The Best Vending Machines Snacks for 3rd Shift Workers

Working the 3rd shift is not for the faint of heart. Our bodies in the U.S., particularly in Broward County, are programmed to be awake during the day and sleepy at night. Most people start winding down around 7 PM, but not the 3rd shift warriors. For them, the night is just beginning. They're expected to be just as productive as their daytime counterparts while plowing through their tasks in the wee hours of the night.

To survive the 3rd shift, you'll have to train your body and adjust your habits. And while fringe scientific experiments might sound interesting, the best way to get the energy boost you need is through food. Fortunately, the food you'll find in vending machines, like the ones Fueling Food provides to Broward, Palm Beach, and Dade County businesses, can offer the sustainable energy needed to finish your shift strong.

If you're a business owner, having a vending machine available for your late-night warriors provides them with a safe, accessible way to get nourishment. Most places offering healthy food options are closed during their breaks, leaving employees with limited choices. At 12 AM, nothing is open except McDonald's and, well... let's just say nothing good happens after midnight. By providing a well-stocked vending machine, you're keeping your team away from both.

Here are some more benefits of having a vending machine in the breakroom for your overnight staff:

Benefits of Having a Vending Machine for 3rd Shift Workers

1. Less travel at night: Places like Fort Lauderdale are beautiful, but when the sun sets, things can get significantly more unpredictable. Reducing the need for unnecessary nighttime travel can prevent encounters with the worst types of situations—and people.

2. Enhanced productivity: A big, greasy burger from McDonald's can make workers drowsy, especially during physically demanding jobs. A light snack and a caffeinated beverage can prevent hunger while keeping your team safe, alert, and active.

3. Cost savings for employees: Gas stations often mark up drinks and snacks due to high overhead costs. In contrast, vending machines typically price items at cost + 50% + overhead, with overhead adding only 20 to 50 cents per item. This means cheaper, more accessible options for your team.

4. Cost savings and profit for business owners: Hosting vending machines can be a win-win. Business owners not only avoid the hassle of stocking refreshments themselves but also earn commissions from the sales. It's a small, passive income stream while keeping employees satisfied.

I could go on and on about the benefits, but at the risk of losing your attention, I'll stop here. As a former night-shift worker myself, I know all too well about the dangers of working unnatural hours and the ever-present temptation of greasy, unhealthy foods.

How Unhealthy Foods as a 3rd Shift Worker Impacted Me

When I was in my early 20s, I worked as a parking enforcement officer between the hours of 7 PM and 3 AM. The job itself was easy, but the hours meant I'd sleep well into the afternoon and wake up just as every place offering healthy food, like Subway, was closing.

This left me with only two options: McDonald's or Taco Bell. I usually chose Taco Bell because, at the time, they had $2 meal deals, and I was broke. During my six-month stint as a loathsome parking officer, I gained nearly 50 pounds. I went from a muscular wrestler to a 255-pound sumo in no time.

I ate bad food because it was quick and available. If I'd had a vending machine nearby stocked with healthier options, I probably wouldn't have gained all that weight or put my health at risk. If you're considering adding a vending machine or two to your breakroom, here are the best snacks to keep in stock:

The Best Vending Machine Snacks for 3rd Shift Workers

1. Lo-Carb Monster Energy Drink: This drink is so effective and tasty that it made Fueling Food's best energy drink list in 2023.

2. Beef or Turkey Jerky: A high-protein snack that keeps hunger at bay.

3. Veggie Chips: A light, crunchy alternative to traditional chips.

4. Bumblebee Tuna and Crackers Combo: Convenient, filling, and packed with protein.

5. Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn: A flavorful snack that satisfies cravings without the guilt.

Keep Your Workplace Healthy and Fun with Vending Machines from Fueling Food

Having healthy snacks and drinks readily available for overnight workers isn't just about productivity—it's about health, safety, and morale. Dehydration and fatigue can sneak up quickly, even when working indoors. If you're ready to venture into the world of vending machines, check out my article on the best vending machine snacks of all time. Also, for my fellow Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach residents Fueling Food can deliver a free, fully stocked machine to your location. To get a delivery set up contact us 954-573-4383!