Our Story
REALFAST was born because the founders had a tantrum over a candy bar.
Working late on a Sunday at a co-working space—as startup founders so often do—we, the REALFAST founders, found ourselves full-on hangry. We looked around at the options: a bunch of closed grocery stores and circling delivery cyclists, laden with nutritionally abysmal takeaway. There was a vending machine in the lobby…but it was stocked with little more than rows of Snickers bars and microplastic-laden water bottles. And anyway: the sus-looking card reader didn't work.
Frankly, it made us furious. (Specifically: the special kind of furious you get when you're so hungry that you know you're about to break promises to yourself.)
It felt so obvious: There is no reason that a vending machine can't offer nourishing, diet-specific food that supports health and wellbeing. It's ridiculous that there's no way to check nutritional and allergy information of vended food and drink before purchase. And anyway: it's not 2005 anymore, so why are we still tapping cards on vending machines?!
A question emerged: Can we fix this?
That question sparked a mission to transform vending technology and make healthy food accessible everywhere. Starting in Sheffield in 2025, we're launching vending machines in co-working spaces, fitness studios and select residential complexes with plans to expand.
The end goal: get these into hospitals, so staff, outpatients and visitors have better options than the awful ones they're forced to choose from now.
Our Mission
We believe that vending can be a force for good. As co-founder Annette Lyn O'Neil says: "We believe that you should be able to bring your best nutritional game to your local vending machine."
Our goal is simple: make great dietary choices the default, everywhere people need quick, nutritious food and drink, whenever they need it. Healthy food options should be at least as accessible as unhealthy ones.
What We Offer
REALFAST provides fully-serviced, secure, cashless vending machines with health-focused food and drink options available 24/7. We believe in convenience without compromise.
Dietary Variety
- • Gluten-free options
- • Low-calorie meals
- • Vegetarian choices
- • High-protein foods
- • Plant-based selections
- • Keto-friendly options
Our Approach
- • Minimal space required (one square meter)
- • Fully maintained by our team
- • Modern, attractive design
- • Contactless payment options
- • Transparent macro information
Our Values
Health comes first
Nutritious food should be the easy choice
Inclusivity is delicious
Offering options everyone can enjoy
Macros matter
Making nutrition information easily accessible
Sustainability is sacred
Committed to environmentally responsible practices
Simple. Seamless. Healthy.
We're making healthy eating accessible and effortless for students and professionals with busy lifestyles. Our vision is to expand across the UK, making nutritious meals available wherever you need them.