Comments on: New: Calorie Labels on Snack Vending Machines

By: Carol

Carol — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:03:58 +0000

That day is (and has been) here, although not everywhere. In the ’80s Rutgers University, Cook College (Environmental and Agriculture school) had apple & orange vending machines on campus.

More recently, Del Monte has been testing for a couple years and recently rolled out fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetable items for vending machines:
http://thepacker.com/Del-Monte-launches-vending-machine-with-fruits–vegetables/Article.aspx?articleid=839984&authorid=654&feedid=215

There are many other examples of healthier vending machine foods, including at schools where students have been the driving force. Often the problem is long term contracts with suppliers/distributors (Coke, Pepsi, et al.) that must be broken in order to change the offerings. I’ve been tracking this topic for almost a year, and there is plenty of demand and change happening.

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:24:20 +0000

The other thing to think about with regard to restaurant calorie counts is with regard to conformity. What’s to keep the cook from adding twice the oil called for, or increasing the portion size so the plate looks better? You really don’t have a good way of knowing what you are eating when you don’t have total control over the food. Just try and make good, healthy choices when eating out and hope for the besst!

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:03:56 +0000

Honestly, will this REALLY make any difference? I am well aware when I am eating junk out of a machine. I think most people are. We don’t need “better” labeling. We need better choices. I would LOVE fruits or veggies as an option.

By: staff

staff — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:16:55 +0000

@Susan – can you imagine a day when vending machines will sell fresh fruit and vegetables? perhaps with recyclable plastic cups of low-fat dipping sauces?

@Chip – right on. I’d like to see a lot more transparency in the nutrition information provided by manufacturers and retailers.

By: Chip Leblanc

Chip Leblanc — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:10:51 +0000

Posting caloric content is a good start on the road to good nutrition. However, it is only a start. The only answer to good nutrition and therefore, good health is a combination and balance of nutritious food, physical activity, and preventative health care.

By: Dr. Susan Rubin

Dr. Susan Rubin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:32:19 +0000

Years ago, cigarette companies listed the milligrams of tar and nicotine. Addicted folks would somehow feel better when they smoked a light cigarette.
The crap sold in these vending machines is no different. The food industry has played the calorie game and won.