Vending machines are a convenient way to grab a quick snack, and they can be found in nearly every corner of the world. While many of us are familiar with the standard offerings of crisps, chocolate bars, and soft drinks, vending machines in different countries often carry a surprising and sometimes downright bizarre array of snacks. From canned bread in Japan to fresh seafood in Norway, the world of vending machine snacks is far more diverse—and sometimes strange—than you might expect. In this blog post, we’ll take a global tour of some of the weirdest vending machine snacks you can find around the world.
1. Japan: A Vending Machine Wonderland
Japan is known for its innovative vending machines that offer everything from hot meals to clothing. When it comes to snacks, Japan doesn’t disappoint with its unique and often quirky offerings.
- Canned Bread: One of the more unusual snacks you’ll find in Japanese vending machines is canned bread, known as “pan no kanzume.” These cans contain soft, sweet bread that comes in a variety of flavours, such as chocolate, fruit, and coffee. It’s a convenient snack that can be eaten straight from the can or heated up for a warm treat.
- Hot Dogs in a Can: If you’re craving something savoury, you might stumble upon vending machines that sell hot dogs in a can. These canned hot dogs come complete with buns and condiments, ready to be heated and enjoyed on the go.
- Fried Chicken: Some Japanese vending machines offer freshly fried chicken, known as “karaage.” These machines keep the chicken warm and crispy, making it a popular choice for a quick snack or meal.
- Ramen Noodles: Japan is famous for its ramen, and some vending machines offer instant ramen cups with hot water dispensers, allowing you to enjoy a steaming bowl of noodles wherever you are. Some machines even offer gourmet ramen with high-quality ingredients.
2. Norway: Seafood from a Machine
In Norway, seafood is a dietary staple, and it’s no surprise that this is reflected in their vending machine offerings. However, the idea of buying fresh seafood from a vending machine might seem strange to those unfamiliar with this Scandinavian custom.
- Salmon Fillets: Some vending machines in Norway offer fresh salmon fillets, ready to be taken home and cooked. The machines are kept at a low temperature to ensure the freshness of the fish, making it a convenient option for those looking to prepare a quick, healthy meal.
- Caviar: Norway is known for its caviar, and you can even find it in vending machines. These machines offer small tins of caviar, perfect for a luxurious snack on the go.
- Shrimp Salad: For those who prefer something a bit lighter, vending machines in Norway also offer shrimp salad, a popular Scandinavian dish made with fresh shrimp, mayonnaise, and various seasonings. It’s a unique snack that you’re unlikely to find in vending machines outside of Norway.
3. Italy: Vending Machines with a Gourmet Twist
Italy is a country that takes its food seriously, and this extends to its vending machines as well. In addition to the usual snacks, some Italian vending machines offer gourmet options that reflect the country’s culinary traditions.
- Pizza: Italy is famous for its pizza, and in some cities, you can find vending machines that dispense freshly made pizza. These machines knead the dough, add the toppings, and bake the pizza in a matter of minutes, delivering a hot, crispy pie ready to be enjoyed on the go.
- Pasta: Another quintessentially Italian dish, pasta, can also be found in vending machines. These machines cook fresh pasta and serve it with a variety of sauces, offering a quick and satisfying meal for busy Italians.
- Gelato: No trip to Italy would be complete without gelato, and some vending machines offer this beloved frozen treat. These machines dispense single servings of gelato in a range of flavours, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
4. The United States: From the Healthy to the Outrageous
In the United States, vending machines offer a wide range of snacks, from healthy options to indulgent treats. However, some of the more unusual offerings might surprise even the most seasoned vending machine users.
- Cupcakes: Some vending machines in the US specialise in cupcakes, offering freshly baked treats in a variety of flavours. These machines keep the cupcakes fresh and moist, making them a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.
- Healthy Vending Machines: In response to the growing demand for healthier options, some vending machines in the US offer snacks like kale chips, protein bars, and fresh fruit. These machines cater to health-conscious consumers looking for nutritious alternatives to traditional vending machine fare.
- Hot Pizza: Like in Italy, some American cities have embraced the idea of vending machine pizza. These machines offer hot, freshly baked pizza slices, often with a range of toppings to choose from.
5. South Korea: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
South Korea is known for its innovative technology and vibrant food culture, and this is reflected in its vending machines. From traditional Korean snacks to modern twists on classic dishes, the vending machine offerings in South Korea are both unique and intriguing.
- Bulgogi Burgers: Bulgogi is a traditional Korean dish made with marinated beef, and some vending machines in South Korea offer bulgogi burgers. These burgers combine the flavours of bulgogi with a Western-style bun, creating a fusion snack that’s both delicious and convenient.
- Bibimbap: Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat, topped with a spicy sauce. Some vending machines offer ready-to-eat bibimbap in a convenient package, allowing you to enjoy this traditional dish on the go.
- Rice Cakes (Tteok): Tteok, or Korean rice cakes, are a popular snack in South Korea, and you can find them in vending machines across the country. These chewy, sweet treats come in a variety of flavours, from red bean to green tea, and are often enjoyed as a quick snack or dessert.
6. France: From Baguettes to Escargot
France is renowned for its culinary excellence, and this extends to its vending machine offerings. In addition to the standard snacks, some French vending machines offer gourmet options that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage.
- Baguettes: In a country where bread is a staple, it’s no surprise that some vending machines in France offer freshly baked baguettes. These machines are often located in rural areas where bakeries might not be easily accessible, providing a convenient way to purchase fresh bread at any time of day.
- Escargot: For the more adventurous eater, some vending machines in France offer escargot, or snails, a traditional French delicacy. These machines typically offer ready-to-eat escargot in garlic butter, providing a gourmet snack that’s both unique and delicious.
- Croissants and Pastries: French pastries are famous around the world, and some vending machines in France offer fresh croissants, pain au chocolat, and other pastries. These machines are often stocked daily with freshly baked goods, ensuring that customers can enjoy a taste of France’s renowned patisserie.
7. Singapore: A Melting Pot of Flavours
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is reflected in its vending machine offerings. From local delicacies to international snacks, the vending machines in Singapore offer a wide range of options for adventurous eaters.
- Durian Snacks: Durian is a tropical fruit known for its strong smell and unique taste, and it’s a popular snack in Singapore. Some vending machines offer durian-flavoured snacks, such as chips and candies, for those who want to experience the “king of fruits” in a more convenient form.
- Hawker-Style Meals: Singapore is famous for its hawker centres, where you can find a wide variety of street food. Some vending machines in Singapore offer hawker-style meals, such as chicken rice and laksa, allowing you to enjoy these local favourites on the go.
- Bubble Tea: Bubble tea, or boba, is a popular drink in Singapore, and some vending machines offer freshly made bubble tea with a variety of flavours and toppings. These machines are often located in busy areas, providing a quick and convenient way to get your bubble tea fix.
8. China: From Insects to Instant Noodles
China is home to a wide variety of vending machine snacks, some of which might surprise even the most adventurous eaters.
- Insect Snacks: In some parts of China, eating insects is a common practice, and you can find vending machines that offer snacks like roasted crickets, grasshoppers, and silkworms. These high-protein snacks are often enjoyed as a crunchy, savoury treat.
- Instant Noodles: Instant noodles are a popular snack in China, and many vending machines offer a variety of flavours. Some machines even have hot water dispensers, allowing you to prepare your noodles on the spot.
- Tea Eggs: Tea eggs are a traditional Chinese snack made by boiling eggs in a mixture of tea, soy sauce, and spices. Some vending machines offer ready-to-eat tea eggs, providing a convenient and flavourful snack.
9. The United Kingdom: A Blend of Tradition and Novelty
The UK is known for its traditional foods, and this extends to its vending machine offerings. However, you’ll also find some unexpected snacks that reflect the country’s diverse culinary landscape.
- Pork Scratchings: Pork scratchings, or fried pork rinds, are a popular snack in the UK, and you can find them in some vending machines. These crunchy, salty treats are often enjoyed with a pint of beer, making them a favourite in pubs and bars.
- Sandwiches: Some vending machines in the UK offer pre-packaged sandwiches, often featuring classic British fillings like ham and cheese or egg and cress. These machines are a convenient option for a quick lunch on the go.
- Crisps in Unusual Flavours: The UK is known for its love of crisps, and you’ll find a wide variety of flavours in vending machines, from the traditional (salt and vinegar) to the unusual (prawn cocktail or roast beef).
Vending machines offer a fascinating glimpse into the culinary cultures of different countries, and the snacks they dispense can range from the familiar to the downright bizarre. Whether you’re in Japan, Norway, or the United States, you’re likely to encounter vending machine snacks that surprise and delight your taste buds.
Exploring the world of vending machine snacks is a fun and convenient way to experience the flavours of different cultures. So, the next time you’re travelling, why not try something new from a vending machine? You might just discover a delicious—and unusual—snack that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s canned bread in Japan, fresh salmon in Norway, or bubble tea in Singapore, the world of vending machine snacks is full of surprises just waiting to be discovered
