Marvin OnumonuOffice workers in the UK spent an estimated £57m a week on chocolate, according to data from Virgin Media O2 Business’ Movers Index.
Spending on sweet treats at work went up as more people returned to offices, despite 82% saying they had changed their spending habits due to rising costs.
More than half of workers were more likely to buy snacks and chocolate in the office than when working from home.
Of those, 52% said it was a reward for going in, and 24% bought more in the past three months. Research found that coffee, soft drinks, sweets, chocolate and breakfast items were the most common purchases.
The most popular chocolate bars were Cadbury Dairy Milk, KitKat, Cadbury Twirl, Kinder Bueno and Galaxy.
38% said buying treats helped boost energy, 37% used it to improve their mood and 34% saw it as a chance to take a break.
This trend stood out among Gen Z workers, with 86% buying a treat at least once a week.
A third of businesses increased office perks and amenities, with food-based benefits including free lunches, drinks, snacks and pizza.
As people cut back on non-essentials, 38% said they spent less on weekend treats.
Nearly half of people expected their spending to go down in the next three months, especially among Gen Z.
Despite this, the ‘sweet treat economy’ in workplaces continued to drive spending in local shops and cafés.
Jessica O’Connor, product director at Virgin Media O2 Business, said: “The way people work has changed, and so have their spending habits.
“Small treats are becoming an essential part of office culture, helping employees take a quick break and to return feeling energised.
“This trend isn’t just good for morale, it’s making a real impact on the wider economy, driving spending in local shops, cafés, and physical retail stores.”
O’Connor added: “With businesses creating more inviting work environments and employees spending more time in the office, the workplace is a vital hub for economic activity—one chocolate bar at a time.”
