The Mysteries of Creekview's Vending Machines

It is not a surprise when you see students crowded at every vending machine in the school. When the bell rings signaling the class change, students’ race to the vending machine to obtain their favorite treats. Some adults question the addiction, but only students usually know why the treats are so important and lame. The big question is this: is the food in the vending machine even healthy, or are students devouring junk food that will have appalling affects on them in the near future?

The vending machines of Creekview High School include a large variety of snacks. Some of these include Planter’s Peanuts, Elf’n Animal Crackers, Powdered Dolly Donut Gems, Poptarts, Mrs. Freshley’s Original Jumbo Honey Bun, Rice Krispie Treats Original, Multigrain Granola Bar, Kellogg’s Fruit Snacks, Sweet n’ Salty packs, and Nature Valley Oats n’ Honey granola bars.

When asked what snack was a student’s favorite, many varied responses were given. The snacks with the highest praise consisted of Poptarts, Powdered Dolly Donuts Gems, and Mrs. Freshley’s Original Jumbo Honey Bun. Ironically, these three choices also contain the highest fat content and the most amount of calories. Poptarts contain 190 calories, from which 50 calories are from fat. Also, Powdered Dolly Donut Gems consist of 230 calories, with 11 grams from fat. If these nutritional facts do not make you sick, then listen to this: Mrs. Freshley’s Original Jumbo Honey Bun, a snack highly rate by students, contains 590 calories! So why is it that nothing healthy, like a granola bar, was chosen as a favorite? Is it because it’s not drowning in honey? Or is it because it is not rolled in powdered sugar or covered and stuffed with icing? Many students replied an answer that was not shocking at all.

“It’s good and it keeps me awake. The nutty snacks won’t do that,” one student proudly stated.
So, it is true. Teenagers consume these snacks that are high in sugar content to receive more energy. They are the only things that will keep them from falling asleep in class. Also, they want something that actually tastes good, so they can enjoy it.

So, what snack should you eat that is healthy, tasty, and pleasing to that grumbling stomach? The answer is Nature Valley Oats n’ Honey granola bars. Yes, this snack is not the lowest-containing treat in the vending machine, but with 190 calories and a delicious taste, it will take the hunger out of you. So the next time you visit the vending machine, keep in mind the dozens of snacks that will be pleasing to your mouth, but not so pleasing to your future.

By: Maida Ahmad