Vending machine snacks are getting a lot more interesting than Cokes and M&M’s. D.C.-based Guerilla Vending is refurbishing old machines and filling them with everything from banh mi to cold brew coffee. After launching at Maketto last spring, Guerilla Vending has branched out to a number of new locations. The company is even starting to outfit machines for events, including bar and bat mitzvahs, and working on other outposts in the year ahead. Take a look at some of the goodies you can buy from a box near you.
Maketto
What’s inside: Condoms, headphones, phone chargers, Advil, Band-Aids, Asian candies and snacks, Kidrobot and Tokidoki vinyl toys
Most popular item: Maneki-neko lucky cat figurines
The Pug
What’s inside: Beef jerky, wasabi peas, nuts, pork rinds, phone chargers, Dirty South Deli sandwiches including ham and pimento cheese on a pretzel roll, vegetarian banh mi with seasoned chickpeas, and fancy PB&Js
Most popular item: Pork banh mi
Atlas Brew Works
What’s inside: Beef jerky, wasabi peas, nuts, Confluence cold brew coffee, phone chargers. Beginning next week, the brewery will also begin carrying the same sandwiches as The Pug.
Most popular item: Pork Clouds’ pork rinds
Union Market
What’s inside: Capital Kombucha, Apinya Thai Food Co. sauces, Uncle Brutha’s hot sauce, District Juicery granola, Pops by Haley cake push pops, Pin Up pineapple-sage preserves
Most popular item: Go Chews energy snacks
Lab 1270 at Union Market (temporary)
What’s inside: Paper products from Typecase Industries, Taschen art books, original food prints by artist Josh Kramer
Most popular item: Typecase Industries cards and D.C. drink coasters
Union Kitchen (members only)
What’s inside: Local food and drink products (all made by Union Market and Mess Hall members), Advil, Sharpies
Most popular item: Instant ramen
Photo by Jessica Sidman