Historically vending machines have been associated with indulgent “junk” food and sugary beverages. Although vending machines still stock a variety of those options like Snickers, Doritos and Pepsi, many today are meeting the increased demand for healthier alternatives.

Most sales through vending machines continue to be sweet and savory snacks along with soda. For many people, the reason to visit the vending machine in their workspace breakroom is to treat themselves to one of these decadent snacks as they don’t usually stock them in their homes. The planograms of most Chicagoland vending machines reflect this demand for traditional items. However, year after year, sales of healthier items continue to rise, and those healthy items are being allotted more and more space in vending machines.

Beyond the increased demand for these items by consumers, more and more Chicago area employers are encouraging the stocking of these healthier items in their breakroom vending machines. Chicago area businesses know that giving their employees an opportunity to snack on more nutritional items improves their work-life balance over time.

In addition to Chicago area businesses demanding healthier items in their vending machines, most Chicago area schools are now insisting on it as well. A study published in the New York times revealed that there is a direct correlation between laws restricting junk food availability in an academic setting and the obesity rate of some geographic regions. The study followed approximately 6,000 students over the course of three years. After three years, the study found that the students in schools that restricted junk food sales gained less weight than students in schools with no restrictions.

With many Chicago area businesses and schools requesting healthier items in their vending machines, it is important to provide products that consumers are going to want to purchase. With consumers continuing to gravitate toward more nutritional items, the variety of items that are being produced has increased as well, with many of the brands being trendy premium offerings.

Different nuts, including peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts and pistachios offer a variety of nutritional benefits. Nuts are known to be packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats. The same can be said for sunflower and pumpkin seeds.

Granola and protein bars are other great vending items that provide a variety of nutritional benefits. They are typically low-calorie and have many grams of fiber per bar. Some of the more premium bars are made with whole grains and are very low in sugar content.

There are also a variety of healthier beverage items available in vending machines today as an alternative to traditional sugar loaded soda. The bottled water segment has exploded, and water now can be pH balanced, enhanced with electrolytes or even protein. Juices like apple, orange and cranberry are also popular beverage vending items that can be an additional source of vitamins and minerals.

Although traditional decadent treats like chips, cakes, candy and soda will always be mainstays in the vending industry, healthier alternatives will increase as consumers continue to demand these offerings. Like any wholesome diet, balance is crucial and that should be reflected in your Chicago area vending machine.