There’s a new trend sweetening the workplace: “little treat culture.”

“Little treat culture” is more than just an excuse for an office snack. As seen trending on TikTok, in the news, and even with new menu items, it refers to the growing trend of indulging in small, enjoyable snacks or indulgences during the workday as a form of self-care or reward.  

But what’s behind this delicious uptick in workplace indulgence? ezCater recently surveyed 5,000 full-time employees across the U.S. to find out.  

The sweet spot: the rise of little treats in workplace culture

Surprisingly, 30% of workers reach for a treat daily, and a whopping 76% indulge at least weekly. These little treats are primarily enjoyed during the mid-afternoon slump (62%), with a significant number also indulging during a mid-morning break (37%). However, not all age groups snack the same — 87% of Gen Zers lead the pack with weekly treats, while only 66% of Gen X do the same. 

Little treat motivations: from energy boosts to social staples

The main reasons behind employees taking little treat breaks are for an energy boost (53%) and self-reward (42%), although many also turn to treats as a form of stress relief (38%) and a motivation for social activity with colleagues (17%). In larger companies, they’re becoming a cornerstone for socializing—20% of workers in companies with 1000+ employees enjoy treats with colleagues.

Salty v. savory: both types of little treats reign supreme in the office  

When it comes to what little treats employees are eating, a majority prefer the classic go-to’s: Candy/chocolate (54%) and salty snacks like chips and pretzels (51%) top the list of preferred little treats at work, followed by cookies (44%) and pastries (37%). Even so, Millennials and GenZ lean toward healthier choices with 38% of them embracing fruit or healthier sweets, compared to 32% of their older colleagues. 

Snackonomics: Navigating the cost of little workplace treats 

While 83% of workers are finding cheap-to-free little treat options, younger people are spending more on their treats. Gen Z, less likely to come across free treats in the office (only 12%), is also the group most willing to dip into their wallets, with 28% spending over $10 on treats. Conversely, 60% of Boomers manage to satisfy their treat cravings for less than $5. 

Little treats are trending: How TikTok is influencing “little treat culture”

When it comes to “little treat culture,” the influence of social media, particularly TikTok, can’t be ignored. Nearly half (45%) of all workers admit that these trends influence their snacking habits, with 70% of Gen Z and over half of Millennials (56%) tuning into the app to learn more about the latest snackable trends.

Zooming in on the data: Tracking little treat trends on ezCater

At ezCater, we’re witnessing this trend first hand, as we’ve seen an increase in snack and treat brands on our platform, from cupcake and cookie to dumpling, empanada, and charcuterie brands. And while savory treats are currently more popular when it comes to platform orders, sweets are catching up fast, demonstrated by a 37% year-over-year increase in snack orders and an even more 60% climb in dessert demand. 

As for timing? Tuesday is the ultimate day for workplace treats, with Monday coming in a close second. When it comes to the most ordered items, the reigning champions are:

• Top 5 snack items ordered on ezCater (June 2023-June 2024)
  • Empanadas 
  • Wings 
  • Nachos 
  • Sliders 
  • Charcuterie 
• Top 5 dessert items ordered on ezCater (June 2023-June 2024)
  • Cookies 
  • Brownies 
  • Dessert – e.g., assorted dessert trays, dessert platter, etc.
  • Cake 
  • Churros 

Employers take note: the “little treat culture” trend is making its mark as a modern workplace staple. The data shows that this is not just a trend but a flexible, inclusive way to boost morale and foster a happier, more connected (and undoubtedly more delicious) work environment. 

Ready to bring the little treat culture to your office? Explore ezCater to see what delicious dessert (or savory snack) you could share with your team.