Usually, choose not to eat. Most vending machine options are engineered snacks designed to trigger overconsumption. If you must eat, look for nuts or the least-processed option. But often the better choice is recognizing you don’t actually need to eat right now.
This companion explores the vending machine reality, the decision framework, best and worst options if you must eat, the power of not eating, the identity question, and planning ahead. (5 min read)