Healthier Vending For All

When was the last time you were surprised when you looked in a snack vending machine? A long time I'd imagine. They all seem to display the same set of snack products with little variation.

In prime positions are popular chocolate bars, confectionary items, crisps, biscuits and fizzy drinks. If you are on a diet or trying to eat healthily there is little to choose from!

Most of the products on offer are high in calories, contain saturated fats and are loaded with sugar. The savoury snacks are generally high in salt and fat content.

Thought it is true that market forces should ultimately determine the products on display, perhaps more nutritious snacks would become more popular given a fair chance.

How nice it would be if snack vending machines offered healthier alternatives. There are many healthy options available in the marketing place that are low in sugar, fat, salt and have no e numbers. They just don?t seem to be available in vending machines.

Healthier does not have to mean less tasty or less satisfying. Offer me a delicious chilled bottle of fresh fruit juice rather than a sugary carbonated fizzy canned drinks any day.

It is true that some vending operators do give token representation to the more health- conscious user, but the choice is normally very limited.

Fruit, low salt savouries, cereal bars, nuts, raisin bars, rice cakes, fruit juices, yogurt drinks are delicious and healthier alternatives and it is a shame that they are not offered to any great extent.

It seems ridiculous, particularly in sports centres, gymnasiums, and swimming pools that instead of offering healthy and nutritious snacks, high fat and salt laden snacks are being offered in the foyer. What is the point of that?

Vending in schools has improved somewhat and it is now a requirement that healthy options are available in all snack machines in schools and colleges in the UK following a government initiative.

It is not just snacks either, but both hot and cold drinks too. Low calorie hot chocolate can be offered together with low fat creamers for use in tea and coffee. Cold drink options should include various fruit juices, mineral water, fruit smoothies , milk and yogurt based drinks.

Next time you go to a snack vending machine and see limited healthy selections ? make a point to ring the vending operating company concerned or complain to the management of the premises.

Unless people make the effort to let their thoughts known, then the trend of offering unhealthy snacks full of saturated fats and calories will continue to the detriment of all.