Bailey Reid

Convenience is key, especially as a college student. We’re always looking for affordable ways to eat, and vending machines are a quick solution. Frequently placed around campuses and other public places, vending machines provide cheap foods that we can eat on the go. Despite the delicious taste of these popular foods, there are some hidden dangers found in their ingredient lists.

By taking a look at ingredient lists of items often found in vending machines, I discovered some common threads between certain types of foods. To understand the impact of these ingredients on health, I turned to research published on Healthline to provide a thorough review. 

1. Soda that contains High Fructose Corn Syrup

Many popular sodas contain High Fructose Corn Syrup, or HFCS, which is known to have several bad effects on health. According to Healthline, the fructose that is found in added sugar such as HFCS can contribute to the creation of visceral fat in the body. They explain that visceral fat is the dangerous fat that is linked to disease, such as diabetes. It has also been found that eating too much HFCS can also contribute to inflammation, which can increase the risk of cancer. While many sugary drinks do contain this ingredient, there are alternatives that are just as convenient. While water is the best replacement, if you enjoy drinks with some flavor, Pure Leaf Unsweetened Black Tea may be a good option for you. 

2. Chips that contain Monosodium Glutamate 

Monosodium Glutamate, or MSG, is a controversial ingredient found in many brands of chips. Though MSG is considered generally safe by the FDA, more studies may need to be done to determine how exactly it can affect humans. Healthline mentions that a potential link between MSG and diabetes has been disovered. Additionally, research also shows that a small percentage of the population may have a sensitivity to MSG, which could cause headaches and other symptoms. With this in mind, it could be a good idea to avoid large doses of MSG. Not all chips contain this ingredient, however, and one healthier option is Tostitos Baked Scoops! Tortilla Chips.

3. Colored Candies that contain Red Dye 40

If you have ever looked at the ingredient list of artificially colored candies, you may have seen that most of them contain Red Dye 40. Similar to MSG, more research needs to be done on the effects of Red Dye 40. However, as Healthline states, some potential effects of Red Dye 40 on the body include allergies, migraines, and ADHD in a small percentage of children. If you are looking for a fun alternative to foods with Red Dye 40, Black Forest Organic Gummy Bears is one solution. 

4. Crackers, Chocolates, and Treats that contain TBHQ

TBHQ, or Tertiary butylhydroquinone, is an ingredient that can be found in various snack foods. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a study performed on rats found that TBHQ can increase occurrences of tumors. Like Red Dye 40, it was found that TBHQ is  linked to ADHD. Healthline states that TBHQ is something you should not consume based on the Feingold Diet. The Feingold Diet, according to their website, is a diet that seeks to eliminate certain ingredients from your diet to manage medical conditions, especially ADHD. Sometimes we all need a treat, however, and one good option is Lindt Dark Chocolate with 70% Cocoa. One reason that this type of dark chocolate is especially good is the fact that dark chocolate, especially that with more than 70% or more cocoa, has its own set of health benefits. 

Seeing this list of ingredients may be overwhelming, and reading food labels may seem like a daunting task. It is important to remember though that most foods, even some that contain these ingredients, are safe in moderation. If you don’t like the idea of consuming foods that contain these ingredients, however, there are many healthier options that are still convenient and accessible.