Foodservice
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June 5, 2026
With a growing number of vending operators providing healthy items, a key question remains: do those machines promote healthier eating? Evidence suggests they do.
A recent study conducted at a university clinical center in Slovenia found that healthier vending machine offerings can encourage better food choices in hospital settings, although they may initially reduce overall sales. Researchers compared purchases from a traditional vending machine with those from a pilot machine stocked with healthier products over two 14-day periods. While total sales fell by nearly 19%, the share of healthy items purchased increased from 22% to 39%, suggesting that greater availability of nutritious options can influence consumer behavior.
Sales of water, juice, fruit and healthier snacks increased, while purchases of sugary drinks, sandwiches, chocolate and candy declined. Despite the shift, sweet beverages remained the top-selling category in both vending machines.
Survey results showed strong support for healthier vending options in healthcare settings. Most respondents said a healthier vending machine was more appropriate for a hospital environment, and many indicated they would use vending machines more often if healthier choices were available. Price was identified as the most important factor influencing purchases, followed by ingredients and product appearance. Respondents also expressed interest in a broader selection of healthy items, including fruit, yogurt, smoothies and healthier sandwich options.
The researchers concluded that vending machines could help promote healthier eating habits when healthier products are made more accessible. However, they noted that consumer acceptance, product variety and pricing remain important challenges. The study suggests that combining healthier product assortments with competitive pricing and ongoing nutrition education could further improve purchasing patterns and support healthier food environments in hospitals.
