Traditional vending machines were primarily stocked with most popular drinks and snacks - like candy bars, chips, and soft drinks. While these options are still popular, many individuals are seeking out healthy vending machine snacks and drinks instead. Whether you are a vending owner wondering which healthy vending machine products to stock, or you are a consumer interested in learning more about healthy vending machines, we’ve got the information you’re looking for. Below, we’ll discuss the trend of healthier eating, evaluate what makes healthy snacks healthy, and provide a well-rounded list of healthy snack options for vending machines.
Eating Healthy Is a Rising Trend
Obesity rates in the United States have been rising for decades, and many families are beginning to prioritize a healthy diet and transition to a healthier lifestyle all around. Healthy choices—even just related to food—can increase life satisfaction, improve overall health and well-being, and reduce the rates of preventable chronic illnesses. However, access to healthy foods and meals is becoming increasingly difficult due to poor affordability and time constraints.
Vending machines offer a wonderfully convenient and affordable way to access healthy snacks and drinks on a regular basis, and luckily, they are becoming more trendy, prevalent, and accessible across the country. That's why healthy vending is one of the best vending machine ideas you can have.
What Makes a Snack or a Food Healthy?
It can be incredibly difficult for an individual to identify what foods they should be eating in order to improve or maintain their health. It can also be tricky for vending machine owners to choose healthy vending options for their consumers. What do healthy snacks actually look like?
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention fruits and vegetables of all kinds are considered healthy. Healthy fats (trans fats or unsaturated fats) and a good vitamin/mineral balance are key things to look for; complex carbohydrates such as whole grains and lean protein sources are also healthy options. Any food that can be called healthy will be low in added sugar, sodium, artificial compounds, and low-calorie sweeteners.
18 Healthy Vending Machine Snacks to Go For
With advancements in vending technology and diversity, many types of healthy snacks can be offered in a vending machine sustainably. Let’s explore 18 of the top vending machine snacks, drinks, and mini meals that are healthy for consumers.
Dried Fruit or Fruit Chips
Dried fruit in any form is one of the best snack options to include in a vending machine. They are sweet, retain much of their nutritional value, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Since they have extended expiry dates, vending owners don’t have to worry too much about stock rotation.
Granola Bars
One of the most popular additions to healthy vending machines is granola bars. As long as they are low-sugar options, they are a healthy and convenient source of carbohydrates (from the oats) and fat and protein (from any added nuts).
Chia Pudding
Chia pudding is made with chia seeds, which are high in protein and relatively tasteless. Chia pudding is a popular alternative to high-sugar puddings and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a highly affordable healthy snack and portable enough for every environment.
Protein-Rich Candy Bars
Protein bars come in two forms: traditional protein bars and protein-rich candy bars, such as the Mars line. Both variations are excellent additions to healthy vending machines as they can help boost someone’s protein intake and satisfy a craving for something sweet at the same time. These bars can be high in sugar, but they are a healthier alternative to traditional candy bars that provide a great energy boost during the day.
Dark Chocolate with Almonds
Although chocolate is typically categorized as unhealthy, dark chocolate is lower in sugar and contains antioxidants that can help lower cholesterol. When paired with almonds, these benefits will be supplemented by additional nutrition.
Protein Drinks
Protein drinks come in a variety of flavors and protein densities, ensuring everyone can choose the protein drink that suits their nutritional needs most closely. In addition to being highly in demand in certain locations, they are also more profitable than other healthy vending options.
Chocolate Milk
Although chocolate milk is not considered a healthy beverage in large quantities, it is one of the fastest ways to recover after intense physical activity. Since it is a liquid that is high in protein and sugar, it can help rehydrate the body, replenish lost sugar stores, and promote muscle growth. This beverage is a perfect addition to vending machines in schools and fitness centers as a result.
Regular Water
Any healthy diet will include a good quantity of water, and vending machines that cater to healthy snacks and drinks should not overlook its benefits. An appropriate water intake will improve digestion, maintain organ function, and more.
Iced Green Tea & Other Beverages
Vending machines are known for stocking sugar-rich drinks with minimal variety. Healthier options include iced green tea, healthy energy drinks (low-sodium or sugar-free energy drinks), non-carbonated juices that have no added sugars, sports drinks, and more.
Trail Mix
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Since trail mix combines dried fruits with mixed nuts, it is the ideal choice for people looking for a balanced snack. The carbohydrates in the fruit will be matched by the fat and protein in the nuts to provide a tasty and filling treat that is both sweet and salty. Calorie density is something to pay attention to here, though.
Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts will be high in fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, ensuring a nutritious and filling snack even in small portions. Pistachios, flaxseed, almonds, walnuts, quinoa, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are just a small selection of healthy options. Nuts should not be consumed in high quantities as they are very high in calories, but they are a healthy snack in smaller portions.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
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Fresh fruits and vegetables can always be a go-to snack for healthy eaters. They will be packed with vitamins and minerals that can contribute to better immune function, boost energy levels, and contribute to overall good health. For example, a single orange can provide all of the Vitamin C someone needs in a day, and bell peppers are extremely high in antioxidants.
Beef Jerky or Sticks
Dried beef snacks such as jerky or sticks are convenient on-the-go snacks packed with protein. Vending owners and consumers alike will have to watch for added sugar and sodium, but the right brands of beef snacks can quickly increase a person’s protein intake for the day in a highly portable fashion. Since these are low-fat and low-carb snacks, they can easily be paired with other vending machine options to create a small, nutritionally balanced meal.
Baby Carrots with Hummus
Hummus is a delicious dip that packs a punch nutritionally; it is high in plant-based protein and healthy fats. It is easily combined with low-calorie vegetables such as baby carrots or cucumber slices to provide a light but filling snack.
Organic Peanut Butter and Whole Wheat Bread
Natural peanut butter is full of healthy fat and protein, and it is high in fiber as well. When combined with the healthy carbohydrates in whole wheat bread, you’re left with a nutritionally dense snack that is perfect for eating on the go.
Oatmeal (Mixture of Oatmeal, Greek Yogurt, & Berries)
Oatmeal is one of the healthiest sources of carbohydrates available to consumers. When combined with Greek yogurt and various berries, it creates a well-balanced and delicious breakfast meal with many flavors and textures.
Mediterranean Plate (Olive Oil, Fish, Whole Grains, Veggies, Nuts)
Mediterranean plate will include a sample of fish, something whole grain (bread, crackers, etc.), vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils. All of these components are packed with nutrition and can create a well-rounded meal when combined. Since a Mediterranean plate can take many forms with many combinations of food items, it will be easy for every individual to find an option that suits their preferences and accommodates any allergies/intolerances.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables are a unique spin on a typically boring food group that can help add variety to a vending machine’s offerings. They may be more desirable to consumers, and they will also keep longer in the vending equipment than fresh vegetables. They can be made with spices to enhance the flavor and appeal to every palate.
Best Spots to Put a Healthy Vending Machine
- Gyms and recreational centers. Individuals who frequent these locations are already health-conscious and seeking nutritious options to complement their fitness routines.
- Parks. Park-goers, engaged in physical activities, can easily access nutritious snacks and beverages, aligning with their health-conscious mindset and contributing to a well-rounded recreational experience.
- Malls. Malls are strategic locations for healthy vending machines due to the high foot traffic and diverse demographics. Offering nutritious snacks caters to the growing health-conscious consumer base, providing a convenient option for shoppers seeking better dietary choices.
- Airports. Airports are optimal settings for healthy vending machines as they cater to travelers with varying dietary preferences.
- Schools. Promotes nutritious lifestyle among students, providing convenient access to wholesome snacks and beverages during school hours.
Wrapping Up
As healthy snack options become more in demand and vending owners continue to invest in healthy vending machines, the snack options available will continue to expand in scope. The ability to provide the general public with affordable and highly accessible health-promoting snack options is invaluable, and the benefits cannot be understated for both the consumer and the vending owner.
