Coca-Cola, Pepsi among companies posting calorie count on new vending machines

NEW YORK - As criticism over sugary sodas intensifies, the beverage industry is rolling new vending machines that display just how many calories are in its drinks.

The machines will let customers see the calorie counts for drinks before they make their purchases. The vending machines will launch in Chicago and San Antonio municipal buildings in 2013 before rolling out nationally.

The American Beverage Association, which represents Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo Inc. and Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. says the machines will increase the availability of lower-calorie drinks and remind consumers to consider their options with messages such as "Try a Low-Calorie Beverage."

They'll also add calorie labels to the selections buttons on beverage vending machines to show calorie counts per container.