Check out my progress on The Vending Machine Debate
A few weeks ago, I came across this article discussing healthier vending machine options. Several companies have discovered the profitability of selling (so-called) healthier fare in vending machines and are now offering items like Clif bars, freeze-dried fruit, and pita chips. It is worth noting that the ever-popular junk foods are still often sold alongside these foods; it seems that Snickers, Peanut M&Ms, and Twix continue to reign supreme in the vending world.
At the end of the article, the author poses the question: Do we really need vending machines at all, regardless of what “healthy” snacks they may or may not offer?
My answer might surprise you. I don’t think we should ban vending machines. So many kids and adults rely on vending machines for a quick source of energy at a reasonable price. That presents a valuable opportunity to provide quality nutrition to a captive audience. Provided that the only options offered are actually healthy—fresh fruit, low-fat yogurt, portion packs of nuts—vending machines can be transformed from the bane of the dietitian’s existence to a helpful nutrition tool. So I say we ought to focus our energies on distributing more healthy snacks in vending machines across the country rather than placing an arbitrary ban on them.
Question time!
Do you think we need vending machines? Or should be just ban them entirely?
and just for fun…
What were/are your favorite vending machine snacks?
I always loved those cheddar crackers with peanut butter. Seth, on the other hand, goes for beef jerky 
I didn’t have any vending machine fare in my diet today, but instead I had some pretty rockin’ eats.
I was in a rush to get to my midterm this morning, so I went for good old PBJ for breakfast.
Lunch was an Ellie recipe, Buffalo Chicken Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing.
My tweaks:
-I used tofu instead of chicken.
-I used Greek yogurt instead of regular for the dressing.
First and foremost—this salad packs some heat. Multiple tablespoons of Tabasco will do that, I guess. [insert sarcasm here]. As for the dressing, I was not a fan. The blue cheese was just too much for me—I am not much for stinky cheese. I would have much preferred the lovely De-lightful Ranch Dressing instead.
As for dinner, I came home ravenous. After a quick glance at the tomatoes, chickpeas, and shrooms in the fridge, I figured a curry was in the works.
Alright, I am off to prepare for the last work day of my week!
Filed under: Meals
Caroline Yoder, dietitian-to-be and all-around foodie.
vending machines should definitely not be banned but some healthier choices should be offered so people at least have that OPTION. the junk food should still be there though because it is an individuals choice to decide what they want to eat.
also, i love how vending machines are such a worry – shouldn’t people be a little more concerned about everything being laced with corn and soybean oil?
I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I’m always so intrigued by your discussion topics! Not to mention, your food/recipes look delicious.
I was actually just reading an article about this issue, as well! I agree with you that they shouldn’t ban vending machines. In a crunch, sometimes they’re necessary. I do think that offering healthier/lighter options would be a nice addition, but I can’t see them ever completely replacing the standard chips and candy bars. Too many people would be upset by that!
BroccoliHut Reply:
October 5th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reading and commenting! I agree with you, that no matter how popular the “get healthy” trend may be, there will always be a significant portion of the population that prefers the standard junk food.
I can’t say I’m against vending machines, nor am I against people having the will to choose healthy or unhealthy snacks. I think that there is a lack of balance in regards to what is offered in vending machines for sure, and I imagine it is due to many portable healthy snack items being much more perishable than chips and candy. Not saying that’s right, but it is what it is. Choice should always be there – it’s just about empowering people to make better choices more often.
Hi,
I live in France and several years ago the government decided to ban usual vending machines with fat and food in middle and high schools. They were supposed to be replaced by machines with healthy food (fresh bananas, apples, sugar-free food etc…). In my high school, old machines were removed, by the new ones never arrived, so pupils that had forgotten their snack didn’t have any alternative to fill their hunger.
So I agree with Nicole who wrote the first response: don’t ban vending machine, just add some healthier options in the choices that they provide, and let people choose for themselves!
I hardly use vending machines! I like the Junior Mints in them though
Our vending machines are rubbish in Ireland…a can of pop and a bar of chocolate are the extent of what you’ll find. I’d love a bit more variety, and more of them! I’m also one of the strange people that think it would be great if they stocked fruit!!!
I agree with you 110% especially when you mentioned the captive audience — you are so correct! Vending machines are actually a prime opportunity to deliver a healthy nutrition message.
So lets see some more produce vending machines, amen?
I’m so glad you tried the buffalo chicken salad! I had that on my to make list but it’s crossed off now because I’m not a fan of blue cheese either. It just looked really good haha.
Yum, this chickpea curry looks soooo good!