Forget getting just chips and soda with a few coins, today’s vending machines are pushing boundaries in the most unexpected ways. These automated wonders are serving/selling everything from piping hot ramen, whale meat, bear meat, live crabs, sake in Japan to COVID tests in Latvia and NFTs (digital non-fungible tokens) in Manhattan.
Gold, South Korea
In a glittering 'twist' on retail, select GS25 convenience stores in South Korea dispense bars -- not candy bars -- gold bars. Available in various weights, they are targetted at casual investors, collectors and even those seeking a luxurious last-minute gift.
Fresh Orange Juice, Kazakhastan
Good-bye, Coke. Good-bye Red Bull. Good-bye Minute Maid. On a hot day in Almaty, what a joy it is to buy a bottle orange juice, squeezed minutes before. What a thrill!
Cars, United Kingdom
No time to buy a car? Put a few coins in and get it from a machine. Almost. Britain has embraced the innovative concept of car vending machines. Companies like Carvana have multi-storey glass towers where you can pick your set of wheels.
Medical Marijuana, USA
Hemp oil energy drinks, cannabis flower, cookies can be dispensed from a machine in Seattle.
Pizza, Italy
Garam garam pizza, machine se. In Italy, machines serve hot, fresh pizzas in just three minutes.
Bananas, Japan
The Japanese obviously like their fruit a whole lot and therefore offer the convenience of getting it at a vending machine 24/7. But Japan has a unique vending machine culture, where an enormous variety of items can be bought at the push of a button. Read on...
Rice, Japan
Yup, rice too. In the country's rural areas folks can purchase locally-harvested rice conveniently.
A Date, Japan
No, not a fruit. And actual date between sexes or within sexes. These matchmaking machines of Tokyo offer singles a novel way to meet someone special.
Ice Cream, USA
For quite some time now you could use your credit card or cash to buy an ice cream. Not an idea for India probably.
Newspapers, Germany
Newspapers in a vending machine? Not a new idea. A familiar sight on sidewalks and train platforms in Germany and elsewhere. How long will they continue is the more important question.
Condoms, Japan
In Tokyo, privacy and practicality go hand in hand. Nightlife districts, convenience stores, public restrooms are all equipped with a bewildering choice of condoms.
Eggs, Ireland
Need 5 eggs for a sandwich? And it's past midnight and shops are closed. No problem. Head to an egg dispenser. In country towns, like Johnstown, near Navan, these machines have emerged as a novel way for local farmers to sell fresh produce directly to consumers in Ireland.
Oysters, France
Re island, off the coast of southwestern France, is the place to get your fines colis de 36 huitres (fine parcels of 36 oysters) for 23.10 Euros... yes from a vending machine.