Wild World Of Food Vending Machines

Back in 1888, the enterprising folks at the Thomas Adams Gum Company (Black Jack gum anyone?) rolled out their very first vending machines in the U.S.  Installed on the elevated subway platforms in New York they were stocked with the Tutti-Frutti brand.  The round, candy coated gumball and gumball vending machines which most of us are familiar with were brought to market soon after, in 1907.

Nowadays, if you stock it, they will come, and in mass quantities. According to a recent business report, the global vending machine market is poised to eclipse 25 million machines by 2018, propelled by the introduction of  intelligent, consumer interactive machines, like  Coca-Cola’s latest innovations.

According to The National Automatic Merchandising Association, advances in self serve snack technology and consumer demand have resulted in this category now exceeding 29 billion dollars in sale annually.  As staggering as that may sound, that’s just the U.S. numbers.

How do ya like dem apples?

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 MACHINES. OK, 15, SO SUE ME.

Fresh eggs in Japan.

 In Maine, you can spend your time trying to fish out Dinner via this live lobster crane machine.

 Japan’s portable garden vending machine grows its own produce within the unit.

 Canned bread with scantily clad Anime school girls on the cover? Oh, Tokyo. At least it’s not dispensing used panties. (NSFW!)

 On the next episode of “Vending Machines of the Rich and Famous”, check out an automated caviar dispenser.

 In Texas, pecan pie is available to all residents on a 24/7 basis.

A lot of  Hot Dog vending machines let you watch the process in action. Dinner and a show!

In China, getting crabs has never been easier!

 Don’t watch this video for a mashed potato and gravy vending machine if you’re squeamish.

 Self serve sodium bomb kiosk.

 I am positive a Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for this.

 Mama Mia! Would you eat a pizza offered via a vending machine?

Get your nosh on with Kosher certified and Rabbi approved fast food.

Kids in Japan get Punk’d as this giant Coca-Cola vending machine robot dispenses caffeine and future night terrors.

HONORABLE MENTION