10 Afternoon Snack Ideas That Keep Your Employees Energised
Imagine a place of work where everyone is busy and productive every afternoon. What's the secret? Employees can get the energy they need from tasty, healthy snacks. In the middle of the day, it's easy for energy levels to drop. But if you give them the right snacks, they can stay awake and on task.
From cakes to pizzas, there are countless options to keep everyone going strong. Accordingly, this article will explore fantastic afternoon snack ideas. The snacks we will discuss will not only satisfy hunger but also enhance performance. The goal is to keep your employees energised and ready to tackle the rest of the day.
Why Afternoon Snacks Matter
Snacking at work isn't just a way to quell your lunchtime hunger. It's a planned move to boost productivity and well-being in general. Here's why afternoon snacks matter:
- Snacks in the afternoon give people a quick boost of energy that helps them fight the normal drop in energy that happens around noon. The effect of this boost can be very important for staying awake and excited.
- When workers get help with their hunger, they can stay focused and keep doing a good job. Taking a short break to eat can help clear your mind. Getting it done early can also help you get more done during the day.
- Eating a snack can make you feel better and lower your stress. People who work for you are more likely to be upbeat, helpful, and interested in their jobs when they are feeling better.
- Snack foods can prevent the afternoon slump and feelings of tiredness. This helps employees stay active and attentive. The result is a reduction in the likelihood of mistakes and a high level of performance.
- Snack breaks provide an opportunity for colleagues to gather and interact informally. These moments of socialisation can improve team cohesion, communication, and overall workplace morale.
- Nutritious snacks can improve concentration, memory, and cognitive function. This helps employees think more clearly and make better decisions throughout the afternoon. Besides, healthy employees are generally more productive and take fewer sick days.
- Sugar levels stay stable with snacks. So the probability of any big jumps or drops that can cause tiredness or bad feelings lessens. Stable blood sugar levels contribute to sustained concentration and success.
Top 10 Afternoon Snack Ideas
Picking the right afternoon snacks can make all the difference when it comes to staying energetic and getting things done. Here are some tasty and healthy snack ideas to keep your team fueled and focused throughout the day.
1. Lemon & Poppyseed Polenta Mini Cakes
Some tasty snacks to have in the afternoon are lemon and poppyseed polenta mini cakes. They go well with herbal tea or an iced drink. Made with polenta, these delightful treats are studded with countless poppy seeds. The poppy seeds add a crunchy twist, and the cornmeal (polenta) gives them a slightly grainy texture. The finishing touch is a jewel-like candied lemon slice and a sweet lemon icing on top. These make them fresh, zesty, and visually stunning.
2. Chicken Satay Skewers
Chicken satay skewers are a great afternoon snack option for the workplace. They are made from tender thigh fillets that are marinated overnight in a creamy satay sauce. The marinated chicken is then threaded onto skewers. This makes them easy to handle and perfect for finger food.
These skewers are great for sharing with colleagues or enjoying on your own. The rich flavour of the satay sauce makes them a satisfying treat. Plus, they are versatile enough to be enjoyed at a BBQ event as well.
3. Grilled Vegetables & Spinach Frittata
A grilled vegetable and spinach frittata is a healthy and tasty option for a mid-afternoon snack on the job. Usually, this frittata is made with free-range eggs. This ensures a rich and wholesome base. Besides, the addition of grilled vegetables provides a burst of flavours and textures. At the same time, fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch of green.
This frittata is both filling and healthy when it is cooked just right. So it is a great choice to keep the employees going all day. Either warm or at room temperature, it makes a delicious snack.
4. Gluten-Free Sweets
There are people at work who will need gluten-free options due to dietary restrictions. A variety of gluten-free flavours and sweet options can keep things interesting for them. Some great options include:
- Passionfruit: This tropical flavour is tangy and refreshing, just what you need to get through the middle of the day.
- Raspberry Passionfruit: Combining the tartness of raspberries with the exotic taste of passionfruit creates a unique and delicious treat.
- Cranberry: Cranberries offer a sweet and slightly tart flavour that can be very satisfying.
- Fig and Apple: Combining these ingredients makes for a rich, fruity snack with a touch of natural sweetness.
5. Finger Sandwich
Finger sandwiches are easy to eat, convenient, and can be made with a variety of tasty fillings. Using soft multigrain, white, or rye bread as the base for the sandwiches makes it even better. Here are three delicious filling options to choose from:
- A finger sandwich filled with chicken pesto, rocket leaves, and a touch of mayonnaise can be an excellent option. Adding a drizzle of herb oil can add extra flavour.
- For a vegetarian sandwich option, a mix of free-range curried eggs with mayonnaise can be layered with fresh baby spinach.
- Want a sophisticated taste? A smoked salmon sandwich with cream cheese, arugula, Spanish onion, and capers can provide that.
6. Japanese Style Sushi
Fresh, flavorful Japanese-style sushi is a great snack to have at work in the afternoon. This easy-to-carry finger food goes well with soy sauce, wasabi for a spicy kick, and pickled ginger to clear the palate. Since sushi is healthy, light, and easy to eat without utensils, it is great for a busy office. With choices like tuna, salmon, and cucumber rolls, there is something for everyone to enjoy. A tasty and filling snack option that brings a little culinary joy to the workday.
7. Mini Cinnamon Scroll
A mini cinnamon scroll is a small, warm pastry perfectly swirled with cinnamon and sugar. During a busy day, this mini-meal is the perfect way to relax and enjoy a moment of luxury. It creates a delightful aroma that fills the air. With a light coating of icing sugar on top, the soft dough melts in the mouth as you bite into it. It's a comforting treat that can satisfy employees craving something sweet without being too heavy.
8. Chocolate Brownie
Chocolate brownies are warm and comforting treats that go well with coffee or tea. It has a unique, rich chocolate flavour that is great for a break in the middle of a busy day. A brownie is the perfect way to power through the afternoon and enjoy it to the fullest.
9. Gourmet Mini Pizza
If you want to offer something twisted to eat at work, try gourmet mini pizzas! They're bite-sized and come in various delicious flavours. These mini pizzas are great for a quick afternoon treat that satisfies your cravings without being overly filling. Whether you prefer something spicy like tandoori chicken or something more classic like vegetarian pizza, there's a flavour for everyone to enjoy.
10. Mini Lemon Tart
How about offering creamy mini lemon tarts for an afternoon snack at work? Each bite of these tarts will taste like a burst of citrus because they are made with fresh ingredients. They're perfectly sized for a quick pick-me-up on a hectic day. With its buttery crust and creamy filling, this tart is a delicious treat that is not too heavy. It's a refreshing option that can be enjoyed without feeling overly indulgent. Plus, the tangy lemon flavour adds a zesty twist to the usual snack routine. Perfect for a light and satisfying snack break at the workplace!
Conclusion
It is better for energy, mood, and work to have snacks in the afternoon. It helps workers stay on task and get things done. Regular breaks for snacks are good for morale and teamwork. It will not help to pick just any food, though. You need to pick the menu with care.
The diverse and nutritious snack ideas we gave here cater to various tastes and dietary needs. They will ensure everyone stays energised and engaged throughout the day. Providing these choices not only improves health but also creates a positive and cooperative work environment. Choose wisely, and watch your team thrive!
To make your job even easier, Catering Zone is always ready. You will find all the snacks that we discussed above available to us. Our food comes from Australia's best suppliers. We make sure it is fresh and high-quality when we deliver it. Contact us today to learn more about our offerings.
