5 More Unique Vending

Beer to liquor to sake and mixed drinks in vending machines.
Location: Japan
Price:150-200 yen ($2 U.S)

This awesome milk vending machines offers plain, chocolate, vanilla, caramel, and strawberry milk and dairy products for young students. 
Location: Europe
Price: 0.35 euros (0.45 U.S)

The MooBella machine blends, aerates, and freezes up to 96 varieties of freshly prepared ice cream in 40 seconds. An interactive touch screen allows you to "make your own" hard-scoop ice cream from a choice of 12 different flavors and mix-ins, in both premium and light ice cream versions.
Location: Northeastern
Price: Around $3 

Shoppers at Giant supermarket in Harrisburg can choose from the flagship machine's 53 available wines, from Argentine Malbecs to California Merlots. Brochures are also provided to aid the selection process.
Location: Pennsylvania
Price: Depends on selection

Precooked, preseasoned, and ready in minutes. This vending machine lets you select your desired dog, then splits the bun, warms both elements, and assembles your snack in a few minutes.
Location: U.S 
Price: $2 

Cow-free Milk

I was browsing through the new ,Women's Health Magazine, on the train, when I came across an interesting article about cow-free milk. It instantly peaked my interest because I use vanilla soy milk in place of cow milk when I can. I usually have 2 cartons of vanilla soy and one pint of organic or non-fat cow milk in the fridge. I keep the cow milk, for instances, when I absolutely can not use vanilla soy, like when I make mashed potatoes. Vanilla soy mashed potatoes? No thanks! I was never a huge fan of cow milk, so I felt like vanilla soy was created just for me. I tried using the plain soy milk, but it was to no avail. Women's Health "schooled" me on some much-needed information on cow-free milk. I think it's time to move on to Almond milk.

Almond Milk

Almond Breeze Original Per cup: 60 cal, 2.5 g fat ( o g sat), 8 g carbs ( 7 g sugars ), 150 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein

TASTE: Creamy, rich, and slightly nutty with a hint of sweetness.

PROS: Has the lease calories out of the other cow-free milk products, it's loaded with vitamin E , which fights UV damage, it also has calcium and vitamins A and D.

CONS: Does not have enough fiber and proteins. Also, higher in sodium.

BEST IN: Smoothies, coffee, and cereal

Hemp Milk

Tempt Original Per cup: 100 cal, 6 g fat ( 0.5 g sat ), 9 g carbs ( 6 g sugars ), 110 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 2 g protein

TASTE: Nutty and earthy

PROS: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids-wonder nutrients for your heart, brain, and mood. Made with cannabis seeds, but it won't get you high, because it does not contain significant THC.

CONS: Depending on the brand, you will only take in 10% of your daily calcium needs. Hemp milk is also not a great source for protein.

BEST IN: Mashed potatoes, muffins and quick breads. Good for baked goods.

Coconut Milk

So Delicious Coconut Milk Beverage Original Per cup: 80 cal, 5 g fat ( 5 g sat ), 7 g carbs, ( 6 g sugars ), 15 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 1 g protein

TASTE: Thick, creamy, coconut-y

PROS: It has the least amount of sodium and can be low cal. Most brands are fortified with half a day's worth of vitamin B12 , a brain boosting nutrient.

CONS:  The majority of the fat is saturated

BEST IN: Coffee, tea, pudding, smoothies, and oatmeal

Rice Milk

Rice Dream Enriched Original Per cup: 120 cal, 2.5 g fat ( 0 g sat ), 23 g carbs, ( 10 g sugars ), 100 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 1 protein

TASTE: Light, watery and sweet

PROS: The carbs. Good source of electrolytes.

CONS: The carbs. If you're trying to lose weight, it's best to eat whole-grain carbs.

BEST IN: Desserts, baked goods, pancakes, and french toast. 

Soy Milk

Silk Original Per cup: 100 cal, 4 g fat ( 0.5 g sat ), 8 g carbs, ( 6 g sugars ), 120 mg sodium, 1 g fiber, 6 g protein

TASTE: Faintly sweet. Some have a tofu flavor.

PROS: It has almost as much protein as cow's milk, plus plant chemicals that may hep inhibit absorption of cholesterol. Also, according to me it has an extensive shelf-life.

CONS: Some studies suggest that overconsuming soy promotes breast cancer. 25 grams of soy protein a day is ideal.

BEST IN: Creamy soups and salad dressings, sauces, casseroles and other savory dishes. Vanilla-flavored are great by the glass or in coffee, or tea. Also, according to me it is great in cereal, cupcakes and anything that you won't mind a slight vanilla flavor in.

Q: What are your thoughts on cow-free milk? 

Source: Women's Health Magazine

Check out the article in the magazine for further details.
By Celeste