October 2019 - Tech 2 Success

Incorporating low-sugar snacks into your diet is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But sometimes it’s hard to find the right snacks, ones that are a) actually low in sugar, and b) tasty.

There are plenty of products that are marketed as healthy alternatives to traditional junk food, but often times these items are just as packed with enough sugar to last a week. Of course, you could always choose snacks that don’t have any at all. But sometimes you just really want something sweet.

This list serves as a guide to help you choose a low-sugar snack. Before we dive into them, though, let’s first talk a little about how sugar impacts your health and what we mean by “low-sugar.”

Why too much sugar is bad for you

For a long time, snacks high in sugar were a staple in many a household. But as it became more apparent such snacks were damaging to one’s health, people have become more selective about what they’re eating. Low-sugar foods are highly sought after. The reasons are clear: too much sugar is bad for you.

How so? Here are just some ways too much sugar can impact your health:

weight gain
high blood sugar
heart disease
nerve damage
diabetes

The list goes on.

It’s important to note that a lot of it has to do with moderation. A brownie or slice of cake here and there is fine. It’s when you eat foods packed with sugar nearly everyday that you run into trouble.

What do we mean by Low-Sugar Snacks?

There can be some ambiguity around what low-sugar means, so we want to be clear on how we’ve curated this list. The snacks included below have little to no added sugars, so the items that have higher amounts of sugar are from natural sources. Some fruit (we’re looking at you, apples) have a lot of sugar, but it’s natural. Not the table sugar you can buy in five pound bags.

1. KIND Bars

KIND Snacks was built on the belief that if you can’t pronounce the ingredients, it shouldn’t be part of the product. They offer a diverse range of granola bar flavors, most of which are low-sugar.

Cranberry Almond Bar: 8g of sugar

2. Rip Van Wafles

Rip Van Wafels are a European-style healthy snack that pair great with a cup of coffee or on their own. They have 120 calories and low-sugar.

*Chocolate Wafel: 8g of sugar

3. Quest Protein Cookie

With only one gram of sugar, Quest Protein Cookies are a great low-sugar snack that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Quest Protein Cookie (chocolate?): 1g

4. Cottage Cheese with Strawberries

Looking for a snack that’s low in sugar and packs a protein punch? Cottage cheese is the ticket.

Cottage cheese with Strawberries: 16g

5. Skinny Dipped Almonds

Peanut M&Ms are often a favorite, but if you’re looking for a similar treat that’s low in sugar, Skinny Dipped Almonds are a great alternative.

Skinny Dipped Almonds: 6g

6. Wildway Snack Mix

There’s a new trail mix in town. Wildway has created a snack mix that is better for you and made with 100% real-food ingredients that delivers on sustenance and flavor, and is made with no added sugars.

Wildlway Pineapple Mojito: 13g

8. Larabar

One of the original no-sugar added snacks, Larabar makes a variety of flavors to choose from all with only natural sugars.

Larabar: 18g (natural)

7. Apples with Peanut Butter

Apples are high in sugar, but it’s all natural. Peanut butter has about 3g of sugar per serving. Not only is it a healthy snack that’s low in added sugars, it also provides protein.

Apples with Peanut Butter: 21g

9. One Bar

Another delicious snack bar that’s low in sugar is One Bar.

One Bar: 1g

10. Plain Yogurt with Berries

Yogurt is often touted as a healthy snack, and for the most part it is. But flavored yogurts are often packed with syrups that are not exactly low in sugar. That’s why plain yogurt with berries is a better low-sugar choice.

Plain Yogurt with Berries: ~10g

Vending machines are one of the original break room services. They were–and to a large extent still are–one of the most effective ways to provide employees with access to refreshing beverages and snacks.

But company break rooms have changed in recent years. They’re no longer sparsely decorated, ill-lit rooms that smell like a mix of ashtrays and cleaning products. Many companies have turned their break rooms into a recruiting tool, where sleek furniture, games, and free snacks are all on full display. The message? We take our jobs seriously, but we’re also a fun place to work and value our employees.

To get the food and beverages they want, many workplaces have left the traditional vending set up behind. They’ve turned to services like Amazon or Snacknation to get them delivered. How’s an operator to compete?

One option is to reinvent your business. That means offering consumers what they want: a snack delivery approach with an online ordering option. Vending machine services aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, but investing in OCS, pantry, and provisioning are the key to growth.

“Supply Wizards has improved order accuracy, customer experience, and overall order processing timeframe. This has increased accuracy and efficiency in our office!” – Natalie P., OCS Corporate Support Manager, Five-Star Foods, Nashville, TN

As an operator, you might think those accounts aren’t a good fit. After all, you provide vending machine services. But you have exactly what those customers are looking for: snacks! You also have the logistical know-how of distribution. So it’s really not too different from vending operations. Instead of filling a vending machine with product, drivers can stock shelves and countertops. But to be successful, it’s important to offer customers an online ordering portal. Here are three reasons why.

1. It Creates a New Revenue Stream

Offering an online ordering platform for customers makes it easier for them to request products. The easier it is for them to use, the more they’re likely to purchase and spread the word that your business meets (and exceeds) their needs. And for existing accounts that are wanting to switch to a snack delivery service, you can offer them an option instead of losing the customer to another source.

2. Better Customer Experience

According to Salesforce, 57% of consumers have stopped buying from a business because a competitor offered a better experience. Let that sink in a moment. Furthermore, 67% say they’d pay more for a better experience. By offering an online ordering option, you’re helping improve the way customers experience your service. Online ordering is faster and easier.

3. Improved Efficiency

Receiving and managing orders via spreadsheets, emails, and phone calls can get messy really fast. And when things get messy, customers get upset. An online ordering platform that helps manage orders and inventory keeps your operation running smoothly, leading to more satisfied customers.

10 Low-Sugar Snacks That Will Still Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth