Spiral Verdict: By Ian Maguire, Planet Vending’s Roving Reporter (and Technical Director)
(Featured image courtesy of Scobie McIntosh)
After powering through my fair share of snacks (all in the name of research, of course), it was time to see what was new and refreshing in the drinks aisles at Vendex Midlands 2025. And trust me, the options did not disappoint. Whether it was full-flavour fizz, a fruity energy boost or a protein-packed meal on the move, there was plenty on show to tempt both tastebuds and vending operators alike.
In this second round-up from the show, I’ve pulled together three standout drinks that are well worth a spot in your machines – including the Müller x Myprotein Complete Meal Drinks, the throwback fizz of Irn-Bru 1901, and the peachy summer hit from Red Bull. If you’re looking for drinks that deliver on taste, branding and vending potential, these are the ones to watch. Let’s dive in.
Red Bull White Peach: Summer in a Can – and a Vending Must-Have
You know that feeling when you crack open a can, and the first sip just hits? That’s exactly what happened with the new Red Bull White Peach – Summer Edition. I spotted it at Vendex Midlands 2025, and let’s say… it was love at first glug.
Now, Red Bull aren’t strangers to limited edition flavours, but this one? It’s an absolute standout. Refreshing, fruity and properly moreish, White Peach manages to bring a subtle sweetness without being too sickly – and still delivers that classic Red Bull energy kick that customers know and love.
Let’s talk flavour. Light, crisp, and naturally peachy, it’s got that just-picked fruit freshness with a soft floral edge that feels bang on for summer. It’s not overpowering, and it doesn’t have that artificial tang some flavoured energy drinks fall into. It’s clean, cool, and surprisingly easy to sip.
If the original Red Bull is your go-to for focus and fuel, then White Peach is the version you’ll want on a warm day or mid-afternoon slump. It’s got the same functional boost, just wrapped up in a much more seasonal, feel-good flavour.
Why Vending Operators Should Take Note
From a vending perspective, this flavour makes a lot of sense. Here’s why:
- It’s a limited edition – which creates a sense of urgency and curiosity
- It stands out visually – the shocking pink can with silver accents pops on a shelf
- Perfect for summer sales – ideal for gyms, offices, service stations, and anywhere with footfall in the heat
- Loyal customer base – Red Bull fans will be queuing up to try something new
- Impulse appeal – it looks good, it tastes great, and it promises a pick-me-up
It also gives you a chance to shake up your soft drinks offering without taking a gamble on an unknown brand. With Red Bull, you’re stocking a name people trust – and White Peach is fresh enough to tempt new and regular customers alike. And of course it is available from our favourite vending wholesaler ARN here.
Final Sip Thoughts
Whether it’s heading to the beach in your lunch break (in your head, at least), or just trying to get through a 3pm slump without another coffee, Red Bull White Peach brings a refreshing new twist to energy drinks – and it absolutely belongs in your vending machine this summer.
Spiral Verdict: Light, bright, and full of summer vibes. A top pick for vending operators looking to offer something fresh. Get it while it’s hot
Irn-Bru 1901: Old-School Fizz with Big Nostalgia and Even Bigger Flavour
Every now and then, a drink comes along that doesn’t just quench your thirst – it takes you straight back to your childhood. That’s exactly what happened when I cracked open a chilled can of Irn-Bru 1901 at Vendex Midlands 2025. One sip and boom – it’s the corner shop after school, sticky fingers, and orange moustaches all over again.
This isn’t your standard Irn-Bru. This is the pre-sugar-tax recipe, the original formula that die-hard fans have been banging on about for years. It’s proudly labelled as “Old and Unimproved”, and you know what? It’s brilliant.
Flavour That’s Full-On Bru
Let’s be honest – Irn-Bru has always been a bit of a national treasure. But Irn-Bru 1901 takes it to a whole new level. The flavour is richer, deeper, with more of that trademark tang. It’s sweet (yes, proper sugar sweet), fizzy, and unapologetically bold. This version doesn’t try to be trendy or health-conscious – it’s here to remind you what proper fizzy pop used to taste like.
It’s nostalgia in a can – and somehow, it still feels fresh.
Why It Works in Vending
From a vending operator’s point of view, Irn-Bru 1901 is a no-brainer. Here’s why:
- Massive nostalgic appeal – taps straight into the “I remember this!” feeling
- Great impulse buy – especially for those who grew up on the original recipe
- Bold branding – classic design that stands out on any shelf
- A proper treat – perfect for moments when customers want something fun
- Broader appeal – not just for Scots! Irn-Bru fans are everywhere.
Plus, in a world full of “zero sugar” this and “natural extract” that, stocking something deliberately old-school and full of flavour is actually kind of refreshing. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and knows exactly what it’s doing. You can order it from ARN here.
Final Fizz Verdict
If your machines are stocked with the usual suspects, Irn-Bru 1901 is a fantastic way to inject some personality back into your drinks range. It’s bold, fizzy, and proudly “unimproved,” and your customers will love it for exactly that reason.
Spiral Verdict: Fizzy pop, full sugar, and zero regrets. Irn-Bru 1901 is back – and it’s vending gold.
Müller x Myprotein Complete Meal Drinks: Big Nutrition, Bigger Flavour
Let’s be honest – not all “meal replacement” drinks hit the spot. Some are too thin, powdery, or taste too… functional. So I wasn’t sure what to expect when I opened the new Müller x Myprotein Complete Meal Drinks. But after a few sips in, I knew these were something special.
Available in Chocolate and Cookies & Cream flavours, these ready-to-drink bottles are thick, creamy, and genuinely tasty – no grainy textures or weird aftertastes here. Whether you’re rushing between meetings or just can’t face making lunch, this is the kind of drink that actually feels like a proper meal – just without the prep, the clean-up or the guilt. You can get the Chocolate version from ARN here.
What’s Inside?
Each bottle packs in a seriously impressive 34g of protein, 26 essential vitamins and minerals, no added sugar, and enough substance to keep you full and focussed. It’s the kind of thing that ticks all the nutritional boxes while still tasting like a treat – especially that Cookies & Cream flavour, which went down a little too easily.
This isn’t just for gym-goers or fitness fanatics either – it’s ideal for anyone who needs something quick, balanced and satisfying, whether you’re on the move or chained to a desk.
Why It’s a Vending Machine No-Brainer
From a vending perspective, the Müller x Myprotein range makes perfect sense:
- Meal alternative for busy customers – especially in workplaces, travel hubs or universities
- Great branding – trusted names and shelf appeal
- Ready to go – no shaking, mixing or guesswork
- Appeals to health-conscious buyers – but with proper taste to back it up
- Sits neatly in your chilled section – and deserves pride of place.
And yes – I can confirm they’re now a permanent fixture in the Planet Vending fridge. That probably says it all.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to offer your customers something more substantial than your average grab-and-go snack, Müller x Myprotein Complete Meal Drinks are a brilliant addition to your vending line-up. Nutritionally sound, properly tasty, and hassle-free – it’s everything a modern vending product should be.
Spiral Verdict: Big on protein, big on flavour, and a big yes from us. Get these in your machines – your customers (and their schedules) will thank you.
Check out Ian’s Vendex Spiral Verdict for savoury snacks here
Note that this Spiral Verdict is completely unbiased and Ian’s personal opinion! – Ian’s only compensation was the samples he took away and demolished
