Vending machines that stock only snacks with 150 calories or less are coming to NHS hospitals.
The machines, which will also sell zero-sugar and vitamin drinks, are the latest step in the war on obesity.
The NHS has faced criticism for allowing in-house Burger King fast-food joints alongside shelves of choc bars and crisps.
Now the firm behind the new move, The Vending People, says all products on offer will conform to healthy eating guidelines.
They will include snacks such as wholegrain popcorn and gluten-free energy bars.
Company boss Paul Arnold described the machines, which will also be installed at universities and leisure sites, as a “creative vending concept with real consumer appeal”.
He added: “We understand the NHS has a clear objective to improve the health and wellbeing of their staff and patients. We set out to help people to make healthy choices, day or night.”
The Vending People already serves more than 30 NHS sites and has 9,000 machines across the UK.
NHS England says three in five pre-packed snacks at hospitals should contain 400 calories or fewer under new “wellbeing” targets.
Hospitals have been criticised over machines selling choc bars that contain 245 calories and flapjacks with 200 or over.
The National Obesity Forum’s Tam Fry said “wholesome” machine snacks were acceptable in small hospitals but wants big ones to have 24-hour canteens selling fresh food.
