Can Vending Machines Have Healthy Food In Them?

In 2007, vending machine operators in the United States generated almost 7 billion dollars, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The popularity, ease of use and appealing nature of snack foods stocked in typical vending machines make them an easy choice that is not always good for you. Fortunately, you can often find relatively healthy foods in vending machines, provided you know what to look for.

Importance and Legislation

Vending machines located in schools can add to the rising obesity problem among school students, particularly if vending machines contain primarily high-calorie snacks and beverages, according to a study published in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Adolescent Health." Pending federal legislation proposes that all vending machine operators who have more than 20 vending machines, make it possible for a consumer to view the calorie counts of the foods in the machine before committing to a purchase. Students and adults may make lower calorie choices, which can help reduce the number of calories you eat and more successfully manage your weight.

Traditional Food

Common foods in vending machines are candy, cookies, snack crackers and chips, according to Lisa Lee Freeman, Editor in Chief of "ShopSmart" magazine, in an interview on CBS News' "The Early Show." Candy bars can have over 200 calories per bar, chips over 150 calories per ounce and snack cracker packages often contain almost 300 calories per six crackers. In addition to high-calorie content, many of the foods contain excessive sodium. A package of six cheese snack crackers with peanut butter has 193 calories and 356 mg of sodium, and an ounce of chips contains about 149 mg of sodium, depending on the flavor. These foods are also generally low in fiber and high in fat.

Healthy Refrigerated Choices

Although not found in every city, some vending machine operators stock vending machines with healthy offerings such as fresh apples, oranges, carrots, all-natural granola bars, yogurt, milk and 100 percent fruit juices. In contrast to the 250 calories in a candy bar, a whole apple, orange or 1 serving of baby carrots have 95, 62 and 30 calories, respectively. Additionally, fruits and vegetables have just a trace of sodium and fats. Milk and yogurt in vending machines help you fulfill your calcium requirement for the day without adding unnecessary calories. Unfortunately, Freeman indicates that these fresh alternatives in vending machines can cost more than their processed counterparts.

Healthy Processed Choices

If you cannot find a fresh vending machine in your area, there are some healthy foods stocked in traditional vending machines. Many machines have seeds or nuts packaged in 1 oz. servings. Although the packets are somewhat high in calories, the fat content in seeds and nuts is primarily healthier monounsaturated and polyunsaturated. A 1 oz. serving of unsalted sunflower seeds or peanuts each contains about 165 calories and 14.1 g of mainly healthy fats. Other healthier options are granola bars made from whole grains and fruit, popcorn, whole-wheat crackers or lightly salted pretzels. Healthier sweet options include trail mix, low-calorie animal crackers, gingersnaps, raisins and 100 percent fruit leathers.