is fibre, and we’re seeing a growing focus on its inclusion in both snacks and meals. The health and nutritional benefits of a fibre-rich diet are well-known, but food and drink manufacturers continue to find innovative ways to incorporate it into a diverse range of products.
Our workplace vending machines are no exception, offering fibre-rich options that cater to those seeking a more balanced diet.
The continuing appeal of a sweet treat
That being said, the phrase “sweet treat” was widely used in 2024, and we expect it to persist in 2025. People enjoy rewarding themselves, whether it’s for a job well done or simply getting through a stressful day. A bit of indulgence now and then is perfectly fine, and we fully support the freedom of choice in our product offerings.
Everything in moderation, after all!
The emergence of “buns and bowls”
A particular type of quick lunch, the kind you’d usually purchase in a supermarket meal deal, is gaining traction: “Buns and Bowls.”
While sandwiches still reign supreme in workplace lunches, there’s growing interest in alternatives such as poke bowls, Buddha bowls, acai bowls, and chia pots. Whether it’s through a Festival fresh food vending machine or a micro market, we’re already seeing popularity in our Asian-inspired WAT Kitchen noodle and rice bowls.
We’ll be watching closely to see whether these fresh, exciting options start to challenge the sandwich’s dominance in the workplace vending machine scene.
A fresh resurgence for hot chocolate
One of the more surprising trends we’ve noticed is the rising demand for hot chocolate. While tea and coffee remain workplace staples, hot chocolate, a low-caffeine alternative, is making a strong comeback. As we stock a variety of high-quality hot chocolate vending machines including the Cali and Coti, we’re excited to cater to workplaces craving a comforting cocoa fix.
Staying cool with refreshing beverages
With spring on the horizon and warmer weather (hopefully) approaching, the demand for chilled drinks is set to rise. Consumers are increasingly seeking better-for-you options to keep them refreshed and hydrated throughout the day. Our cold drinks vending machines offer a wide range of these drinks, whether it’s diet Coke, low-calorie Vimto, or bottled water.
Nostalgic flavours with a modern twist
Nostalgia continues to be a driving force in food trends, with products that offer classic flavours reimagined in contemporary ways proving especially popular. The balance between old and new keeps things exciting, giving consumers both familiarity and uniqueness in their snack choices.
The “swicy” phenomenon
A buzzword making waves in food trends is “swicy”: a blend of sweet and spicy flavours. This bold combination is gaining popularity across various food categories, offering an adventurous twist on traditional tastes.
Greater transparency with ingredients
With social media continuing to shape consumer awareness, people are becoming increasingly vigilant about what they eat and drink. Products that provide clear, informative packaging are more appealing, as transparency about ingredients and nutritional value is a priority for many consumers.
Feedback from our own workplace vending machine and micro market customers indeed suggests that attractive, informative packaging is valuable. We’ve seen excellent initial popularity in our Simply Lunch product range, which boasts this transparency.
Sustainability matters more than ever
Sustainability remains a growing concern, with more consumers seeking eco-friendly food and drink options to reduce their carbon footprint. At Coinadrink, we share this commitment and regularly factor environmental consciousness into our decision-making processes.
For example, we offer an ever-growing selection of vegan-friendly food options in our smart fridge, whether that’s a hearty salad, wrap, or sandwich, with packaging that is easily recyclable in standard waste streams.
Value of money in the ongoing cost-0f-living crisis
The ongoing cost of living crisis means that affordability is still a key concern for consumers. People are looking for food and drink options that offer real value for money. While our business is centred on convenience, we’re committed to offering seasonal promotions and meal deals, such as our micro market meal deal, where possible, to provide cost-effective choices.
Quality coffee without the premium price tag
Some might say that a good cup of coffee is a luxury in tough economic times, but we disagree. We offer multiple coffee solutions that provide workplaces with speciality, fresh bean coffee without the high price tag of high street coffee shops.
Businesses that enjoy something like a Neo hot beverage machine or a Krea Touch commercial coffee machine can offset the rental cost by setting a vend price, which is what your team and visitors will pay for a cup. True, you could maximise this employee perk by subsidising the costs or setting the machine to free vend, but even charging 50p for a drink really adds up, while providing a quality beverage for a fraction of the cost in the coffee shop.
We call that a win-win!
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Looking ahead to a refreshing 2025…
As we move further into 2025, we’re excited about what’s to come for our business, our suppliers, and our customers. With a vast selection of refreshments available, it’s all about providing the best options to suit an ever-evolving culinary landscape.
As ever, Coinadrink and the wider vending industry are at the forefront of workplace vending trends, offering innovative solutions to meet the needs of modern workplaces.
Talk to us:
sales@coinadrink.co.uk
01922 640777
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