Ever get tired of the boring old snacks that vending machines always carry? Look no further as there are tons of cool and easy ways to add a little extra jazz to your dispensed snacks. Mixing, matching, and blending different options, these vending machine hacks will add newfound excitement into your snack-time. All you need is some loose change and a little extra time on the side.

Cheddar Dusted Popcorn

Sometimes you get tired of boring old buttered popcorn and need a change of flavor. This recipe not only makes your popcorn more flavorful, but also does so in a quick and easy way. All you need is:

vending machine hacks

Photo by Lexa Rowland

Easy

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 4 minutes

Ingredients:
1 bag popcorn (the buttered kind)
1 bag Cheetos (Cheese Puffs work too)

Directions:
1. Slightly open the bag of Cheetos, so that the air can be released.
2. Mash up the Cheetos so they become finely ground cheese powder.
3. Add a spoonful of water to the Cheeto dust.
4. Open your bag of popcorn and add the Cheeto dust and water mix.
5. Shake vigorously and then enjoy.

vending machine hacks

Photo by Lexa Rowland

Party Snack Mix

If you’re hosting a get together, watching a movie, or just hanging out and in need of a good snack, look no further. This party snack mix is easy to make and can satisfy large crowds before you go out for the night. The best part is, all the ingredients can be found in the closest vending machine, so it saves you a trip to the store. Here’s what you will need:

vending machine hacks

Photo by Lexa Rowland

Easy

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:
3 bags popcorn (butter or cheddar flavor)
2 bags salted peanuts or mixed nuts
1 bag pretzel sticks
2 bags Cheez-Its
1 bag M&Ms

Directions:
1. Throw all the ingredients together in a bowl you want to serve it in.You can increase or decrease the amount of each ingredient you put in based on amount of guests or your taste preferences (there is no such thing as too much M&Ms).
2. Gently mix up the ingredients in the bowl.
3. Invite your friends or hallmates over and serve.

vending machine hacks

Photo by Lexa Rowland

Hershey Bar Fondue

You might have the perfect romantic dinner planned, but maybe you’re unsure of what to do for dessert. If you want something nice and fancy on a budget, this is the snack for you. Run to the nearest vending machine and grab a few Hershey bars and you are on your way to making a quick and easy fondue.

vending machine hacks

Photo by Lexa Rowland

Easy

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:
2 Hershey Bars
Food for dipping

Directions:
1. Break up each Hershey bar into small pieces and put them in a microwave-safe bowl that will not over heat.
2. Melt your chocolate on a low power setting (50% is preferable) to avoid scorching or burning it.
3. When cooking, take the bowl out every 30 seconds or so to check on it and stir the chocolate. Continue doing so until the chocolate is smooth, shiny, and completely melted.
4. Serve with some fruit (if you have any) or whatever you think will taste good dipped in some mouth watering chocolate.

Easy to Make Trail Mix

Easy and fast to make, all this takes is just a little effort and you can end up with some delicious trail mix. Make it the night before so you can have it as an easy grab-and-go option for breakfast the next morning so you can catch up on some extra sleep (let’s face it, we all need the sleep).

vending machine hacks

Photo by Lexa Rowland

Easy

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients:
1 bag peanuts
1 bag M&Ms (any kind will do)
1 bag pretzels

Directions:
1. Grab a Ziploc bag and toss all of the ingredients in.
2.Shake it well and then you have our own personal bag of trailmix ready to go.

After this you will be ready to hit the trails, or that tough walk to your 8 am class.

vending machine hacks

Photo by Lexa Rowland

Wildberry Taiwanese Bubble Tea Spritzer

As it gets closer to summer it’s time to bring out the refreshing drinks that make you feel good. If you have a little bit of time on your hands, this delicious drink will help perk you up and get you through the day. The best part, you can get most of the ingredients from the vending machine down the hall.

vending machine hacks

Photo by Lexa Rowland

Easy

Prep Time: 1 minute
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup brewed hot black tea
1 bag Mixed berry flavored fruit snacks
1 can ginger ale

Directions:
1. Put water in a kettle and put it on the stove until it is boiled (about 15 minutes).
2. Place a tea bag into the boiled water and let the tea steep.
3. While the tea steeps, add a handful (about a bag) of fruit snacks to the water.
4. Leave it out to sit for about 10 minutes.
5. Remove the tea bag, add ice, and top off the drink with ginger ale. Stir.

Drink. Enjoy.

vending machine hacks

Photo by Lexa Rowland

Craving more vending machine snacks? Check out these related articles: