America’s Top Choice Gas Station Snacks Revealed

Woman eating sweets while driving

Your car isn't the only thing that needs fuel when you're on a road trip. Seasoned travelers who are used to eating on the go share their wealth of knowledge on the best snacks you're going to find at a gas station. 

1. Cosmic Brownies

that-70s-show-brownies
Image Credit: Carsey-Werner/FOX.

Back up That '70s Show, you can actually buy those classic cosmic brownies at the gas station. They are easy to eat, tiny, and a staple for gas station snacks around the United States.

2. Potato Chips

Potato chips is snack in bag ready to eat and fat food or junk food., Potato Chips in a Ready-to-Eat Bag.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Probably the most common gas station snack is the chip! That said, if you like nacho cheese chips or just your run-of-the-mill original potato, you can rest assured that you will be able to find them at any gas station.

3. Hostess Donettes

Hostess Donettes
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Coated in powdered sugar and purchased by the bag, Hostess's delectable miniature donuts are a must-find for many Americans at the gas station. They're small and sweet; eating the whole bag in one sitting is easy.

4. Andy Capp's Hot Fries

Andy Capp's Hot Fries
Image Credit: Conagra Brands.

These crunchy, firey sticks are the perfect mix of salty and spicy. I've never stopped at a gas station that doesn't have this popular snack, and if I did, I'm sure the cashier would have a riot on their hands.

5. Funyuns

Funyuns
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Funyuns were my favorite snack for years when I was a kid. These crunchy corn-based onion-flavored snacks are flavorful and delicious.

6. Hot Dogs

Hot dogs and cornbread on 4th of July in patriotic theme
Image Credit: Bochkarev Photography/Shutterstock.

Many gas stations across the U.S. have hot meal options, like chicken sandwiches, burgers, and more. But most people go for the gas station hot dog because you can pile on the toppings and pair it with a large soda.

7. Slurpees

Slushies
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Whether you stop at 7-11, WaWa, or Cumberland Farms, each gas station shop has its own version of the Slurpee, and each one is yummy. This icy, syrupy, slushy beverage is a famous gas station favorite.

8. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower Seeds
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Sunflower seeds are the perfect snack for a long car ride in nice weather, especially when stuck in traffic. That's because you've got to spit out the sunflower seeds while you eat them to make it into a fun road trip game.

9. Beef Jerky

Beef Jerku
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

While beef jerky is one of the pricier snacks at a gas station, many people like to treat themselves to this rich and meaty snack. Whether you go for Slim Jims or a local brand, you won't be disappointed.

10. Planters Heat Peanuts

Planters Heat Peanuts
Image Credit: Hormel Foods.

I adore Planter's Heat Peanuts, and it baffles me that you can't buy them anywhere except in gas stations in the U.S. I love to stop at 7/11 to grab a large handful of the little packets of spicy nuts to wash down with a Slurpee.

11 – Corn Nuts

Corn Nuts
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Crunchy deep-fried corn nuts are a staple in the gas station snack section. Many Americans love snacking on corn nuts because of their texture and love of corn.

12. Snickers Ice Cream Bars

Snickers Ice Cream Bar
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Ah, the ice cream section of the gas station. What a heavenly place. One fan favorite is the Snickers ice cream bar. It's sweet, nutty, and a delicious take on the original Snickers candy bar.

13. Nerds Gummy Clusters

Nerds Gummy Clusters
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Classic Nerds are yummy, crunchy, sweet little snacks by themselves, but they move up to a whole new level when you turn them into gummy clusters. The gummy center surrounded by the crunchy Nerds makes the snack come full circle.

14. Little Debbie's Honey Buns

Little Debbie Honey Buns
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

These rich and sweet snacks have been an American favorite for years. Honey Buns are a fantastic snack for your road trip staples list.

15. Peach Rings

Peach Rings
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Something about old-fashioned style gummy peach rings hits the spot. You can always find that retro candy section at the gas station; peach rings are the tastiest option by far.

16. Combos

Combos
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Combos stuffed snacks are like the snack version of a Hot Pocket. They're crunchy on the outside with a flavorful inside, with options ranging from cheddar cheese to pepperoni pizza to buffalo blue cheese.

17. Taquitos

Taquitos
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Another fan favorite in the hot foods section is the taquito. They're easy to eat on the go and make for a quick, affordable road trip meal as long as you get more than one.

Source: Reddit.
+ posts

Maya (she/they) is a queer entertainment and culture journalist from Worcester, MA with bylines in publications like Pulse Magazine, HorrorPress, CM Pride, Fangoria, and TransLash News & Narrative. They cover interviews, reviews, roundups, news, and more in the entertainment and lifestyle space. She loves horror, LGBTQ+ representation, and creativity. They hope their writing both entertains readers and inspires them to think critically.