As temperatures rise, consumers rush to the coast or mountains to escape the heat, leaving the city and their usual consumption habits behind. But, summers don’t have to be slow if you know your audience and stock what sells.
But what exactly are customers reaching for in the summer of 2025? From refreshing beverages to light snacks and seasonal convenience items, here’s a comprehensive guide to this year’s top-performing summer products—and tips on how to merchandise them effectively.
Table of Contents
1. Hydration First: Cold Drinks in High Demand
Cold beverages are the cornerstone of summer vending. But while traditional sodas and sugary options still sell, today’s consumers are gravitating toward beverages that offer more—more hydration, more function, and more health benefits.
What to Offer:
- Infused waters with added vitamins or electrolytes to support hydration and wellness.
- Sparkling water options in natural fruit flavors for a light, refreshing twist without sugar.
- Plant-based hydration, such as coconut water, watermelon water, or aloe beverages, which are seen as a natural alternative.
- Ready-to-drink coffee that is cold-brewed or lightly sweetened, appealing to early risers and midday snackers alike.
Operator Tip: Restock coolers frequently during peak hours (especially mornings and afternoons), and monitor temperature settings to ensure all drinks are ice-cold and refreshing. Televend predictive pickup and dynamic routing can help you restock your most visited machines before they run out, without wasting resources. Additionally, Televend’s micromarket solution, Nutrico, includes a temperature sensor that ensures a consistent temperature for your cold and semi-cold products from the manufacturer to your machines.
2. Light & Wholesome Snacks for On-the-Go Lifestyles
During the warmer months, people tend to opt for lighter fare—snacks that are portable, health-forward, and won’t weigh them down. For vending operators, this means focusing on nutrient-dense, portion-controlled options that satisfy without spoiling quickly.
Summer Snack Favorites:
- Protein-rich snack bars made with minimal ingredients and low sugar.
- Trail mixes and dried fruits that provide natural energy and have long shelf lives.
- Air-popped or baked snacks, including chips, puffs, or popcorn varieties that are lower in calories.
- Fruit-based snacks that mimic candy in texture but offer a more natural, lighter treat.
Emerging Trend: More consumers are seeking functional snacks with added benefits like probiotics, fiber, or energy support. Consider allocating space to test these options in your markets.
3. Cool Treats for Instant Indulgence
While health remains important, there’s still a strong demand for indulgent items—especially those that offer a cool break from the heat. Summer is the perfect time to introduce sweet, chilled items that draw impulse buys.
Top Summer Indulgences:
- Frozen goods, such as fruit pops, ice cream, or dairy-free alternatives, for machines with freezer capability.
- Chilled chocolates or candy (if your machine is temperature-controlled) to prevent melting and maintain product quality.
- Cold snacks, like yogurt or cut fruit, are great for micro markets with refrigeration—perfect for mid-day refreshment.
Inventory Tip: Since higher temperatures can compromise shelf life, monitor rotation and reduce restock cycles to maintain freshness.
4. Non-Food Essentials That Add Value
Micro markets, in particular, can take advantage of summer by offering practical non-food items that customers need on the go. These products often carry high margins and minimal upkeep, making them an easy win for operators.
Smart Additions for Summer:
- Sunscreen packets and lip balm are ideal for workplaces, resorts, or outdoor facilities.
- Single-use electrolyte or hydration packets that can be added to water.
- Portable cooling accessories, such as towels, hats, or compact fans.
Merchandising Tip: Grouping these items near high-traffic entrances or pairing them with relevant food or beverage options can increase visibility and sales.
Bonus Tips: Summer Promotions That Drive Engagement
Get creative with themed promotions and engagement tactics to build loyalty and excitement throughout the season.
Ideas for Summer Campaigns:
- “Cool Down Days” offer discounts on cold drinks or frozen snacks during heat waves.
- Bundle deals, like a drink + snack combo priced slightly lower than individual items.
These simple tactics can increase basket size and add a personal touch that sets your vending service apart. Televend offers sales booster modules you can use to set up combo price deals and various promotions on your smart vending machines.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Shine
Although summers can be slow for your sales, you can make the most of the warmer months with smart product selection, strategic merchandising, and an eye on evolving trends.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with limited-time products or introduce a few new wellness-focused options. Monitor sales data closely with real-time machine monitoring software like Televend Cloud, rotate inventory frequently, and stay tuned in to your customer base. Summer might only last a few months, but its impact on your bottom line can stretch all year.
As temperatures rise, consumers rush to the coast or mountains to escape the heat, leaving the city and their usual consumption habits behind. But, summers don’t have to be slow if you know your audience and stock what sells.
But what exactly are customers reaching for in the summer of 2025? From refreshing beverages to light snacks and seasonal convenience items, here’s a comprehensive guide to this year’s top-performing summer products—and tips on how to merchandise them effectively.
Table of Contents
1. Hydration First: Cold Drinks in High Demand
Cold beverages are the cornerstone of summer vending. But while traditional sodas and sugary options still sell, today’s consumers are gravitating toward beverages that offer more—more hydration, more function, and more health benefits.
What to Offer:
- Infused waters with added vitamins or electrolytes to support hydration and wellness.
- Sparkling water options in natural fruit flavors for a light, refreshing twist without sugar.
- Plant-based hydration, such as coconut water, watermelon water, or aloe beverages, which are seen as a natural alternative.
- Ready-to-drink coffee that is cold-brewed or lightly sweetened, appealing to early risers and midday snackers alike.
Operator Tip: Restock coolers frequently during peak hours (especially mornings and afternoons), and monitor temperature settings to ensure all drinks are ice-cold and refreshing. Televend predictive pickup and dynamic routing can help you restock your most visited machines before they run out, without wasting resources. Additionally, Televend’s micromarket solution, Nutrico, includes a temperature sensor that ensures a consistent temperature for your cold and semi-cold products from the manufacturer to your machines.
2. Light & Wholesome Snacks for On-the-Go Lifestyles
During the warmer months, people tend to opt for lighter fare—snacks that are portable, health-forward, and won’t weigh them down. For vending operators, this means focusing on nutrient-dense, portion-controlled options that satisfy without spoiling quickly.
Summer Snack Favorites:
- Protein-rich snack bars made with minimal ingredients and low sugar.
- Trail mixes and dried fruits that provide natural energy and have long shelf lives.
- Air-popped or baked snacks, including chips, puffs, or popcorn varieties that are lower in calories.
- Fruit-based snacks that mimic candy in texture but offer a more natural, lighter treat.
Emerging Trend: More consumers are seeking functional snacks with added benefits like probiotics, fiber, or energy support. Consider allocating space to test these options in your markets.
3. Cool Treats for Instant Indulgence
While health remains important, there’s still a strong demand for indulgent items—especially those that offer a cool break from the heat. Summer is the perfect time to introduce sweet, chilled items that draw impulse buys.
Top Summer Indulgences:
- Frozen goods, such as fruit pops, ice cream, or dairy-free alternatives, for machines with freezer capability.
- Chilled chocolates or candy (if your machine is temperature-controlled) to prevent melting and maintain product quality.
- Cold snacks, like yogurt or cut fruit, are great for micro markets with refrigeration—perfect for mid-day refreshment.
Inventory Tip: Since higher temperatures can compromise shelf life, monitor rotation and reduce restock cycles to maintain freshness.
4. Non-Food Essentials That Add Value
Micro markets, in particular, can take advantage of summer by offering practical non-food items that customers need on the go. These products often carry high margins and minimal upkeep, making them an easy win for operators.
Smart Additions for Summer:
- Sunscreen packets and lip balm are ideal for workplaces, resorts, or outdoor facilities.
- Single-use electrolyte or hydration packets that can be added to water.
- Portable cooling accessories, such as towels, hats, or compact fans.
Merchandising Tip: Grouping these items near high-traffic entrances or pairing them with relevant food or beverage options can increase visibility and sales.
Bonus Tips: Summer Promotions That Drive Engagement
Get creative with themed promotions and engagement tactics to build loyalty and excitement throughout the season.
Ideas for Summer Campaigns:
- “Cool Down Days” offer discounts on cold drinks or frozen snacks during heat waves.
- Bundle deals, like a drink + snack combo priced slightly lower than individual items.
These simple tactics can increase basket size and add a personal touch that sets your vending service apart. Televend offers sales booster modules you can use to set up combo price deals and various promotions on your smart vending machines.
Final Thoughts: A Season to Shine
Although summers can be slow for your sales, you can make the most of the warmer months with smart product selection, strategic merchandising, and an eye on evolving trends.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with limited-time products or introduce a few new wellness-focused options. Monitor sales data closely with real-time machine monitoring software like Televend Cloud, rotate inventory frequently, and stay tuned in to your customer base. Summer might only last a few months, but its impact on your bottom line can stretch all year.
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