27 Best Gas Station Snacks for Road Trips and Beyond in 2025
Nothing says “summer” like hitting the open road with a bag full of the best gas station snacks. Sure, gas stations might not be known for their haute cuisine, but that’s not what a road trip is about.
When you’re driving for hours on end, fighting to stay awake until you reach the next stop, you need good, cheap fuel. So, when you need that mid-drive energy boost, which are the best gas station snacks to stop for?
In this article, we’ll be running you through everything you need to know to up your road trip snack game. We’ll go over the best gas stations for snacks; your best bets for chips, candy and more; and how to find the best deals.
So buckle up for the only summer road trip snacking guide you’ll ever need!
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What Snacks Do Gas Stations Have?
Although gas stations in the U.S. do typically stock some hot and cold foods, the majority of the best gas station snacks are nonperishables. Things like chips, cookies and candy will make up the majority of our recommendations because they keep well on store shelves and are widely available.
However, if you’re in the mood, you might also find a range of more substantial options. Ice cream, hot dogs, hot and cold sandwiches and sometimes even fruit are also fairly common to find at gas stations. You may find a few of those on this list of the best gas station foods, too.
What Is the Best Gas Station for Snacks?
Gas station chains vary regionally across the United States, so you may not come across the same stores in every stop on your road trip. If you’re looking for consistency, your best bet will likely be 7-Eleven, which is found nationwide.
It's a great pick because the chain has a good range of snacks, including own-brand and branded snacks. You can also find many 7-Eleven healthy snacks for your trip, like hummus, apple slices and trail mix.
Circle K is another store often found at gas stations across the country. In the South, Buc-ee’s is a beloved stop for road trip snacks, while various East Coast states go to Sheetz for their snacking needs. West Coasters might find themselves using Shell or Chevron gas stations for both refueling and restocking on snacks.
The good news is that almost all American gas stations will have similar snacks. So while slight variation between brands is expected, you’ll probably be able to find versions of all of the best gas station snacks at whatever store you stop at.
What Gas Station Has the Cheapest Snacks?
We’ll be honest: gas stations are almost never the cheapest places to buy your road trip snacks. While the best gas station snacks are indispensable on a long drive, you can actually get them for much better prices at the grocery store. Gas stations know that you’re tired and want to be on your way, so they can easily get away with higher prices than you would find elsewhere.
So, ultimately, avoiding gas stations is the best way to save. That doesn’t work as well when you’re in the middle of a long drive, though, so our advice is not to sweat the price tag. Is it going to sting? Maybe a little. But you’re on vacation, so it’s okay to pay a little extra for convenience as long as you budget for the potentially higher prices.
If you’re really dead-set on saving, though, think about opting for the cheapest grocery store near you. Like gas prices, the prices of snacks are more likely to vary regionally than store to store, so it won’t matter much which chain you go to. It’s at the supermarket that you’ll really see big savings. So if a detour isn’t on your agenda, go ahead and stop wherever it’s most convenient.
27 Good Gas Station Snacks for Your Next Road Trip
1. Chex Mix
Is it just us, or do we all forget that Chex Mix exists until we stumble upon it in a gas station or convenience store and remember that we love it? Someone really should study how that works.
Until then, though, do your best to keep Chex Mix in mind when you’re stocking up on the best gas station snacks for your road trip. Sometimes you want the crunch but not the monotony of chips, and on those days, you’ll want Chex Mix — the variety of crunchy pieces in this snack mix ensures that you’ll never get bored! Rye chips for the win.
2. Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn
It may be challenging to find truly healthy snacks at a gas station, but this one comes pretty close. No, it’s not the most nutritionally-dense snack, but it’s one of the best gas station snacks to try if you’re worried about calories.
If you’re hankering for a cheesy snack that’s a bit lighter than a bag of Cheez-Its (more on that later), this will be one of the best snacks from the gas station for you. With its easy-to-eat-from packaging and delicious cheesy taste, it’s also one of the best healthy snacks for kids at the gas station.
3. 100 Grand Bar
You’ll likely find just about every candy bar you’ve ever heard of in the gas station checkout line, but this one gets our vote. It’s the creamy caramel interior, simple but delicious, and the crunchy, crisp rice exterior that make this one of the best gas station candy options. You’ll have no shortage of options if you’re looking for a candy bar, that’s true, but this is one worth trying no matter what.
4. Caramel M&M’s
Ask people which flavor of M&M’s belongs among the best gas station candies, and most will likely tell you it’s the classic or peanut flavors, while others love the new M&M’s flavors when released. But our vote goes to Caramel M&M’s.
We think Caramel M&Ms are one of the best gas station snacks because they have a great contrast in textures that most M&M flavors don’t. The soft, chewy filling makes the crunchy candy coating all the more enjoyable. Be careful, though: these ones melt like nobody’s business, so if you do opt for this flavor, make sure to keep them relatively cool.
5. Kind Bars
Finding the best gas station snacks is usually a matter of taste, not nutrition. You don’t walk into a gas station in the middle of an eight-hour drive hoping for vegetables. But if healthy snacks are what you’re after, Kind Bars are a widely available option you may love.
They’re made with only whole, natural ingredients like healthy nuts and honey, along with chocolate, so you get some of that indulgent chocolate flavor without shelling out two days’ worth of sugar on a couple of candy bars. That makes Kind Bars one of the best gas station snacks for health-conscious shoppers who still want the fun factor and portable convenience of candy.
6. Takis
Some like it sweet or crunchy or salty, and others like it hot — Takis are among the best gas station snacks for that group. You may struggle to find anything hotter than Hot Cheetos at a gas station, which is what makes Takis such a boon. As long as you’re willing to get that mildly terrifying red dust all over your car, that is.
These rolled tortilla chips coated in an addictively spicy chile-lime powder are a fan favorite and one of the best gas station snacks when you need a bit of a kick to keep you awake behind the wheel.
7. Miss Vickie's Kettle Chips
You’re not going to want for options when it comes to buying chips at the gas station. Many of the best gas station snacks are chip-adjacent, and competition is stiff, but we think Miss Vickie’s wins every time. Available in several flavors, these kettle-cooked potato chips offer a little more variety and substance than other brands.
Plus, they’re much thicker than other common potato chip brands, so you’ll feel a bit fuller. You will undoubtedly agree that this brand makes some of the best gas station chips, so if potato chips fit your idea of the best gas station snacks, look no further.
8. Jack Link’s Beef Jerky
It can be hard to find good gas station snacks that make you feel full. You’ll have to do some digging to find any high-protein snacks, so those that you can find will automatically be included among the best gas station snacks.
So if it’s protein you’re looking for, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky is the way to go. It’s easy to eat and doesn’t require refrigeration, so you’ll be able to eat it while driving or in the passenger’s seat — and it’s a much healthier way to get some protein than stopping for a fast food burger.
9. Hi-Chew
Having been sold in Japanese konbini since around the 1970s, this Japanese candy is a relative newcomer to the U.S. snack scene. However, it’s quickly become one of the best gas station snacks you can buy. Why? Because no one in the U.S. is making anything like it.
Hi-Chew is like the edible version of bubblegum: it’s made to be mild and chewy. But unlike bubblegum, it comes in a variety of fruity flavors that don’t fade as you chew.
You could easily find yourself plowing through a whole pack without even realizing it. For the best gas station candy that brings something besides chocolate to the table, Hi-Chew is the way to go.
10. Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwich
Long, hot days in the car can be brutal. Naturally, some of the best gas station snacks are cold, refreshing and perfect for a midday energy boost when it’s offensively hot outside and your car’s AC isn’t cutting it.
Toll House’s classic chocolate chip cookie-and-vanilla ice cream sandwich is a perfect pick for days like that. It’s a classic flavor we all know and love, and you’ll be glad for the energy boost (before the sugar crash, that is). Ice cream may not come to mind when you think about the best gas station snacks, but it ought to.
11. Rice Krispies Treats
They handed them out on every school field trip, and now it’s your turn: stock up on this nostalgic gas station snack for your next road trip. Rice Krispies treats don’t melt or make a mess, and when you want a sweet snack without the temptation to eat a whole bag of candy in one sitting, they’re perfectly portioned. Your kids will be happy to have them, and so will you — a characteristic of all the best gas station snacks.
12. Honey-Roasted Peanuts
Sweet and salty, honey-roasted peanuts rank among the best gas station snacks for their addictive flavor and crunch. If you’ve had enough Doritos to last a lifetime but your craving for crunchy snacks isn’t satisfied yet, these delightful honey-coated nuts might be your winning ticket.
They might not have a flashy brand name or ubiquitous design to brag about, but honey-roasted peanuts remain one of the best gas station snacks for a change of pace. Brands will vary based on the region and gas station brand, but you will likely find some version in any gas station mini-mart.
13. Hummus
Hummus at a gas station? It may sound crazy, but you actually can find this uber-healthy Mediterranean spread at many gas stations. It’s commonly sold in snack packs with dipping vessels like pretzels or vegetable sticks, so scan the refrigerated section for hummus next time you’re looking for the best gas station snacks that aren’t just candy or chips.
Brands will vary, and it might not be too conspicuous, so keep your eyes peeled. If you can find it, hummus isn’t just one of the best gas station snacks in general, but also a great gluten-free snack option — provided you’re not dipping pretzels or pita, of course!
14. Bugles
Bugles are another of the best gas station snacks that we all forget about until we see them for sale somewhere, and that’s a shame. Why? Because Bugles offer something delightfully different to the world of gas station chips.
They’re saltier, thicker and, in a way, crunchier, and you won’t find anything else that hits the same flavor spot. Bugles may fly under the radar most of the year, but during your road trip, consider revisiting one of the best gas station snacks.
15. Peach Rings
In the summertime, when you don’t want your snack to melt, the best gas station snacks look a little different. Chocolate is out, frozen anything is definitely out, and so is anything that tastes sort of gross if it gets warm, so it can be hard to find a sweet snack that fits the bill.
That’s what makes peach rings one of the best gas station snacks for the hotter months. Chewy and tart, they’ll take the edge off your candy craving without you having to rush to eat them before they melt.
16. Swedish Fish
You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em — most people rank Swedish Fish either as one of the best gas station snacks or one of the worst. If you fall into the former category, your road trip candy pick should be a no-brainer.
Swedish Fish are another candy that doesn’t melt as quickly as chocolate, so they’re an excellent choice for summer. If you happen to like that indescribable chewy texture, there’s no better choice among the best gas station snacks than Swedish Fish.
17. Gardetto’s Original Recipe Snack Mix
Chex Mix, but with an Italian flair: if you’ve never had Gardetto’s Snack Mix, that’s pretty much what it is. That’s also why it’s one of the best gas station snacks.
Who among us doesn’t need more bags of various crunchy snacks in their life? Thanks to its variety of chips, pretzels and other crunchy components, Gardetto’s Snack Mix is ideal for keeping things interesting.
18. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
If you’re one of the people who inevitably took offense to us smearing Hot Cheetos when we talked about Takis, this is for you. Because the truth is that Cheetos can do spicy. It may not be the same kind as you get from a bag of Takis, but these Cheetos live up to their name.
They absolutely deserve their reputation as one of the best gas station snacks for spice-lovers. We’re sorry, Hot Cheeto fan club: you have a point. We wholeheartedly respect your choice of the best gas station snack.
19. PayDay Bar
This isn’t exactly an unknown or obscure candy bar, but it doesn’t have the reach of many of the best gas station snacks in the candy aisle — it’s no Twix. But there’s really no good reason for that, because PayDay bars are delicious, crunchy and chewy affairs of caramel and peanuts enrobed in milk chocolate.
It may not be your actual payday, but you’ll feel like a winner when you pick this snack — and, like all the best gas station snacks, it’ll be there to comfort you when you realize it’s not.
20. Nerds Gummy Cluster
You might know Nerds as that Halloween candy that was mostly fun because you could tip the whole box into your mouth at once. But there are a variety of ways to enjoy Nerds, one of which is among the best gas station snacks: Nerds Gummy Clusters.
It’s exactly what it sounds like: a gummy center covered in Nerds candies. It’s sweet and sour, crunchy and chewy — and a lot of fun. You might not have expected it to show up on a list of the best gas station snacks, but it’s more than deserving.
21. Flipz Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
You could walk into a gas station and find any number of pretzel products for sale. So it has to be pretty special to make a list of the best gas station snacks, and Flipz Chocolate-Covered Pretzels are just that.
Chocolate-covered pretzels are everywhere these days, but this is the brand — no one’s topping Flipz for the deliciousness of the creamy chocolate coating or the chocolate-to-pretzel ratio. Next time you road trip, keep these in mind: they’re not only one of the best gas station snacks, but also one of the best quick snacks anywhere.
22. Doritos
There’s a reason these chips are absolutely everywhere. When everybody knows a name, you can be pretty sure that it belongs to one of the best gas station snacks — case in point.
Sometimes, there’s nothing that hits the spot like a crunchy Dorito, whether Original, Cool Ranch or whichever other flavor is your favorite. Whether you’re a dutiful Dorito fanatic or you haven’t had one in years, let your next road trip be an excuse to revisit one of the best gas station snacks.
23. Cheez-Its
There’s nothing like a neon-orange cheese cracker to make you nostalgic, is there? Somehow, that sharp cheddar flavor never gets old. Nor does the addictive, flaky crunch of a Cheez-It.
Some of the best gas station snacks make the list for their novelty, others for being the best in their category, but Cheez-Its are one of the best gas station snacks purely on the basis of being such an iconic part of many of our childhoods. And on a long drive, what’s better than a reminder of childhood summer vacations?
24. Sour Patch Watermelon
Sour Patch Kids may be the Sour Patch brand’s flagship product, but the minute somebody pitched Sour Patch Watermelon, many feel the classic Kids were unseated as the best Sour Patch product. Whoops.
That coup d’etat is great for us, though, because it means we’re blessed with the option of grabbing a box of Sour Patch Watermelon when we go looking for the best gas station snacks. It’s one of those snacks you’ll be in the mood for at the most random of times, and we’re here to tell you to go for it.
25. Greek Yogurt
This best gas station snack can be tricky, since availability and brands might vary a lot nationwide. But if you can find it, healthy Greek yogurt is indisputably one of the best gas station snacks for health-conscious snackers: low in calories, high in protein and calcium and perfect for anyone looking for gluten-free snacks at the gas station.
You may find pre-packaged containers or prepared parfaits with brands like Chobani and Oikos sometimes being available. Either way, if your stomach needs a break from all that sugar, Greek yogurt is a great option to look for.
26. Good Humor Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar
Toll House doesn’t have a monopoly on the best gas station snacks from the freezer section: this nostalgic treat deserves a shout-out, too. For many of us, the Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bar was our ice cream truck go-to, so honor your childhood summer memories by awkwardly eating one as you try to steer with one hand (we’re kidding — for legal reasons, please enjoy while safely parked!)
27. Toblerone
Some of the best gas station snacks are entirely unexpected, and that’s what makes them so great. Case in point: Toblerone, the triangle-shaped, crunchy chocolate bar made in Switzerland before it’s shipped to stores for hungry buyers worldwide.
It’s a surprisingly elevated find for a gas station, and therefore probably the best gas station snack to use for a gift if you’re fresh out of both time and ideas.
You certainly won’t have any shortage of options if you’re looking for the best snacks from the gas station. That’s why we’ve narrowed down 27 of the best gas station snacks for you, and we hope that after reading, you’re feeling inspired for your next road trip shopping run!
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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