At Pantree, we're all about celebrating diversity and supporting incredible women-led businesses. That's why we're excited to share with you some of the amazing female-owned and operated brands that we partner with for our office snack delivery service in Toronto. From guilt-free treats to allergy-friendly delights, these brands are changing the game one delicious bite at a time.

Barbet 
Barbet makes full-flavoured sparkling beverages for curious tastebuds. Founded by two sisters in Toronto, Barbet's flavours include Wild Card (blood orange, calamansi, jalapeno), Love Bite (pink grapefruit, ginger, juniper) and Light Wave (cucumber, pineapple, lavender). With a mission to put alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks on a level playing field, they believe in creating elevated beverages so you don't have to water down life's moments. 

Whether you're hosting a client meeting or just need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up for your staff, Barbet's lineup of sparkling beverages is sure to impress.

Stellar Eats
These instant mug snacks are the perfect treat! Made with real food ingredients, Stellar Eats has three flavours  that are fast and easy (ready in the microwave in 2 minutes or less), and are nutritionist formulated with almond flour and sweetened with coconut and dates. Whether at the office or at home, these are snacks you can enjoy without the sugar spikes!

BetterBears: Gummy Bears, Reinvented
Looking for a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than BetterBears – a brand that's revolutionizing the gummy bear game. BetterBears offers a range of delicious gummy bears that are low in sugar and high in flavour.

Whether you're craving classic gummy bears or something a little more adventurous BetterBears has got you covered with a range of flavours: 

 

1. Gummy Bears: Classic, chewy, and bursting with fruity goodness, our Gummy Bears are a timeless treat for all ages. Each bite is a journey into the world of vibrant flavours.

2. Swedish Bears: These are a nostalgic nod to the original beloved Scandinavian fish-shaped treat, bringing you the same burst of fruity goodness and chewy satisfaction in every bite. 

3. Root Bears: A twist on the classic root beer flavour, our Root Bears bring nostalgia and refreshment in every bite. Enjoy the rich, creamy taste of root beer in a better-for-you candy.

4. Peachy Fuzzy Bears: Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of Peachy Fuzzy Bears. These bite-sized gummies capture the essence of traditional peach gummy candy, making them an irresistible treat.

5. Sour Cherry Bears: Experience a burst of sweet and sour sensation with our Sour Cherry Bears. These gummies pay homage to the classic cherry gummy candy and are sure to satisfy your candy cravings.

 

AllergySmart
We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy delicious snacks, regardless of their dietary restrictions. That's why we're proud to partner with AllergySmart – a brand that's dedicated to creating allergy-friendly snacks that are safe for everyone to enjoy.

From nut-free granola bars to gluten-free cookies, AllergySmart has something for every diet. Plus, with their commitment to quality and taste, you'll never have to compromise on flavour when choosing allergy-friendly snacks for your office pantry.

FreeYumm: Allergy-Friendly Treats for Everyone
Another one of our favourite allergy-friendly brands is FreeYumm, a mom-owned business focused on providing healthy and whole food snacks that are free from the top 9 allergens. All of their snacks are made with quality ingredients that focus on inclusive eating for healthy families and kids! Snack Safe. Certified Gluten Free. Allergy Friendly. Vegan. Nut Free. Dairy Free.

MadeGood: Snacks That Make a Difference
Last but not least, we have MadeGood – a brand that's not only delicious but also committed to making a difference, MadeGood offers a range of allergy-friendly snacks that are perfect for the office pantry.

From granola bars to crispy squares, MadeGood snacks are made with real ingredients that are free from common allergens like peanuts and tree nuts. Plus, with their commitment to sustainability and giving back, you can feel good about supporting MadeGood snacks.

So there you have it, some of the amazing female-owned and operated brands that we partner with for our office snack delivery service in Toronto. From gourmet treats to allergy-friendly snacks, these brands are changing the game and proving that delicious snacks can also make a positive impact. So why settle for boring office snacks when you can support these incredible women-led businesses and elevate your snacking game at the same time? Choose Pantree for your office pantry service and discover a world of flavour, quality, and empowerment.

 

Hello friends!

As the weather shifts and we all come out of hibernation, we are excited to see what will unfold in the coming months as the spring heralds the start of a fresh energy for all of us. 

This month we are sharing new collaborations and partnerships in our office snacks service that we have been developing over the last few months that will be a benefit to your Pantree experience.

Flow Water Distribution
As a new addition to our office snacks delivery service, we are excited to announce we are working with Flow Water as their partner in distribution for all of the GTA! Personally and as a company we’ve been drinking Flow Water as one of our main sources of hydration since the inception of our business. It’s been a mainstay because it’s convenient and--of course--delicious, with so many flavours to choose from! We are all about keeping ourselves hydrated and flowing.

What this means is that we have streamlined the process for homes, offices, and food service organizations that were placing their orders for Flow Water separately. You can now order all of your Flow Water needs through Pantree, making it even more of a one-stop-shop for all of your pantry needs. 

 

Hello, friends!

We all know that coffee and snacks are the lifelines of any thriving office environment. But as an office manager or administrative assistant, how do you strike that magical balance between keeping the pantry stocked and not breaking the bank? Enter us, your friendly and eager to help Pantree Team! 

From spreadsheets to snacking habits, we've got you covered. So grab a cup of your favourite brew, and let's dive into creating a budget for your office’s coffee and snack program that’s as balanced as our delightful assortment of snacks!

The Art and Science of Budgeting: Why Both Matter

You might think budgeting is all about the numbers, and sure, it is—but there's a human element to it. Knowing the preferences, dietary needs, and eating habits of your team is crucial. The combination of this qualitative data with the financials can make your budget a masterpiece.

Think of it this way: It's not just about getting 10 bags of chips. It's about getting 4 bags of Salted Tortilla Chips, 3 Kettle Cooked Jalapeno, and 3 White Cheddar Popcorn based on what your team loves.

The “Pre-Budgeting” Step: Gauge the Landscape

Before diving into the numbers, you need to gauge your office environment. How many people are you ordering for? What's the general snack and coffee consumption rate? Any dietary restrictions or popular preferences? These factors will shape your budget from the ground up.

Pro Tip: Conduct a quick survey to get everyone's input. It won't take more than 5 minutes for your colleagues to fill out, and it can save you hours of guesswork. Plus, everyone loves having a say in what kinds of snacks and coffee land in the pantry.

The Spreadsheet is Your Best Friend

Now that you’ve got the qualitative data down, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of numbers. Excel or Google Sheets can be your allies in this. Divide your sheet into categories like Coffee, Healthy Snacks, Quick Bites, etc. You can then allocate a budget to each based on consumption rates.

Here's an example:

• Coffee: $250/month 

• Healthy Snacks: $200/month 

• Quick Bites: $150/month 

Pro Tip: Use formulas to make sure you’re not exceeding the overall budget. If you plug in a value and your total shoots above your set budget, you'll know you need to make adjustments.

Your First Order at Pantree: Building a Comprehensive Office Coffee and Snack Program

Okay, so you’re ready to place your first order with Pantree, but it still feels overwhelming to build your office’s snack and coffee program from scratch. Don’t worry, we got you! This comprehensive guide will help you get started with a breakdown of what to order from each category we carry: 

Coffee

• Blend Variety: Start with a range of blends. Offer a light roast, a medium roast, and a dark roast to cater to all taste preferences.

• Sustainability: Consider organic and fair-trade options.

• Servings: Estimate 1-2 cups per employee per day to determine your order quantity.

Healthy Snacks

• Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds are both healthy and filling.

• Protein Bars: Opt for bars with minimal added sugar and high protein content.

• Fruits: Dried fruits or pre-packed fruit slices are a great addition.

Fresh Fruits

• Variety Pack: Choose a mixed fruit box that includes bananas, apples, and oranges.

• Exotic Choices: Include some less common fruits like mangoes or avocados for added interest.

Beverages

• Water: Stock still and sparkling water.

• Tea: Provide herbal and caffeinated options.

• Juice: Opt for 100% fruit juice rather than sugary fruit drinks.

Pantry Staples

• Sweeteners: Offer a range including sugar, stevia, and honey.

• Creamers: Stock dairy and non-dairy options like oat milk and almond milk.

• Condiments: Think of ketchup, mustard, and perhaps some hot sauce for those who like a kick.

Special Dietary Needs

Make sure to include gluten-free, vegan, and nut-free options to cater to everyone's dietary requirements.

Order Quantity

For a mid-sized office of about 30-50 employees, here's a basic guideline:

• Coffee: 4-6 large bags of coffee beans

• Healthy Snacks: 2-3 boxes each of nuts, protein bars, and dried fruits

• Fresh Fruits: 2 large mixed fruit boxes

• Beverages: 1-2 cases each of water, tea, and juice

• Pantry Staples: Quantities will depend on your office's consumption patterns, but starting moderate is always safe.

Regular Reviews: The Forgotten Hero

Budgeting is not a “set it and forget it” type of deal. Regular reviews will help you tweak your allocations to ensure you’re not under-ordering or overshooting the budget.

Pro Tip: Set up a calendar reminder for a monthly budget review. This is a good time to check in on spending, see what’s being consumed the most, and what’s just sitting there collecting dust. Then adjust your next order accordingly.

Use Standing Orders

Our standing order services at Pantree.ca make it easy to manage your orders because our team will do the heavy lifting for you. However, remember to review and adjust these based on the consumption rate. If you find that the medium roast coffee is vanishing within days, you might want to bump up your order quantity. Or perhaps you notice that the dark chocolate vegan bars aren't as popular as you thought—time to scale down.

A Note on Seasonal Variations

Your team might consume more hot coffee in winters and crave more cold beverages in summers. Seasonal variation is a thing, and your budget needs to be flexible to accommodate that.

Pro Tip: Adjust your budget by 10-15% during seasonal shifts. Add a line for “Seasonal Adjustments” in your spreadsheet and set reminders to make these changes when the seasons turn.

FOMO and Its Budgetary Implications

FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) can play havoc with your budget. Maybe you read about a superfood snack that’s all the rage, and you feel like you HAVE to include it in your next order. By all means, try new things, but make sure it fits within your budget.

Pro Tip: Allocate a small “FOMO Fund” in your budget. Say, 5% of the total budget that allows you to test out one or two new items from Pantree’s ever-evolving selection without upsetting your financial balance.

The Final Reckoning: Budget Meets Reality

Before confirming any order, take a moment to go over your cart and cross-reference it with your budget spreadsheet. This step may seem redundant, but it’s the gateway between your ideal budget and the actual expenditure. Make sure they align!

Wrapping It Up: Balance is Key

Building a budget isn't just a financial task; it's an ongoing project that brings together analytics, human preferences, and a sprinkle of foresight. But guess what? The smile that a well-stocked pantry brings to everyone's faces? That's priceless.

Now you're armed with all the knowledge and tips to keep those snack bins full and those coffee pots brewing—all while keeping your budget happy. Now that's what we call a win-win-win! 

So, hop onto Pantree.ca and let’s see how we can help you make budgeting fun, fulfilling, and yes, absolutely delicious! 

Until next time, 

The Pantree Team

References: Tips for Creating a Budget - Forbes

A guide for modern offices to supply their employees with snacks that support a healthy office lifestyle.