Baked is Better: Why Healthier Vending Machine Snacks Are a Step Forward

Have you ever expected one thing, but instead got something else so similar yet so different? This year, Coronado students were appalled when they walked into the cafeteria on the first day of school. What did they discover? The beloved vending machines filled to the brim with baked chips–a smart replacement for their fried counterparts. Disappointment hung heavy in the air until someone ripped open that first bag, tried one, and rendered it delicious. How, you may wonder, could such a switch be so impactful in the long run? Or even have an impact at all? Swapping fried for baked chips was a clever decision made by our school that encourages students to make more intentional snacking habits and displays how the school is making an effort to prioritize the well-being of its students. 

“I was happy with the choice,” junior Addison Lewis said. “I think baked chips are a better snack alternative compared to regular chips. It makes me feel better when I know I’m fueling my body with better options.”

The most obvious advantage to this switch is the better nutritional value of baked chips as opposed to traditional fried chips. Because of the cooking process that takes place in an oven rather than in unhealthy fats, the lower fat and calorie content make baked chips a healthier alternative. Vending machines are quick, easy to use, and conveniently placed around campus. With so many of us grabbing a quick snack, like chips, during lunch, after practice, or between classes, those small differences add up. Maintaining healthier habits is much easier when the options available aren’t loaded with unnecessary fat. Despite the slight texture and taste difference of baked chips, they remain a tasty, satisfying alternative nonetheless. 

Another benefit of this change is that it provides a healthier option without taking away the enjoyment of snacking. Often, when schools introduce “healthier” food choices, they end up offering snacks that students simply don’t find appealing. This often leads to vending machines going untouched. Baked chips, however, are still relatively familiar and popular, so the transition doesn’t feel like a punishment. This balance matters, as it allows students to make better choices for themselves without feeling forced into eating something they dislike. Thus, the school is nudging us toward smarter habits without completely eliminating the admired foods we–teenagers especially– know and love. 

“Personally, I like the baked chips better than normal chips, so I like the change,” junior Micah Weiss says. “For other students, I think most prefer the normal ones, but they are better for us students to eat, so yes, there is a difference.” 

This decision, I believe, was made not to upset students, but rather to communicate something important regarding our school’s values. By removing fried chips, Coronado’s administration is showing that they are aware of the growing concerns around teen health, such as obesity and malnutrition, and they are willing to make small, but meaningful, changes. It may not seem like much, but making healthier foods more easily accessible can have great long-term benefits. When students are surrounded by options that encourage better habits, they are more likely to carry those habits outside of school as well. 

Overall, replacing fried chips with baked chips may not appear groundbreaking for our little community, but it represents a truly important step toward promoting healthier lifestyles among students. The new chips still taste good, are better for you, and they demonstrate how the school is taking action to support our well-being. Change is never easy, but in this case, it is a change that will benefit us in the future. Sometimes, all it takes is a small shift in an environment–like a vending machine–to make a substantial difference. 

Skeptical Curiosity//Peering at her upgraded chip options, junior Megan Meusy decides what to pick. Her favorite regular chips are no longer offered in the vending machine; however, she is excited to try the baked version. (Photo by Audrey Hamatake)