Healthy Vending Machines

                              Healthy Vending: Smarter Options are Just a Push Away!

Everyone can recall that time of the day when their stomach starts growling or their mouth gets parched.  The human instinct has high motivation to relieve these conditions of hunger and thirst.  One may first look to see if there is any food or drink in their bag or purse.  If there is nothing in their possession, one may venture to the nearby vending machine.  The purpose of a vending machine is to provide a certain product in exchange for money without the use of a cashier.  Many people like the convenience of vending machines, while others appreciate the variety of products offered.  However, one may suggest that it is the options available in the vending machines that may have a negative effect on society.

            According to Vending Machine industry statistics, the revenue generated by the snack and vending machine industry in 2012 was $64,3500.00 (Statistic Brain, 2013).  As one can see consumers spend a large sum of money at the vending machines.  Vending machines contain a large variety of products.  These products range from soda to juice and from candy to nuts. The variety is endless.  However, many of these options are extremely unhealthy for an individual to consume. 

            For example, a small bag of Lay’s Potato Chips contains 147 calories. While a package of two Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups contains 210 calories. (Calorie Count, 2013).  Some people consume multiple snacks at the vending machine with a consumption of 500 calories.  One of the most popular products at the vending machine tends to be soda.  Statistics show that 56 percent of vending machine sales in 2012 consisted of soda or cold drinks (Statistic Brain, 2013).  According to Fitness Weightloss com, “A 12 oz can of soda contains 140-165 calories” (Fitness for Weight Loss, 2013).  Many people consume more than one soda a day or may even purchase a bottle with even more calories.  Soda may be the popular product of choice at the vending machine because of the caffeine, taste, or appeal. However, one may wonder if it is the rapid consumption of these sugary drinks that plays a huge role in the high levels of obesity. 

Obesity is a common and prevalent problem in the United States.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “More than 1/3 (35.7%) of U.S adults are obese.  While 17% or 12.5 million U.S children and adolescents aged 2-19 are obese” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013).  However, one may ask what is the cause of these high rates of obesity?  There are many risk factors for obesity including: genetics, diet, exercise, and lifestyle.  Some of these risk factors, such as genetics cannot be eliminated.  However, diet, exercise, and lifestyle are factors that one has control over. 

There are many things that one can do to improve their diet. First, one can monitor their daily calorie intake.  There are apps available on cellular devices specifically for the use of monitoring calorie intake.  Another thing one can do is to choose healthier options in place of junk food.  One may make the excuse that they can’t eat healthy because they are always on the go.  Some may also complain that the only options that are available are the unhealthy products in the vending machines.  However, one may propose if there were healthier options available in the vending machines, would consumers choose the healthier options over the unhealthy ones?

According to Healthy YOU vending, the answer is yes.  “[Healthy YOU Vending has been in business for 12 years] and have almost 5,000 customers and 100,000 vending machines nationwide” (Healthy You Vending, 2012).  These healthy vending machine owners understand the need for healthier options in vending machines.   According to Vending Times, “Consumers are trading traditional carbonated soft drinks for "better for you" alternatives amid rising concerns over obesity. The wellness movement is fueling growth in ready-to-drink teas and waters, and as consumers seek more enhanced products with functional benefits, beverage companies are responding by increasing their use of fortifications such as vitamins, minerals, caffeine and antioxidants” (Vending Times Inc, 2013). 

Healthy vending machine companies, such as Healthy You Vending provide the same variety of options as the regular vending machines, but with nutritional value. Some options include nutritional bars such as Cliff or Luna containing 23 vitamins and minerals and no trans fat.  Other options include cookies such as Back to Nature cookies containing no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors.  The options are endless from dried fruit slices to organic cookies. 

As for the beverages the options range from spring water to citrus coconut water. There are also the options of non-dairy smoothies and non-carbonated juices.  The owners of these healthy vending machines want their customers to be able to replace that can of soda with a healthy choice with fewer calories.  There are also entrees and side dishes available for those who use the vending machines for meals.  Items such as noodles, soups, sandwiches, and rice and vegetables are available with zero trans fat and cholesterol. 

Vending machines are all about variety and choices.  Because vending machines may be the only available source of food in schools or the workplace it is important that they accommodate all audiences.   What may seem healthy and delicious to an adult may not be appeal to a child.  The owners of healthy vending machines work to provide a wide selection of products that fit the priority population.  It is clear to see that  the incorporation of healthy vending machines in the schools and workplaces is a step in the right direction in reducing the obesity rates in the United States. 

PLEASE ENJOY THIS INFORMATIONAL VIDEO CLIP ABOUT FRESH VENDING:
Fresh Vending (right click on link to open) 

                       Smarter options are just a push away, it's up to you! 

References: 

Calorie Count. (2013). Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Retrieved September 15, 2013, from http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/search.php?searchpro=reeses+

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Obesity and Overweight. Retrieved September 15, 2013, from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

Fitness for Weight Loss. (2013). How Many Calories are in Regular Soda. Retrieved September 15, 2013, from http://www.fitnessforweightloss.com/how-many-calories-are-in-regular-soda/

Healthy YOU Vending. (2012). About Healthy YOU Vending. Retrieved September 15, 2013, from, http://www.healthyyouvending.com/aboutus

Jed, Emily. (2012, July 7). Global Beverage Trends: Tracking Consumer Preferences Builds Sales Through Vending Machines, Expert Says. Retrieved from http://www.vendingtimes.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=754303A430C54C2AA236B18E2C06AB17&nm=Vending+Features&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=44E8AA5FDBB544DEB430306307F6196B

Statistic Brain. (2013). Vending Machine Industry Statistics. Retrieved September 15, 2013,  from http://statisticbrain.com/vending-machine-industry-statistics/

Youtube. Fresh Vending. Retrieved September 15, 2013, form http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFC-Z4tsRLM