Diet & Fitness Blog
Top 10 Vending Machine Snacks
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You try to walk past it, but you can't seem to look away. All the pretty colors. All the choices. All the temptation. What? When did we they start putting that in there? Ohhhh… I want it! And that's how they get you. Before you know it, you've plunked in 65 cents, pressed B5 and scarfed down two king-size Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Damn you, vending machine!
On your good days, you're able to avoid the vending machine voodoo, but during the occasional weak moment… we understand. Not that we're saying it's OK to give in to temptation, but if your quarters accidentally fly into the change slot and you're forced to choose something (you wouldn't want to waste money, would you?), we'll help you pick the lesser of all the evils.
First, here's the list of most popular vending machine snacks by sales totals, according to Automatic Merchandiser:
1. Snickers
2. Doritos Big Grab
3. Peanut M&Ms
4. Cheetos Crunchy
5. Cheez-It Original
6. Twix Bar
7. Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tarts
8. Rice Krispies Treat
9. Lay's Chips
10. Mrs. Freshley's Jumbo Honey Buns
Clearly, there's nothing "diet" about anything on this list. But if you had to pick something to munch on, our Director of Nutrition Services, Pam Ofstein, suggests you stick to the Rice Krispie Treat, Cheez-Its or Pop-Tarts (but only if you can eat one -- we all know there are two delicious pastries in each package…).
Rice Krispies (90 calories, 2.5g fat, 17 carbs for one bar) easily took the top spot, but choosing the other "healthiest" options was a little tougher. "Where some may be lower in calories, they make up for it in fat or carbs," Ofstein says. "It really just comes down to picking the best choice overall."
So which most-popular snacks on this list should you absolutely steer clear of? "Hands down, the Doritos Big Grab chips and the honey buns," Ofstein says. One single-serving bag of Doritos weighs in at a diet-wrecking 410 calories, 21g of fat and 30 carbs. And Mrs. Freshley's Honey Buns are even worse -- 590 calories, 29g fat and 76 carbs (Fun fact: The average slice of wheat bread has 12 carbs. That means you'd have to eat about 6.5 slices of bread to get the same amount of carbs as ONE honey bun!).
The bottom line is, any of these are a heck of a lot of "bad stuff" to waste on a little snack. I mean, if I was going to eat 590 calories, I'd much rather indulge on savory feast than one measly honey bun. Right?
Anyway, if I was to be bad, my pick of the list would be the Peanut M&Ms. How about you? Leave a comment below and pick your poison!
Comment by 
Mark Salinas said... - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 10:12:00 AM
I guess the point is to avoid the vending machine? Good post!:)
Mark Salinas, MN
Comment by 
Christine said... - Wednesday, May 28, 2008 12:42:00 PM
Some machines have bags of nuts, teddy grahams, raisins or trail mix. I think it is worth lobbying the vendors at your office to get good snacks.
Comment by said... - Thursday, June 05, 2008 12:33:00 AM
If I was in a bind, I would go for the peanut M&Ms too. Peanuts provide some good protien and the chocolate perks you up. I just carry extra in my brown bag lunch. I never can plan ahead for days that turn into 12 or 14 hour marathon runs. prepacking my cooler bag the night before really helps. I also plan for 2 snacks. I don't always need them but it is very good to have them so I can resist the peanutbutter cookies in that pesky vending machine. Another trick I have is tucking a 'fun size' chocolate treat. I can enjoy the treat with less diet damage than getting the full size and it is easier on the wallet too. A bag of 15 to 20 small bars / bags is about $3.00 but to get just 1 full size bar in the machine is $.75.
Comment by Thrive 9 to 5: said... - Monday, July 21, 2008 8:43:00 PM
The trail mix or bag of peanuts is always a healthy choice. High in protein and good fats, and a good energy boost.
Comment by said... - Sunday, November 02, 2008 3:11:00 AM
Sixty five cents for peanut butter cups? Man keep me away. Try 1.50 in LA. When I get the urge to visit the vending machine, it is now for a large low cal (100 cals)sports drink. (1.25) No more chocolate or other garbage for me.
Comment by said... - Sunday, November 02, 2008 7:48:00 AM
MY WEAKNESS IS....SNICKERS!!!! BUT I BYPASS IT AND AM SO PROUD OF MYSELF AND GET TRAILMIX, OR I GET SOME GUM TO CHEW ON.
Comment by said... - Sunday, November 02, 2008 7:55:00 AM
I would choose the Snickers bar cause it has the protein in the peanuts but the chewy caramel helps me to be satisfied so I know I wouldnt snack again.
Comment by Salty said... - Sunday, November 02, 2008 8:49:00 AM
I would like to see you publish the salt content when telling about food content. The salt content has a huge influence on blood pressure.
Comment by Ordessia C said... - Sunday, November 02, 2008 9:44:00 AM
Chewing gum is also a good option, and it may help to curb cravings.
Comment by said... - Sunday, November 02, 2008 4:55:00 PM
I think I would choose peanuts or peanut M&M's too! and try to get our vendor guy to switch to healthier snacks..
Comment by Latifa-Therese said... - Sunday, November 02, 2008 11:30:00 PM
thanks for the information - sometimes if i'm starving at work and can't run to a healthier place ... therese
Comment by said... - Monday, November 03, 2008 1:52:00 PM
My school has a vending machine with only good-ish food in it. We have baked potato chips in it and stuff.
Comment by said... - Wednesday, January 14, 2009 2:15:00 AM
TALK WITH YOUR BOSS AND HAVE THEM CONTACT THE VENDING COMPANY. WE DID AT MY WORK. AND HAVE NUTS,HEALTHBARS,FRUIT CHEWS,AND DRIED FRUITS TO NAME A FEW.
Comment by said... - Thursday, January 15, 2009 1:45:00 PM
Most of the time I am able to resist the vending machine but if I can't it's, m&m peanuts. I love those things so I usually give in about 2-3 times a month!
Comment by said... - Thursday, January 15, 2009 2:21:00 PM
I definitely wouldn't choose the Pop Tarts. They contain hydrogenated oils - the true garbage of the food world. I'd go for the Peanut M&Ms too.
Comment by Faith said... - Tuesday, February 03, 2009 1:43:00 PM
Now see, I would have thought the Snickers or the Peanut M&Ms would have been the better choice because of the protein in the peanuts.
Comment by said... - Monday, April 06, 2009 2:34:00 PM
i keep mints in my purse, and pop one in my mouth as i am passing.
Sharon Seymour
Bermuda
Monday, April 6, 2009
Comment by Rob said... - Wednesday, December 23, 2009 8:50:00 AM
Best snack to satisfy an afternoon hunger - smart pop 100 cal mini bags - lots of snack food and ew calories - fills the void.
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