By Ian Maguire, Planet Vending’s Roving Reporter (and Technical Director)

There’s something special about Vendex Midlands, isn’t there? It’s one of those rare days in the year when the whole vending world gets together under one roof – full of fresh ideas, new faces, familiar friends, and, of course, plenty of snacks.

Held at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes, this year’s show was buzzing. Everywhere you turned there was something to see – new machines, clever tech, eye-catching packaging and a serious spread of sample-sized treats (which, let’s be honest, is half the fun).

I was there with one mission: to sniff out the newest, boldest, most interesting products on offer, and bring you the lowdown right here on Planet Vending. It’s the perfect excuse to try everything in sight (all in the name of research, of course).

Over the next few posts, I’ll be sharing my honest thoughts and snack-sized reviews of the products that caught my eye – and my taste buds, and I’ll be letting you know what’s worth popping into your vending machines this year.

Right – let’s get into it!

Cheez-It: A Crunchy Surprise Worth Stocking

Now, I’ve heard whispers about Cheez-It – it’s a bit of a household name in the States – but I’d never actually tried it. So, in the name of journalistic duty (and mild hunger), I gave it a go right there on the spot.

First Impressions

The packaging is a winner – bold and confident without trying too hard. Tear it open and you’re met with neat, golden little crackers that don’t look like much at first glance… but wow, do they deliver.

Cheesy? Absolutely – but not in that artificial, claggy way. It’s proper cheese flavour, baked in and balanced with just the right hit of salt. Add a light, satisfying crunch and you’ve got yourself a snack that’s dangerously easy to polish off and devilishly moreish.

So, would I recommend them? Without a doubt. Cheez-It adds something a bit different to a vending machine – it’s fun, tasty, and a brilliant talking point. Whether you’re looking to freshen up your savoury range or offer something new to your regular customers, this little cheesy snack could be your next big seller.

Spiral Verdict: Spotted at Vendex. Sampled in seconds. Stock it now

Tuk In’s Bombay Mix: Big Flavour in a Small Bag

One of my favourite things about Vendex is stumbling across snacks you didn’t know you needed in your life. That was exactly the case when I stopped by the Tuk In Foods stand – drawn in by the bright, colourful branding and the promise of bold, Indian-inspired flavours.

A friendly rep handed me three pots of their Bombay Mix to sample – not your average corner shop variety, mind you. And a definite far-cry from the stuff you sometimes find in restaurants, you know, the stuff that looks like it’s been gathered from the bottom of a bird’s cage.

Mango Chutney

Sweet, tangy and lightly spiced – the Mango Chutney flavour hits that perfect balance between fruity and savoury coupled with sweet chewy chunks of tropical mango. There’s a subtle warmth in the background, but nothing too fiery – great for snackers who want a flavour kick without setting their mouths on fire. Think of it as Bombay Mix with a sunny, tropical twist.

Lime Pickle: A Zingy Zinger

This one took me by surprise – in the best way. The Lime Pickle flavour packs a punch, sharp and zesty with that signature tang you’d expect from a good Indian pickle. It’s bold and a little bit addictive, waking up your taste buds with every bite. Definitely the standout if you like your snacks with attitude.

Red Chilli: Bringing the Heat

Now this one means business. The Red Chilli mix brings the fire, but it’s a pleasant, warming heat – not a scorch-your-tongue situation. Spicy, savoury and satisfying, it’s the flavour I kept reaching back for. Perfect with a cold drink and a quiet moment to yourself. Or, let’s be honest, at your desk between emails.

These mixes are flavour-packed, snackable, and a refreshing change from the usual vending fare.

If you’re looking to broaden your savoury range and offer something with a bit of global flavour flair, Tuk In’s Bombay Mix is a top-tier choice. Whether it’s Lime Pickle’s tang, Mango Chutney’s sweetness or the fiery Red Chilli – there’s something here to suit every spice-lover.

Spiral Verdict: A bold, brilliant option for vending machines. Stock it, snack it, love it.

Manomasa: Bold Flavours, Brilliant New Look – A Tortilla Chip Triumph

One of the joys of Vendex – aside from the bottomless coffee and endless chat – is discovering snacks that genuinely surprise you. And this year, tucked among the hustle and hum of vending innovation, I found exactly that at the Manomasa stand.

Now, I’ve seen Manomasa chips before – but I almost didn’t recognise them. Why? Because they’ve had a bit of a makeover. The new packaging is vibrant, bold, and seriously eye-catching – with rich colours and a modern, clean design that practically shouts, “Pick me!” from behind a vending machine window.

Of course, good looks only get you so far – the real test is the crunch. Luckily, Manomasa more than delivers on taste. I tried three flavours that had me hooked from the first bite: Manchego & Green Olive, Serrano Chilli & Yucatan Honey, and Chipotle & Lime.

Manchego & Green Olive: Tapas in a Crisp

Let’s start with the Manchego & Green Olive. This is a proper grown-up crisp – creamy, salty Manchego cheese meets the savoury tang of green olive in a combo that feels fancy without being fussy. It’s the kind of flavour you’d expect in a posh bar with a cold glass of something nice. Sophisticated, but still snackable.

Serrano Chilli & Yucatan Honey: The Sweet Heat

Next up, Serrano Chilli & Yucatan Honey. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this flavour totally won me over. There’s a lovely warmth from the chilli, balanced by a subtle sweetness that doesn’t overpower. It’s complex in all the right ways – rich, satisfying, and a bit unexpected. This one’s for the adventurous snackers.

Chipotle & Lime: Bold and Smoky

And then there’s the Chipotle & Lime – probably the most “classic” of the bunch, but that’s not a bad thing. The chipotle brings that deep, smoky spice, while the lime lifts everything with a fresh citrus zing. If you like your snacks with attitude, this is the one to grab.

It’s not just the flavour that impressed me – Manomasa chips are tailor-made for vending success.

These aren’t your average tortilla chips – they feel a cut above, perfect for locations that want to offer something a bit special. Think high-end offices, hotels, co-working spaces – anywhere your customers want more than just a plain salted option.

It’s clear, Manomasa is doing something different – and doing it brilliantly. With bold, adventurous flavours and packaging that pops, they’ve earned their spot in the vending world.

Spiral Verdict: Revamped, recharged, and ready to fly off the shelves. Get Manomasa in your machines – your customers will thank you.

The Curators’ Pork Puffs : super crunchy

You know when a snack is so crunchy it actually makes you pause mid-conversation? That was me at Vendex, bag of The Curators’ Pork Puffs in one hand, slightly surprised expression on my face. Because wow – these things are all about the crunch.

I tried three flavours – Original Salted, Smokey Bacon and Cheese – and I’ve got to say, they’ve completely redefined what I thought a pork snack could be. They’re light, crispy, full of flavour, and what’s more – they tick all the right boxes for today’s health-conscious snackers:

• Keto-friendly
• High in natural protein
• Low-carb
• Guilt-free (which is very handy, because I didn’t stop at just one bag)

Original Salted: The Classic

Let’s kick off with Original Salted. No fuss, no frills – just straight-up porky goodness with a pinch of salt. It’s the kind of snack that proves simple doesn’t have to mean boring. A brilliant introduction to the range, and perfect for anyone who loves a clean, classic crunch.

Smokey Bacon: The Comfort Flavour

If you’re after something a bit deeper, Smokey Bacon delivers the goods. It’s rich, savoury, and has that real, smoky warmth that hits the spot. Bacon lovers, this one’s for you. It’s like cosy pub vibes… in puff form.

Cheese: The Bold One

Cheese was the dark horse for me – and it’s brilliant. Big cheddar energy, slightly tangy, and absolutely moreish. There’s a lovely contrast between the sharpness of the cheese and the lightness of the puff. If you like your snacks with a punch, don’t skip this one.

Let’s be honest – finding snacks that are both delicious and don’t leave you with that post-snack guilt is a bit of a mission. But The Curators have nailed it. These Pork Puffs are light enough that you don’t feel weighed down, but packed with enough flavour to genuinely satisfy. And with high protein and low carbs, they’re ideal for vending in offices, gyms, co-working spaces – anywhere people want a smarter snack without sacrificing taste.

Spiral Verdict: Guilt-free snacking that doesn’t compromise on crunch. Light, loud and full of flavour – get these in your machines, pronto.

That’s it for the savouries, tune in next week for the next category… Most are available now from Automatic Retailing Northern.

Note that this review is completely unbiased and Ian’s personal opinion! – Ian’s only compensation was the samples he took away and demolished.