The vending machines at Magnet and SOA are a huge part of any student’s life. Whether they forgot their lunch, or are looking for a study session pick me up, these machines provide yummy snacks to whoever needs them. There is much debate over what is the best snack in the vending machines, with each person seemingly having their personal order they get every time. Today we set out to answer this age-old question by ranking all the snacks found in the vending machines.

1. Rice Krispies

Rice Krispies are probably the best snack the vending machine has to offer. While other snacks are the healthy version or whole grain alternative to the classic snack food, the Rice Krispies in both the Magnet and SOA vending machines are the OGs. This really bumps it up in my book. Rice Krispies are also surprisingly filling if you eat enough of them. I really think you get the most bang for your buck with this snack. I really like the sweetness the marshmallow adds to this food. The crunch of the rice krispies is always so satisfying.

2. Doritos Cool Ranch

While these are the reduced fat version, they are still pretty tasty for a school vending machine. That is why I think they are deserving of the second overall spot.  These are also vending machine exclusive, unlike the other reduced fat Doritos that you can sometimes get at lunch. Cool Ranch is by far the best flavor of regular Doritos, and it continues to take the number 1 place among the reduced fat versions. The tangy ranch flavor is really unique to this chip and sets it apart from all the cheesy chip variants out there.

3. Doritos Nacho Cheese

Next we have the classic Doritos Nacho Cheese. While these are the reduced fat version, they still have that classic Doritos taste and are always a good option at the vending machine. While these Doritos rank high on the flavor scale, they do not provide much sustenance to the student. Whenever I am hungry and I eat a bag of Doritos, I usually feel just as hungry as before. This is the problem with a lot of the vending machine snacks. I think it is due to the reduced calories/reduced fat versions that are in there.

4. Doritos Flamas Chips

While these chips are different from the classic Doritos that AMHS students know and love so well, they can offer a spicy alternative for students who like to live on the edge during school lunch. These chips pack a serious punch with their fiery chili and lime flavor, making them a choice for anyone who loves spicy food. However, they don’t do much in terms of filling you up. Like many vending machine snacks, they are more of a quick treat rather than something that provides real sustenance for students. Every time I eat a bag, I find myself still feeling just as hungry afterward. This might be due to the lighter, reduced-fat options stocked in the vending machines, which often leave you wanting more.

5. Nature Valley Granola Bars

Nature Valley Granola Bars ranks first among the bars in the vending machine, but 5th overall. This is because despite almost all the other vending machine snacks, these are the original version and are not some reduced calorie hogwash. These usually have a good flavor, but to me they always taste a little stale and old. Maybe it’s just bias, because I really do not like these bars. Another problem with these bars is that they are extremely messy. Every time you take a bite, its like an avalanche of crumbs fall from your mouth. This makes this snack very hard to eat in classrooms where teachers are likely to ban snacks if the students make a mess. Despite all these problems, these bars are still better than the rest of what the vending machines have to offer.

6. BBQ Pop Chips

Next up, we have BBQ PopChips, a different alternative with a new flavor than traditional potato chips. These chips have a nice smoky barbecue flavor with a big crunch, making them a decent vending machine pick. While they are marketed as a healthier option, they don’t do much in terms of keeping you full. Once again, every time I eat a bag, I find myself still feeling just as hungry as before after 5-10 minutes. Like many low fat snacks, they provide a quick burst of flavor but not much sustenance, making them more of a light snack rather than something that truly satisfies hunger.

7. Baked blueberry oatmeal bars

Next up, we have the Baked Blueberry Oatmeal Bars, a slightly healthier snack option than the other vending machine foods. These bars have a sweet blueberry flavor with a soft chewy texture on the inside, making them a good pick for a quick boost throughout the school day. While they offer more substance than chips, they still aren’t the most filling snack. Like many vending machine options, they seem to be more about convenience than providing a real filling snack. Still, if you’re looking for something with a bit more nutrition and a fruity flavor, these bars are a decent choice over the other chips in the machine.

8. Baked Pomegranate Oatmeal bars

Finally, we have the Baked pomegranate Oatmeal Bars, a slightly healthier snack option than the other vending machine foods. These bars have a sweet pomegranate flavor with a soft chewy texture on the inside, making them a good pick for a quick boost throughout the school day. While they offer more substance than chips, they still aren’t the most filling snack. Like many vending machine options, they seem to be more about convenience than providing a real filling snack. Still, if you’re looking for something with a bit more nutrition and a fruity flavor, these bars are a decent choice over the other chips in the machine.