Super Cool: The World’s High-Tech Vending Machines

Self Magazine

by Alexandra Samuel


Romulo A Yanes
Romulo A Yanes

Pretty soon when you head to the vending machine for a snack, you won't just be choosing between sodas and chips. You'll be able to use your credit card to purchase hot burritos or even caviar (if you are so inclined and can afford the $1000-a-pop price tag of course)! AND you'll be able to use the machine's free wi-fi or touch-screen games while you wait.


Other parts of the world have been using this technology for awhile now. In fact, in Japan you can purchase heads of lettuce from a machine that grows them under artificial lighting. (Insane, right?) And naturally California already has its fair share of these gourmet machines, but now these high-tech versions of classic vending machines are now starting to pop up at gas stations and malls all over the country.

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These newfangled vending machines combine convenience with foodie-approved, high-quality food that until now could only be purchased in restaurants or bakeries. For example, Sprinkles Cupcakes plans to install what they call a "Cupcake ATM" in all of their locations within the year. Each Cupcake ATM holds 760 cupcakes with a variety of flavors, allowing users to enjoy a fancy treat on-the-go. Jamba Juice sees these machines as a way to make a difference in schools. They have Jamba Go machines in hundreds of schools, offering kids a better than, yet just as convenient, beverage option as soda.

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There are healthy gourmet vending options for adults as well. Burrito Box, which is part of the L.A.-based-company Box Brands, sells warm burritos, including healthy options like the vegan fajita burrito as well as chips, salsa, and guacamole. Later this year, the company plans on launching Pizza Box machines, which will sell pizzas baked at 800 degrees.


Who knows? Soon you may be able to buy a whole 5-star steak dinner from a vending machine. One thing is for sure though, these high-tech machines are narrowing the gap between convenience and quality.

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