Currency of convenience: Top 5 unique vending machines on campus

Overall, the vending machines fair particularly well in then convenience they promise, offering something beyond traditional snacks like crisps, chocolates, and candies.

The University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) has a variety of vending machines across the campus. Most recently, fresh-pressed apple and orange juice machines have been added to the options available.

The variety of products offered across more than 10 vending machines is inspired from UTSC Food Partnerships’ aim to “curate campus experience” says Julia Zybala, who oversees campus vending services.

“Our focus is making food on campus fun, fast, and fresh,” said Zybala.

The Underground contributor Gabriela Vacarini took on the mission to try five most popular vending machines at UTSC and rate them based on value for money, quality, convenience, as well as hygiene.

5. Froyo Machine in the Science Wing (SW)

Frozen yoghurt vending machine at SW. (Photo By: Gabriela Takatu Vacarini // The Underground)

The robot-operated frozen yoghurt machine located on the third floor of the Science Wing is one of the only places to grab a frozen treat on campus. Each cup costs $6 with one topping included. Additional toppings are charged extra. There has been a notable decrease in the amount of yoghurt received in the cups since the last time I used this machine in 2023, and the yoghurt itself resembled more of a soft serve than frozen yoghurt. The saddest part was that it completely skipped my toppings when I tried it recently. However, having a robotic arm prepare the frozen yoghurt cup is a cool experience. The outside of the machine is objectively clean; however, the dispenser nozzles had melted yoghurt dripping from them, and there were topping crumbles inside, perhaps hinting that maintenance was required. 

Price: 2/5, Quality: 2/5, Novelty: 5/5, Hygiene: 3/5, Convenience: 4/5

Total score: 3.2/5

4. Instant ramen in the Sam Ibrahim Building (IA) and Bladen Wing (BV)

Instant ramen vending machine in BV (Photo Credit: Gabriela Takatu Vacarini // The Underground)

The instant ramen machines can be found both in the vending machine corner in Bladen Wing and at the Sam Ibrahim Building. They offer a variety of different flavours, including the popular Buldak Ramen. The prices range from $5 for the smaller ramen cups to $6.25 for the bigger ones. The tempura udon cup I had cost about $5 — more than 50 per cent mark up as similar ramen is usually sold for around $2 at grocery stores. The cups do come with a small fork which serves its purpose. The machine itself has a hot water dispenser, but customers have to be careful because the water splashes and can cause burns if they are holding the noodle cup lid. Unfortunately, the water dispenser area was dirty which might serve as an uncomfortable experience when preparing your ramen. 

Price: 2.5/5, Quality: 4/5, Novelty: 4/5, Hygiene: 3/5, Convenience: 5/5

Total score: 3.7/5

3. Pizza Forno in the Humanities Wing (HW)

Pizza Forno in HW. (Photo Credit: Gabriela Takatu Vacarini // The Underground)

The Pizza Forno machine next to the Booster Juice offers both baked and frozen pizzas. The pizzas are standard medium sized and could satisfy a midnight study craving for the exam season. There is a variety of flavours ranging from classic Margherita to Pepperoni. However, the only good flavour is BBQ chicken, said UTSC student Emily Li.

“It's good for when you're desperate for a meal,” Li added after commenting that other flavours are often sold out or burnt. From my experience, the BBQ chicken pizza tasted good and was big enough to share with two people if desired. However, the pizza does not come cut, so it is slightly impractical if the customer does not have any utensils. Especially when you are relying on a vending machine for a meal, you likely do not carry a pizza cutter in your backpack!

Price: 2.5/5, Quality: 3/5, Novelty: 4/5, Hygiene: 5/5, Convenience: 4/5

Total score: 3.9/5 

2. Apple Juice Machine in the Bladen Wing (BV)

Apple juice vending machine in BV (Photo Credit: Gabriela Takatu Vacarini // The Underground)

Currently located in the vending machine corner on Level 2 of Bladen Wing, the apple juice machine presses juice to order. Each cup of approximately 300ml costs $5. Most 1-litre to 2-litre bottles of apple juice at supermarkets cost between $1.69 and $4.99, meaning this vending machine juice lands on the more expensive side. The juice itself is very flavourful and tastes exactly like a bite out of the fruit. However, it had a slight taste of old apples, and some unpleasant pulp and foam were left at the bottom. The appeal of this machine is the fact that it presses the juice in front of you. And true to what it advertises, the whole process seems hygienic. 

Price: 2.5/5, Quality: 4/5, Novelty: 5/5, Hygiene: 5/5, Convenience: 5/5

Total score: 4.3/5

1. Orange Juice in the Sam Ibrahim Building (IA), Science Wing (SW), Bladen Wing (BV)

Orange juice vending machine at IA. (Photo Credit: Gabriela Takatu Vacarini // The Underground)

The new orange juice machines are at the Bladen Wing vending machine corner, on the third floor of the Science Wing, and tucked away on the first floor of the Sam Ibrahim Building. Each cup costs $5. Compared with 1.5-litre bottles of orange juice at supermarkets, which cost between $2.49 and $5.49, the juice is relatively expensive. Attila Kerim, a student at UTSC, tried the machine for the first time and said he thought it was a little expensive for the amount of juice sold. However, he mentioned that it tastes pretty good and that he would try it again. It is also important to note that the orange juice comes with little to no pulp.

“I typically prefer apple juice in general, but the apple juice had a few unpleasant things about it, whereas the only thing I didn't like about the orange was that it could have been colder,” said Abigail Guy, a UTSC student who’s tried both juice machines.

Price: 2.5/5, Quality: 4.5/5, Novelty: 5/5, Hygiene: 5/5, Convenience: 5/5

Total score: 4.4/5

Overall, the vending machines fair particularly well in then convenience they promise, offering something beyond traditional snacks like crisps, chocolates, and candies. They are good options if you need an energy booster, especially during midnight study sessions on campus.

Any feedback, questions or comments related to these machines may be sent to food@utsc.utoronto.ca.