You can find all sorts of oddities in vending machines around the world: cupcakes, pizza, even live crabs. However, in Germany a new trend has emerged that satisfies late-night cravings in a distinctly German way: vending machines that sell sausages and other barbecue meats. The vending machines are popping up outside German cities where shops tend to keep shorter business hours, and the convenience of 24/7 access to traditional German cuisine is proving popular, particularly in rural areas. From bratwurst to kielbasa, sausage varieties fill the machines, alongside containers of potato salad, for a full traditional German meal. However, the culinary offerings don’t stop at sausages. Some vending machines also stock eggs, milk, butter, and even fruit and vegetables. Although there are over 570,000 vending machines in Germany, they’re not expected to replace traditional brick-and-mortar stores anytime soon.
