The latest kind of vending machine is nothing like the the latest kind of vending machines is nothing like the vending machines of the past. Like the old machines, the new ones are a quick and convenient way to buy food. But the new machines have been improved in several important ways. The old machines worked with coins that were sometimes "swallowed" without providing your food. The new machines, however, work with plastic cards that can be used many time without error. The food supplied by the old machines was usually not very good: stale pastries or tasteless sandwiches. In contrast, the new machines sell all kinds of delicious meals. They may offer fresh, oven-baked pizza, espresso coffee, or fresh pasta. In general, these new machines sell more interesting and better-tasting food.