I've been paying a lot closer attention to the integration of technology and food lately (two of my most favorite things, ha!). Two specific things have really caught my attention.

First, Coca-Cola has developed the Coca-Cola Freestyle, a soda fountain which dispenses over 100 different flavors. Most are offshoots of its brands, including Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Barq's, Hi-C, Fanta, Powerade, Minute Maid Lemonade added in with flavoring, including vanilla, orange, raspberry, strawberry, grape, and probably others that I haven't even looked at yet. I was not a huge fan of the Vanilla Coke flavor that came out several years back, however now I can mix the perfect beverage of 3/4 Coke with 1/4 Vanilla Coke.

Why is this a technology marvel? I mean, can't you go do the same thing down at the gas station, who has their own extra syrups? True. The reason for the technology integration was a nugget I heard about these machines. They have the ability to report how much of what flavor people are using. The screen has what seems like a timeout feature, so it helps determine when the person is done filling their cup. But the ability for Coke (or regional bottlers, or the establishment itself) to get a good idea of how much people are drinking of each flavor is pretty genius. It isn't personally identifiable, unless we have a hidden camera somewhere in the machine. One other huge bonus... when the syrup runs out, the machine grays out the option to select the drink. No spitting out air bubbles and globs of carbonation. That's a win-win for everybody.

Secondly, I went out to eat at the recently opened Jack in the Box in this area. Something that struck me is that they have a self-order touchscreen kiosk next to the regular counter. It makes sense, we have self-checkout stands at Wal-Mart, Costco, and Home Depot. More registers, shorter lines, a win for everyone, right? I thought the interface was snappy, and appreciated the gift of two free tacos just for ordering with it. But I'm not exactly sold on the idea.

The kiosk asks too many questions! The transaction went something like this:

What would you like to order? Combo meal, Burgers, Chicken sandwiches, Salads, Side items, Desserts...

What kind of combo meal would you like to order? Burger combo, Chicken sandwich combo, other combos...

Which burger combo would you like to order? Regular burger, Sourdough Jack, Swiss something, so many I lost count.

Would you like a small combo, a medium combo (for $.30 more), or a large combo (for $.75 more)? Just a small...

Great! You picked a Sourdough Jack. What condiments would you like on your Sourdough Jack? Whatever comes with it...

What side item would you like with your combo meal? Fries, Curly seasoned fries, mozzarella sticks, a ton of other options.

Your mozzarella sticks come in an order of 4. Would you like to add 3 more for just $1 extra? NO!

What size drink would you like with your combo? Didn't I already pick small?

As an appreciation of ordering from the kiosk, would you accept two free tacos with your order? Sure... why not

(and repeat the whole process per person!)

And it went on. I think fast food employees are supposed to remember to upsell you on every purchase. I think a lot of them either forget, or get tired and don't do it. A machine never forgets to ask! Asking so many questions leads to a much longer ordering experience. Not to mention, I had to ask the counter staff for the soda cups.

For better or for worse, in 21st century, we have made the transition to Starbucks-style ordering. "Hi, I'd like a number 4 small, curly fries and number 7, ketchup, mustard, and pickles only, with moz sticks and a small drink." "Thank you, your total is $13.72"

With all that being said, it does excite me to see technology being used in more places!