Most Americans know the benefits of eating healthy, even if it’s just losing some weight. In addition, many Americans want to eat healthier, but lack the motivation. In fact, according to Mintel, the top reason for not eating healthy is lack of availability. The other reasons for eating badly includes cost, confusion, time, and taste. However, one of the easiest ways to offer healthy food to your Chicago employees is in your own office. In fact, 73 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for snacks with high quality ingredients. Additionally, 50 percent of consumers said they would buy more from specialty snack shops if healthier snacks were offered.
In today’s quick, instantaneous gratification for nearly everything, it’s no surprise people reach for whatever is convenient. In fact, 80 percent of Americans believe being healthy requires sacrifices, while 64 percent of consumers agree that snacking is necessary to get through the day. Essentially, Chicago consumers need snacks, but don’t want to sacrifice time, money, taste, or other reasons to fulfill their cravings. Lauren Bonetto of Mintel, a Lifestyles & Leisure Analyst at Mintel, said Americans believe “living a modern lifestyle impedes their ability to be healthy.”
Millennials, in particular, would be motivated by healthy snack options. Many dine at snack shops to treat themselves (60 percent) and as a way to gain an energy boost (38 percent). In addition, 71 percent of millennials say snacks are best eaten on the go. According to Diana Kelter, a Foodservice Analyst at Mintel, millennials are “America’s primary snacking generation.” As a result, snack shops act as a great destination for quick treats in their fast-paced lives. They are also very conscious of the way they spend their money, according to a study by T. Rowe Price. For those over 18 years old, 75 percent of millennials track their expenses carefully and diligently, while 67 percent save “by any means necessary.” This means their monetary choices are made consciously.
Everyone benefits from healthier food choices. Healthier food intake leads to less half days, due to doctor appointments. The benefits for healthy eating does wonders for the body and brain and actually saves consumers money. In fact, adding produce and lean meat adds $1.50 a day to food costs, but you save $2.71 for every dollar spent by preventing health problems. For this reason alone, loyalty programs would be a worthy endeavor. If Chicago Millennials decide to spend their money, it needs to be worthwhile in their eyes.
If you are looking for healthy options for your break room, call Mark Vend at 847-291-9216 today for a free, no obligation consultation, where we can help you with your break room needs.