Take Japan's beer and sake vending machines, for example, or burrito machines in the USA. The USA and Japan are two countries that have embraced this convenient way to offer food and drink, and there are some weird and wonderful machines out there. Well, we couldn't leave this post without mentioning some crazy vending machines worldwide. Today, schools and offices encourage healthy eating, and there are plenty of healthy foods to choose between - but there's nothing wrong with enjoying the odd treat now and again. In 1972, Polyvend introduced vending machines with a glass front, enabling people to look at the snacks on offer before deciding.Īlthough these snack machines are highly convenient, they are commonly featured in schools, encouraging students to purchase crisps and chocolate all of the time.Īs our society becomes more health-conscious, so too do our vending machines! These days you can find healthy snack vending machines stocked with items like fruit bars, yoghurt, and even sandwiches. It's no surprise that snack machines are most commonly associated with vending machines because they offer people grab and go food. Surprisingly, it wasn't until the early 1960's that canned soda was included in vending machines, and today you can go pretty much anywhere and have your choice of cold drinks.

The original soft drink machines were designed to pump sodas into disposable cups, but chilled bottled drinks became available when the Coca Cola company introduced vending machines in 1937. From water to juice and soda to energy drinks, these machines have a variety of refreshments on offer. Soft drink machines, as the name suggests, vend cold drinks. Now you know the history of gumball machines, let's explore some other popular vending machines out there. Doing this enables you to enjoy your favourite colour gumballs in a gumball machine that's specifically for your use! Today, people still use these machines, and many choose to have them at home.

Gumball machines continued to be popular through the 1980s - especially in arcades which were at their height during this time, and manufacturers began to introduce giant gumballs, which lasted longer. While gumball machines have been modernised, many still retain the classic carousel design! Gumball Machines 1990's Onwards They invented a carousel gumball machine, which featured a round shape, and a twist mechanism to release the gum. Perhaps the most significant influencer of gumball machines was the Ford Gum and Machine Company. Thanks to the Northwestern Corporation, and their Model 33 machine, gumballs found themselves a part of western culture. In 1907, everything changed when Pulver introduced the first gumball machine, but it wouldn't be until 1933 when the machines took off. They served a purpose and would be known as the first chewing gum vending machines in the USA. These machines were found on subway platforms, and they had animated figures to make them more appealing. Many believe William Wrigley designed the earliest gum machine, but it was The Thomas Adams Gum Company. Gumball machines were first invented in the late 19th century, with traditionally flavoured tutti frutti gum. Each colour has a distinct flavour, from traditional fruits to weird and wonderful creations such as pineapple, cherry cola and even root beer in the USA. These machines have a range of coloured gumballs with a hard outer shell and a chewy centre. Gumball machines are usually found in public places like supermarkets, malls, and amusement parks, but they're also popular in homes. What Is a Gumball Machine?Ī gumball machine is a vending machine that dispenses small gumballs when a coin is inserted. Next came the eternally popular gumball machine. It's incredible to think that these machines existed in 215 BC, but it wasn't until the late 1800s that commercial vending machines for books were introduced. They would go to temples in Egypt, put coins into the machine and have access to holy water - which was highly valuable in ancient times. It might surprise you to learn that vending machines have been around before modern society! In Ancient Greece, Hero of Alexandria (a mathematician and engineer) invented a vending machine that people used for holy water. So, if you love bubblegum and want to learn more about how it became a worldwide phenomenon - read on! The History of Vending Machines In this post, we'll explore the history of vending machines and look at gumball machines in more detail. Vending machines can come with healthy snacks, drinks and confectionery. It's no secret that vending machines are popular, and despite our modern technology, they're still a part of everyday life.

Old fashioned bubble gum machine