The vending industry is evolving fast. Customers still buy chips and soda—but they also want convenience, variety, and products that match their lifestyle. That shift is exactly why non-traditional vending items have become such a strong opportunity for operators who want better margins.

A lot of these products have three things going for them:

• higher markups
• less direct competition
• that “oh good, I needed this” impulse-buy factor

At Automated Services International, we’ve seen how the right product mix can improve route performance without adding significant complexity. If you’re ready to move beyond the traditional snack lineup, here are 15 high-margin products worth considering.

Health and Wellness Products

These items do best where people are already thinking about energy, performance, or “better choices”—gyms, hospitals, offices, and campuses.

1) Protein bars and meal replacements

High demand in gyms, offices, and hospitals.

2) Electrolyte and performance drinks

Premium hydration options often command strong margins.

3) Vitamins and supplements

Compact, lightweight, and ideal for health-conscious environments.

4) Fresh-cut fruit cups

When properly refrigerated, these can outperform candy in fitness-focused locations.

Tech Accessories

Tech products sell for one main reason: they solve a problem right now. That urgency is where the margin comes from.

5) Phone chargers

Emergency convenience drives impulse purchases.

6) Power banks

A higher price point means higher profit per sale.

7) Wireless earbuds

Strong markup potential in airports, campuses, and travel hubs.

8) USB-C adapters and cables

Simple products that solve urgent problems.

Cashless-enabled machines make it easier to sell higher-ticket items.

If you want to sell higher-priced items (or just offer more variety without adding another machine), a combo setup can be a practical option for many locations: Combo Machines.

Personal Care and Convenience

This category wins on one thing: convenience. People don’t always want to buy these items from a machine, but they’re very happy to have it there when they need it.

9) Travel-size toiletries

Ideal for airports, hotels, and tourist areas.

10) Hygiene products

Masks, sanitizer, and personal care essentials remain steady sellers.

11) Pain relief and OTC essentials

Compact, high-utility items in hospitals and office buildings.

12) Baby care products

Great fit for malls and family-oriented locations.

Specialty and Lifestyle Products

These are the items that can make your machine feel premium (and make your pricing feel justified).

13) Gourmet snacks

Artisanal popcorn, imported chocolates, or specialty jerky offer premium positioning.

14) Local souvenirs

In tourist-heavy areas, locally branded merchandise can outperform generic products.

15) Sustainable or eco-friendly products

Reusable utensils, eco water bottles, and green lifestyle products align with growing environmental awareness.

A quick note before you stock up

Non-traditional products can perform really well—but don’t overbuy on day one. The operators who win here usually:

• Test a small mix first
• Track what moves (and what doesn’t)
• Then scale the winners

And if you’re stocking items that need specific temperature control (fruit cups, better beverages, certain wellness items), you’ll want equipment that supports that reality. That’s where digital-first options can help: BRITE by ASI™ Smart Coolers + Digital Machines.

Take the Next Step

Stop guessing and start stocking smarter. The fastest way to increase margins is to match your product mix to your location and your equipment capabilities.

If you want help building a high-margin product plan (based on your location type and customer demand), reach out here: Contact ASI.