How to Maximize Your End-of-Year Office Pantry Budget

Turn your holiday traffic slump into an office pantry power play for next year. 

As the end of the year approaches, we know office pantry budgets don’t always roll over. For some, you either have to use it or lose it, so you may as well use it! The real question is: how do you do that effectively?

December is notorious for its slowdown in office traffic. Many companies close for the holiday season, and employees take advantage of that by adding extra time off. So, the gut impulse is to order less. But in reality, you should be staying consistent with your orders and keeping the start of the new year in mind.

The new year comes with a fresh start, new resolutions, and fresh habits—and you have to be ready. Hector Avelar, who manages office pantry programs across Crafty's largest accounts, uses the Crafty Platform historical data to understand how employees are consuming differently in January compared to other months. 

"I always know that in January we’re going to see an uptick in consumption as employees do their best to stick to their New Year's resolutions," says Hector. "That’s why I use the slower December months to stock up on these items to be ahead of the rush."

So, how do you prepare your pantry for the new year? Here’s a quick list of four items to stock up on this December to set yourself up for success.

Bulk Up Your Office Pantry with Protein Bars 

Between the inevitable health-centric New Year’s resolutions and new medications on the market, protein is going to be on everyone’s radar. December is the perfect time to stock up on your favorite protein bars in preparation. 

Why stock up now? 

• GLP-1 Trend: 1 in 8 adults say they are on GLP-1 medication, and that number is on the rise. As users of these medications lose weight, they must keep up muscle mass, and medical professionals recommend consuming more than 70 grams of protein. Protein bars are perfect for employees to get in their protein quickly while also being shelf-stable. 
• Costs: Protein bars are not the cheapest item in your office pantry, so when consumption of higher ticketed items rises so does your spending. The beauty of New Year's resolutions is that they have a shelf life of three months at best. 

What should you be looking for? 

• Bars with 10 grams of protein or more.
• Bars that include a few grams of fiber
• Combination of regular and vegan/dairy-free bars. 
• Options with cleaner ingredients. 

Whether it’s employees jumping on the health bandwagon or trying to balance their new habits, having protein bars stocked and ready will keep the office fueled for those busy days.

Hydrate Mindfully with Functional Beverages 

Happy almost Dry January to all who celebrate and to those who only half celebrate.

Get ahead of the curve and have alternative drink options in your workplace. Just because your team isn't focused on the alcohol doesn't mean they want something boring. This is your opportunity to step outside of the box to try new flavors or options that your team might fall in love with. Plus, these days our drinks are doing a whole lot more than just hydrating. 

What should you stock? 

• Alcohol-free beer: Opt for a non-alcoholic version of traditional beer, brewed to offer the same taste without the buzz. In the US alone, non-alcoholic beer consumption is up by 8x since 2020 with 81% of consumers being under the age of 44. For those looking to stay sober during Dry January or join the sober-curious movement, this is a great option for all-hands events or the occasional late-afternoon drink. 
• Sparkling water: Sparkling water is an essential part of the office drink selection, and gaining more with North America accounting for 30% of consumption worldwide. If you're anything like us and fueled by LaCroix, then now would be a good time to stock up.
• Functional beverages: Functional beverages are drinks designed with additional health benefits, such as energy-boosting ingredients, immune system support, or just some extra vitamins and minerals. Help employees recover their mind, body, and soul after a long holiday season by opting for a few of these options.

Healthy Office Snacks to Replace Employee Favorites 

In the past, when you say you want to prioritize your health that means you have to give up something. Not today! 

Many brands are reimagining classic snacks with better-for-you ingredients, so you don't have to give up your mental health bowl of cereal. Use your December budget to stock up on a few dupes for classic snacks so your team can have it all! 

Healthy Office Snack Dupes: 

• Cheetos → Pipcorn: Pipcorn offers a healthier, air-popped version of traditional popcorn, with fewer calories and a satisfying crunch, making it a great alternative for those craving a light yet flavorful snack.
• Reese's → Unreal: Unreal creates indulgent candy alternatives with real, wholesome ingredients like organic chocolate and no artificial additives, providing a cleaner and healthier take on classic treats.
• Cheerios → Magic Spoon: Magic Spoon reimagines your childhood favorite cereal with a low-carb, high-protein twist, perfect for those seeking a nostalgic breakfast or snack that fits into a keto or gluten-free lifestyle.

Stock Up on Your Office Coffee

These are dark times…literally, it looks like it's midnight at 4pm! Plus, did we mention it's also cold?

There is no better cure than a cup of coffee. Bonus points if you're like us and find any excuse to spruce it up with your favorite syrup. The holiday slump is a great time to stock up on your coffee essentials as you prep for the new year. 

Why stock up now?

• Office coffee stations that are powered by Crafty spend on average 16% more in January compared to December due to higher consumption. You'll want to be prepared just in case you go through your coffee quicker than you'd originally thought. 
• Even if your consumption stays consistent, you may want to still stock up now. Many things impact the coffee supply chain and therefore, prices, including weather, politics, labor, and more. You may want to stock up before things change.

What should you stock? 

• Coffee beans, grounds, or pods
• Variety of teas 
• Shelf-stable sweeteners such as syrups or creamers 
• Extra supplies like filters, descaling tablets, etc.

Conclusion

As the year winds down and office traffic slows, don’t let the holiday slump go to waste. Use this quiet period to stock up and prepare for the busy start of the new year. While it might seem tempting to cut back during December, this is the perfect time to take advantage of lower order volumes and secure those must-have items so you can avoid scrambling at all costs. By planning, you can ensure your pantry is well-stocked with the healthier snacks, functional beverages, and essentials your team will crave when January arrives.