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How Technology is Driving the Vending Machine Industry

The vending machine industry as a whole is doing well. The healthy vending market is a big part of that — now more than ever, consumers are looking for fast, portable, and healthy snacks that suit their busy lifestyles. As vending technology becomes more and more advanced, it’s clear that technology itself is helping to drive the industry forward. Let’s take a look at just some of the ways that this is happening:

Cashless Payment

Today, you can buy almost anything without using cold hard cash. Purchasing a snack out of a vending machine is no exception. Many machines accept cashless payment in the form of a debit or credit card. This form of payment suits the world of vending perfectly — one swipe, and the consumer has the product in their hands. Since 77% of Americans have at least one credit card, it makes for booming business!

Mobile Payment

Alongside cashless payment is mobile payment, meaning that the customer pays for their vending purchase using a mobile app or mobile wallet system. In fact, according to Nation’s Restaurant News, restaurant and snack purchased ranked second in all mobile purchasing by mobile app users! That’s a lot of people using an app to purchase snacks. The vending machine industry is capitalizing on this hot trend.

Video Screens

Some of the most high-tech vending machines out there come with a built-in video screen that allows the consumer to make their selection digitally. These screens might also allow the customer to view nutritional information, price, supplier information, etc. In this way, vending machines are entering the newest age of technological advancement. It’s unlikely that the trend is going away any time soon!

Ready to Get On Board?

Healthy vending machine sales are sitting in the perfect junction between healthy snacking trends and the never-ending expansion of technology. Partnering with Naturals2Go is the perfect way for you to become the entrepreneur you are meant to be! Give us a call to get started.

Forgot Your Lunch? How to Choose the Healthiest Vending Machine Snacks

Stuck at the office without your typical bagged lunch from home? It’s no fun to realize you’ll have to get your lunch out of the vending machine. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can go about choosing the healthiest options — gone are the days of vending machines only offering junk food! Here’s what to look for when finding a healthy lunch option in the vending machine:

Low-Sodium Options

Many “junk” foods in vending machines are high in salt content, which makes them very unhealthy for you. It’s best to avoid salty potato chips, corn chips, and the like — instead, opt for alternative chips like those that aren’t fried in oil or fat. There are also healthy options like seaweed or kale chips.

Low-Carb Options

When you eat a lot of carbs at lunch, you’ll feel bloated and groggy. Opting for low-carb options is a great way to eat a healthy lunch and keep up your energy throughout the day. Try a full-fat cheese, certain types of nuts like almonds and pecans that aren’t high in carbs, or some hummus dip with fresh vegetables. These are great, healthy options that won’t leave you dragging in the afternoon!

Healthy Protein Bars

Take a look at the ingredients list on your protein bar before deciding to make it your lunch. There are plenty of healthy protein bar options out there — you just have to find the ones that aren’t loaded up with extra sugars or other fillers and have a low carbohydrate content. Select an all-natural protein bar, and you’ve got yourself a high-energy, healthy lunch option!

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits like dried apple slices, apricots, or bananas are a great choice that are found in many vending machines. They come in convenient packages and are great for a portable snack or a full lunch. Just make sure you select dried fruit that doesn’t have a lot of added sugar.

 

Next time you forget your lunch, don’t sweat it. Take some time to consider the healthiest options at your vending machine, and you’ll be able to piece together a fast, portable lunch that actually benefits your body.

Healthy Snack Machines Are Making Big Bucks

The healthy snack trend isn’t going away anytime soon. The vending machine market has seen significant growth just in the last few years alone. This is because people are more conscious than ever before about what they’re eating, and because people need fast, portable snacks now more than ever!

Let’s take a look at a real-world example of how well healthy vending machines are doing — Chicago’s parks system — and discuss what you as an entrepreneur can do to capitalize on this trend in your home city.

Chicago’s Park System

The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park system in the U.S., with 580 parks spread across more than 8,100 acres. In August of 2010, the district signed a five-year contract with a large national snack vendor for healthy vending machines as a part of the city’s 100% Healthier Snack Vending Initiative. According to the Center for Disease Control’s study on the subject, the snacks inside these machines were subject to certain criteria, like:

 

      • No more than 42g of added sweetener per 20 oz.
      • No trans fats
      • No more than 400mg of sodium per serving

 

The initiative worked. The healthy vending machines were very popular, especially with children, and it made for a good investment in the community and serious business boost to the snack vendor. Average monthly per-machine sales increased over 15 months from $84.00 to $371.00 — that’s more than a 350% increase! On the whole, Chicago’s healthy vending machines are raking in almost $40,000 a month.

If the Chicago parks example tells us anything, it’s that healthy snack machines are a booming business. So, what does that mean for you?

What You Can Do in Your City

Are you an entrepreneur who’s ready to capitalize on the booming market of healthy vending? Partnering with Naturals2Go will help you succeed and become the business owner you were meant to be. Allow us to help you find your market, secure appointments, and place your machines. Then, you’re set up to do what you do best: Run your business venture on the front lines and capture your city’s niche market for healthy snacking.

Get Started Today!

Contact us today to find out how you can get started on your next great business opportunity with Naturals2Go. We’re here to help you succeed!

Fast, Convenient Post-Workout Snacks (That Actually Taste Great)

After a good workout, you want a snack that not only replenishes you, but tastes great. A protein shake is the classic option, but it comes with drawbacks: it’s grainy, it’s pricey, and it doesn’t always taste so good. You’ll be happy to learn there are many post-workout snacks that are not only convenient, but delicious.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is packed with nutrients and offers plenty of protein to help you recover after a workout. Exercising depletes your body of amino acids, and the protein in yogurt helps build that supply back up. A serving of low-fat Greek yogurt can give you nearly 15 grams of protein, and pairing it with some fresh berries can give you some carbohydrates for added energy. Plus, yogurt comes in convenient portable packaging.

Apples With Peanut Butter

An apple with a bit of peanut butter or almond butter not only tastes great, it offers plenty of protein to give you that much-needed energy boost after a good workout. You can slice up an apple ahead of time, then simply pull the slices out of the refrigerator and apply the peanut or almond butter when you get home.

Almonds

Almonds are packed with protein, and they’re extremely portable. You can even bring them with you and eat them right after leaving the gym. Plus, almonds taste great and have plenty of fiber, which helps you feel full.

Hummus with Pita Bread

Hummus is made from chickpeas, so it’s packed with protein and carbohydrates to replenish your body after a workout. Dipping bits of whole wheat pita in the hummus is a tasty and effective way to refuel yourself after exercise. There are plenty of different hummus flavors to choose from, and it takes less time to prepare than making a protein shake.

Tuna Salad on Whole Wheat Bread

Try a tuna salad sandwich on whole wheat bread for either a post-workout snack or an entire meal. It’s packed with carbs and protein to help you recover post-workout. Plus, it couldn’t be easier to prepare the tuna salad the night before, then come home and make a sandwich. It’s just as easy as a protein shake, but a whole lot tastier.

 

Try one of these healthy, fast and convenient snacks after your next workout. It just might become your new normal.

Top Wellness Business Opportunities

Wellness is a booming business. From self-care to healthy eating, people all over the country are making more of an effort than ever before to take care of themselves. One of the greatest things about becoming a business owner and partnering with Naturals2Go is you’re capitalizing on that trend — and helping people live better, healthier lives in the process. Here are three of the best reasons to pursue your next business opportunity with Naturals2Go:

You’re Promoting Health and Wellness

People are busier than ever. Often, we don’t have time to sit down and eat a full meal when we want to. That’s where healthy snacking comes in. Being able to grab a snack that isn’t packed with sodium and sugar, yet is portable and filling, is the name of the game. By investing in healthy vending machines, you’re promoting healthy snacking and overall wellness for others. That’s something you can feel good about.

You’re Earning a Good Living

The vending machine market has seen substantial growth over the last few years, largely thanks to the need for portable, fast fare. Combine that with the fact people are more conscious than ever about what they’re eating, and healthy vending machine sales is a recipe for success. When you partner with Naturals2Go, you’re putting yourself smack dab in the middle of this burgeoning market.

You’re Part of the Revolution

Right now, we’re seeing a “perfect storm” of circumstances in the realm of healthy eating and vending machines. Consumers — especially younger ones — are opting for convenience over cost in many cases. Plus, people don’t want to fill up on junk food, but they want fast, portable and easy snacking options. All of this means the healthy vending machine business is in its prime. The wellness revolution and skyrocketing public interest in healthy snacks, combined with support and backing from the government, means there’s no better time to jump on this business opportunity.

Are you an entrepreneur looking for your next great opportunity?

Capitalize on the social, political and cultural push toward wellness by partnering with Naturals2Go. Contact us online or give us a call to learn more.

High Protein Snack Options for People on the Move

When you need a quick snack in the middle of your busy day, what do you go for? Chips, cookies or pretzels? These types of snacks aren’t healthy, and they won’t necessarily fill you up. It turns out there are much better snack options for people on the move. Let’s take a look at five great options below:

Mixed Nuts

A portion of mixed nuts is a great choice for a high-protein snack that makes you feel full, fast. Nuts are chock full of healthy fat, fatty acids, and protein, and they also contain a lot of fiber — which helps you feel full without eating a lot. Plus, nuts are portable! Make your own nut mix with almonds, peanuts, cashews or pistachios.

Jerky

Beef, turkey or chicken jerky is another great choice for a healthy snack on the go. Jerky is packed with protein, and it’s easy to eat whether you’re walking, driving or riding the bus. It can also fit easily in your bag or pocket without creating a mess. Make sure you choose a jerky that isn’t loaded with salt or sugar to keep it healthy.

Veggies and Hummus

Hummus is a smooth paste made out of chickpeas. It’s packed with not only flavor, but protein — it’s a very healthy snack especially when paired with some fresh veggies like carrots, broccoli or cucumber. Plus, hummus can be bought in single-serving packages, or easily put into a small bag or Tupperware container for on-the-go eating.

Peanut Butter with Apples or Celery

Include some all-natural peanut butter in your busy day for a tasty snack that will fill you up fast. Just two tablespoons of peanut butter gives you about seven grams of protein — what a great way to satisfy your cravings and give you energy to complete your day at the same time. Cut up a few celery stalks or an apple to top with your peanut butter, and place them in a small baggie for easy snacking on the move.

String Cheese

String cheese comes in a convenient packaging perfect for the busy individual. It offers plenty of protein with minimal calories, and it tastes great! A single stick of string cheese is the perfect afternoon snack to hold yourself over until dinner time.

 

These aren’t the only high-protein portable snacks out there. Do your research to find out what kind of snacks work best for your busy, but healthy lifestyle. You’re probably not slowing down any time soon — make sure your snacks can keep up.

Real Business Opportunities for Parents

One of the greatest challenges of entrepreneurship is balancing your work life and your family life. If you’re a parent, it only gets more difficult. What if there was a real business opportunity that fit the lifestyle needs of a parent while allowing the entrepreneur to grow and, ultimately, make a real profit?

You’re in luck! Naturals2Go’s proven system allows entrepreneurs to get their businesses up and running while still offering the flexibility needed to do what’s most important: be there for their families. Here are just three of the ways our business opportunity is perfect for the busy parent:

It Gives You Work-Life Balance

All too often, entrepreneurs get caught up in their business venture and focus solely on that, sacrificing the other important things in life — like family. With Naturals2Go, that’s not something you have to worry about. Our entire business model is built around the idea that your business venture should not, and will not, take over your life. You’ll be able to work your schedule around your other commitments, whatever they may be.

It’s Not All Up to You

If there’s one thing you know from being a parent, it’s that it can be difficult to do everything on your own. When you partner with Naturals2Go, you have help at every step of the journey — from training and getting set up with the tools you need, to location scouting, to continued tech support and coaching as you go. Having that kind of full-circle support behind you lets you focus on your business goals without sacrificing your commitment to your family.

It Offers Long-Term Growth

Another important consideration for an entrepreneur to make — especially one with a family to support — is the long-term growth potential their venture offers. With Naturals2Go, it’s all about the journey. Our entire system is set up to support you for the long term; whether that’s through lifetime mentoring or helping you hire additional help as your business expands.

Ready for the ultimate work-life balance?

Continuing to grow your business and be a successful entrepreneur without sacrificing your duties as a parent — that’s the goal for many business owners, but it’s difficult to achieve on your own. Partnering with Naturals2Go makes it easy! Contact us today to learn more and get started on your journey.

How Healthy Snacks Help Curb Cravings and Binging

The practice of snacking is often unfairly vilified — we tend to associate snacking with stuffing our faces with salty potato chips or downing a dozen cookies in the break room. Snacking doesn’t have to mean this, though. In fact, snacking in a healthy manner is key to a healthy lifestyle, and it can help curb cravings and binging on unhealthy foods!

Here are three ways that healthy snacking trends will allow you to live better and avoid those pesky cravings.

Healthy Snacks Help You Feel Full

By choosing snacks that help you feel full, you won’t feel famished at lunch or dinnertime and wind up stuffing yourself in an unhealthy manner. Try choosing high-fiber snacks like granola, oats, hummus or low-butter popcorn. Fiber helps you feel full, so getting this nutrient into your system between meals is a great way to tide yourself over.

Healthy Snacks Help You Focus

Snacking in a healthy manner throughout the day helps to maintain your focus between meals. It also helps to keep your blood sugar level up. This means you’ll be able to continue concentrating on whatever you’re doing, rather than zoning out and wondering what’s for dinner.

Healthy Snacks Give You Something to Look Forward To

When you don’t snack at all throughout the day, you’re just winding down the clock until lunch or dinner. Having a healthy snack on hand is a great way to give yourself something to look forward to while banishing the craving for unhealthy food. Choosing options like low-sodium nuts or seeds — Harvard Medical School recommends almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and peanuts — is a great way to give yourself something delicious to look forward to without the need for binging later.

Healthy Snacks Mean You’re Making Your Own Choice

By choosing your own healthy snack and bringing it with you to work or wherever else your day takes you, you’re choosing the snack you want. That means you don’t have to resort to that leftover cake in the break room and instead enjoy the whole-grain crackers and fresh grapes you brought from home.

 

What healthy snacking trends are your favorite? Give some of the options suggested above a try for healthy snacks that help you avoid those afternoon cravings.

Best Business Opportunities for Retirees

For many individuals who have reached retirement, going from the 9-to-5 to absolutely nothing — all at once — is a bit daunting. That’s why venturing into a business opportunity, such as the healthy vending market, is a great choice for many retirees. Here are three reasons the healthy vending machine market is one of the best businesses for retirees.

It Keeps You Active

You don’t want to become sedentary and sit around all day during your retirement years. If anything, it’s just the opposite — now is the perfect opportunity to stay active on a regular basis by doing something you enjoy. Traveling around to different vending machine placements to restock or check functionality of machines is a great way to stay on your feet and keep the blood flowing.

It Connects You With the Public

Retirement is a great time to meet new people and make meaningful connections in your community. It’s one of the most rewarding reasons the market is one of the best business for retirees!

It Focuses on Good Health

Let’s face it — as you age, you tend to focus more on your health, sometimes out of necessity. Being involved in the health food industry is a great way to learn more about healthy choices for you and your loved ones, and promote it for others at the same time.

It Teaches You New Skills

There’s never a reason to stop learning. Even in your retirement years, you can continue to learn new things and have new experiences. Being a part of the healthy vending machine market is a great way to do that! From new technologies to particular management styles, there are plenty of things to keep your mind active and engaged even though you’re through with your working years.

Not Quite Ready To Retire Yet?

Partnering with Naturals2Go is the perfect way to achieve success in a business opportunity. Become the entrepreneur you were always meant to be — call us today to see how we can help.