The 58 Best Gas Station Snacks, Ranked
You don't have to be on a road trip to enjoy a good gas station snack. We've got plenty of options when we walk inside, but which one never fails to satisfy? I asked some friends and family what they thought, and have ranked 58 of the best gas station goodies.
Disclaimer: Drinks not included.
58.Snyder's of Hanover Honey Mustard and Onion Pieces
Snyder's certainly gets bonus points for uniqueness. It is the only item on this list that makes use of both honey mustard and onion. That takes guts, and the fact that it's still an excellent snack to bring on a hike is truly something.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Ability to Change your Breath Instantly: 5/5
57.Hot Pockets
Just like with the loaded nachos below, the problem here isn't with Hot Pockets themselves. It's all about location. Some gas stations don't even have microwaves, but if you manage to heat one up on your morning commute, you're golden.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 4/5
Blend of Form and Function: 5/5
56.Nachos
Everyone loves a good plate of nachos. At a baseball game? Absolutely. But the gas station? Good luck.
Portability: 1/5
Finger Cleanliness: 1/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 4/5
Ability to Mix and Match Ingredients: 5/5
55.Ice Cream
This was a tough call, and I apologize to anyone I've offended. But gas station snacks have to have that get-it-and-go quality. This isn't a Walmart, it isn't a Target. It's a gas station, and ice cream just requires too much of a commitment.
Portability: 3/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Potential to Turn into a Milkshake: 5/5
54.Mamba Fruit Chews
These chews are perfect for some quick fruity flavor. They come up against some stiff competition with Starbursts and Hi-Chew, but Mamba is consistently featured in gas stations all over the world.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 1/5
Fun Name: 5/5
53.Potato Sticks
Technically, Hot Fries did the whole "it's a chip in fry-form" first, but there's still room on the shelf for these guys. After all, most things are better in fry-form.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Can Bunch Up Sticks and Shove Them In Your Mouth All At Once: 5/5
52.Oatmeal Creme Pie
There's never a bad time for an Oatmeal Creme Pie, but the only thing holding it back on this list is the fact that you usually have to buy a 12-pack. This significantly hinders the portability, which is a shame because these Pies have a lot going for them. Sorry, Deb.
Portability: 2/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Fancy Spelling of "Cream": 5/5
51.Muddy Buddies
I personally am a big fan of Muddy Buddies, but they just don't have the years under their belt that many of these other heavy-hitters have. As good as Muddy Buddies may be, can they really go up against an M&M? A Twinkie, for goodness' sake?
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Contains the Best Part of A Different Snack On This List (Chex Mex): 5/5
50.Greek Yogurt
Greek Yogurt scores big for being one of the few snacks you can find in most groceries stores that's relatively healthy. But it's that damn spoon that holds it back. Do I bring my own? Will the gas station provide one? These are already more questions than I should have to ask about my gas station snacks.
Portability: 3/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
Technically Counts as Mediterranean Food: 5/5
49.Lay's Chips
You're going to see a lot of chips on this list; they're a gas station staple. Let's take a look at three in particular. You've got your Lays (here I'm referring to the thin, "original" type), your kettle chips, and your Salt and Vinegar. Each a formidable chip in their own right. But these Lays have the least going for them. Between flavor, texture, and greasiness, they're better as a side to a sandwich than a snack.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Frito-Lay Owns Almost Every Other Chip On This List Making Choice An Illusion: 5/5
48.Sour Gummy Worms
You're never too old for sour gummy worms, but they are more popular in our younger years. That being said, they always hit the spot.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 1/5
Worm-Like: 5/5
47.Bugles
Even if I get tired of Bugles after a handful, they always sound good. And that cheddar flavor? Incredible. Originality will always get you far on in the snack game, and these bugle-shaped buddies can be mistaken for no other chip.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Starter-Kit For Press-On Nails: 5/5
46.Pretzels
You may get a little thirsty, and you may eat a few before realizing you don't want an entire bag of pretzels, but don't they always sound kinda good? I could go for a handful right now.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Miniaturized Version Of Larger Food: 5/5
45.Pringles
Lay's potato chips came in at #43, and Pringles certainly beat them out on the greasiness factor. Lay's leaves your fingers all oily, but Pringles are a bit less messy.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
The Bottom Of The Can Turning Into a Mini-Game: 5/5
44.Salt and Vinegar Chips
Salt and vinegar chips are so popular they get a category all of their own. They're a bit too kettle-y for Lay's, but not cooked enough to be considered kettle chips. But that salt and vinegar flavor never gets old.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Fastest Way to Get Thirsty: 5/5
43.Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn
Just a heads up that Smartfood is doing a limited time Doritos Nacho Cheese flavored popcorn. They also have a Flamin' Hot flavor. Why am I bringing this up? Because even after partering with two of the most popular chips out there, Smartfood's White Cheddar flavor has stood the test of time like few others.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Having Five Other Flavors I've Never Even Seen Because White Cheddar Is So Popular: 5/5
42.Skittles
In high school, Sour Skittles were one of the only vending machine snacks that was consistently popular. Whichever flavor of the rainbow you get, it always delivers that sweet or sour punch.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 1/5
Keeping Dentists Off Unemployment: 5/5
41.Donuts
There's always that little glass case with pastries and donuts inside. I never see anyone actually take a donut out of there, but I know that when my turn comes I will be grateful it's there.
Portability: 4/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Potential for Buyer to Say "I Really Shouldn't..." Followed By "Oh, What The Hell.": 5/5
40.Kettle Cooked Chips
Did you know Cape Cod Potato Chips essentially brought back the style of kettle-cooked chips? They never lost popularity in Hawaii, but kettle chips or "Maui chips" became a gourmet option in the 80s. Plus they're thicker and got that crunch!
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Opportunity for Quick Chipstory (Chip History) Lesson: 5/5
39.Rice Krispies Treat
The absolute best time to get a Rice Krispies Treat is unexpectedly. We aren't often going out and buying them ourselves, but we're always glad when we do.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 1/5
Mandela Effect Making Me Think It Was "Rice Krispy Treat": 5/5
38.Honey-Roasted Peanuts
Not just a classic gas station snack, but an iconic treat period. The great-grandson of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, honey-roasted peanuts are the sweet and salty snack that also gives you a bit of protein.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 4/5
Taking Something Good For You And Adding Sugar To It: 5/5
37.Cheetos Puffs
Cheeto Puffs have to work hard to earn their spot, what with their younger brother Flamin' Hot Cheetos becoming all the rage. The main thing that bumps Puffs down to the 30s is the amount it gets stuck in your teeth. But other than that, Puffs have that ideal gas station flavor (it's a good thing, I promise).
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 1/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 1/5
Crucial Obstacle for Woody to Overcome in Toy Story 2: 5/5
36.KIND Bar
KIND bars are a great pick-me-up when you need some more energy. Whether you're in the gas station before or after work, on your way to a hike, or just because you don't feel like coffee, KIND bars can do the trick. That being said, the flavor can't really compete with junk food.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
All-Caps Brand Name Make It Seem like People Are Raving about Product: 5/5
35.Donettes
These tiny, pre-packaged donuts are certainly easier to snag on your way out the gas station than a full-sized donut. Unlike many of the snacks on this list, it's not as easy to close the package and save the rest for later. But realistically, who's not eating them all at once?
Portability: 4/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Miniaturized Version Of Larger Food: 5/5
34.Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies
There is no better lunchbox addition than the Cosmic Brownie. Reliving those childhood memories by picking one up while you fill your tank is always a good idea.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Nostalgia Factor: 5/5
33.Kit Kat
Engineered like a German automobile, Kit Kats are that rare blend of design and sweetness. There's nothing as satisfying as snapping off one of the chocolate covered wafers.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 1/5
Mandela Effect Making Me Think There's a Dash Between Kit and Kat: 5/5
32.Twizzlers/Red Vines
Twizzlers are better than Red Vines. Stay with me! A study found that Twizzlers have way more sugar and preservatives, so of course they're better and last longer then Red Vines. If you're a Red Vine, at least you have the "healthier" option.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Ability to Be Used as a Straw: 5/5
31.To-Go Hummus
It may not be one of the most popular items on this list, but its rankings in the three categories show impressive balance. It's design makes a food I would not ever think to take on the go quite portable, the pretzels keep your fingers clean, and hummus always hits the spot.
Portability: 4/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
Miniaturized Version Of Larger Food: 5/5
30.Twix
Twix technically classifies as a cookie, and it just barely beats out Kit Kats. The wafer bars in Kit Kats don't have that umph that satisfy hunger as well as the shortbread inside of Twix.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Customers Get To Decide Between Left and Right Twix: 5/5
29.Almonds
The ultimate road trip snack, almonds are a great way to fill up without having to pull hit a drive-through.
Portability: 4/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 4/5
A Nutritious Source of Vitamin E, Magnesium & Potassium: 5/5
28.Muffin
A muffin for breakfast is that sweet treat I never think about until I randomly see one. Coffee shops, bakery sections of grocery stores, and gas stations are the only three places I regularly go that offer muffins, making this a solid gas station delight.
Portability: 4/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
The Option to Add Blueberries for Instant Healthiness: 5/5
27.Banana
It's a banana. Nuff said.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
Banana: 5/5
26.Trail Mix
No, it's not fair. You can't just combine peanuts, M&Ms, and sunflower seeds (three other snacks on this list) into one Super Snack and rocket your way into the 20s of this list!
Portability: 4/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
Snackception (Snacks within Snacks): 5/5
25.Grandma’s Cookies
No one makes a cookie like Grandma. My personal favorite is the blue bag with the mini sandwich creme cookies. Chef's' kiss.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Artificially Flavored by Grandma Herself: 5/5
24.Honey Buns
Sweet bread drenched in a sugary glaze? Cue the National Anthem.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 2/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Budget Cinnabon: 5/5
23.S’mores Pop-Tarts
Pop-Tarts are perfect on-the-go snacks, but gas stations tend to only carry one or two flavors. I see the S'mores variety more often any other type of Pop-Tart, and according to the box it's a good source of 7 vitamins & minerals so it's easy to see why.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Campfire Experience in Your Car: 5/5
22.Pickle in a Bag
While this writer may hate pickles, I have watched (in disgust) enough friends buy these plastic sacks of brine and cucumber to know that they are a classic gas station snack.
Portability: 4/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 4/5
Sodium Content: 5/5
21.Sunflower Seeds
When you want a snack that's more about the experience than the flavor itself, plain sunflower seeds are the way to go. Peel em, spit em, suck em — no matter how you enjoy sunflower seeds you're sure to leave a mess.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 1/5
A Snack That Makes You Work for It: 5/5
20.Hot Dog
There's nothing quite like the Russian Roulette experience of a gas station hot dog. Will you be sick tomorrow? A few hours from now? Or will you get off easy? Grab those public-use tongs and find out!
Portability: 3/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
'Merica: 5/5
19.Swedish Fish
Swedish Fish are, in fact, from Sweden. Don't settle for the typical gas station candy or chips. Take a cultural trip around the world and experience foods from other cultures with Swedish Fish.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
European: 5/5
18.Sour Patch Kids (all kinds)
Are you a watermelon kinda person? Blue Sour Patch Kids? No matter which bag you reach for, the sweet and sour combo will make your next road trip go much smoother.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Available as Zombie Children: 5/5
17.Combos
Processed, salty, and "pizzeria" is one of the flavors. Is there anything better? The thing Combos has going for them the most is how closely they can mimic the flavor on the bag. Seven Layer Dip Combos really do taste like it!
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Mystery around What Exactly Combos Are Combining: 5/5
16.Corn Nuts
Corn is in millions of products (you can even make whiskey out of it), and it's in just about every one of the snacks mentioned in this list. But if you just came to this list for the corn, these nuts are for you.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Gives Hope to Those with a Nut Allergy: 5/5
15.Chex Mix
Chex Mix is the "old reliable" of gas station snacks. When it comes to flavor, Chex Mix doesn't lean too far in any particular direction. But if you want something cheesy or barbecue-y, they've got flavors for that!
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
The Snack That Walked So Munchies Could Run: 5/5
14.Doritos
The king of party snacks, Doritos are the chip that just don't quit (new slogan I'm pitching, please let them know).
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 2/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
The Chip That Just Don't Quit™ : 5/5
13.Snickers
Snickers allows you to say "I'm hungry" and not feel too guilty about eating candy. It's signature blend of chocolate, nougat, and nuts was even recreated by a gourmet pastry chef.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 4/5
Option to Eat 3 Mini-Snickers for the Same Amount of Candy but Less Guilt: 5/5
12.M&M’s (all kinds)
In recent years, M&M's have gotten a little crazy. Sure, you've got your Peanut Butter, your Crispy, and your Pretzel M&M's. We know em, we love em. But Candy Corn? Strawberry Nut? Jalapeno? Though to be fair, if there's any place for experimenting with food, it's the gas station.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Invented in the Middle of WWII: 5/5
11.Funyuns
There are onion rings, then there are onion flavored rings. The difference is crucial. Grab a bag of Funyuns the next time you pop into a gas station and your night gets objectively better.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Endorsed by Jesse Pinkman: 5/5
10.Taquitos
We're getting into the top 10, and there's no better way to get into the all-time greatest gas station snacks than taquitos. Forget to eat breakfast? Got the afternoon munchies? Haven't seen the inside of your bathroom in a while? Taquitos.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
Takis’ Namesake: 5/5
9.Hot Fries
There are few food harder to stop eating than Andy Capp's Hot Fries. I think it has something to do with the fact that the heat doesn't settle in while you're chewing. Brilliant design.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 1/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Elmer Fudd + Sherlock Holmes = Andy Capp: 5/5
8.Beef Jerky
Easy to seal and save for later, no mess, and they came up with a better name than "portable meat"? One of the best aspects of beef jerky is that you never get the same bag twice. You buy some Doritos, you know exactly what you're getting. But a truly great batch of beef jerky comes along once every fifth purchase or so, and it's always a wonderful surprise.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
Smell Lets Everyone in the Car Know When You Open the Bag: 5/5
7.Japanese Peanuts
You could peel your peanuts, wasting half the product on the ground or out the car window. Or you could have Japanese peanuts and get a slightly sweeter peanut with the shell.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Crunch Factor: 5/5
6.Twinkies
Not just an American icon, but Woody Harrelson's whole motivation in Zombieland as well. But besides their fame and flavor, what makes Twinkies rank so high on this list is that they're most often impulse-buys at the gas station, making them a true gas station snack.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 3/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Twinkies Share an Ingredient with Rocket Fuel, so They Make You Go Fast (Yet to Be Proven): 5/5
5.Oreos
Just had some lunch on your 8 hour road trip and want something sweet to top it off? Grab a sleeve of 6 Oreos and thank me later.
Portability: 4/5
Finger Cleanliness: 4/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Watermelon Oreos: 5/5
4.Munchies
The picture may say "Flamin' Hot," but I'm talking about all types of Munchies. Cheddar is the type I most associate with gas stations snacks, but Ranch is another strong contender. Whatever the flavor, Munchies live up to their name.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 2/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 3/5
Chex Mix on Steroids: 5/5
3.Burrito
The perfect blend of our three categories is the portable, neat, and fulfilling burrito. And when I say fulfilling, I mean more than just hunger. The world is a little less daunting and the sun shines just a bit brighter when you walk out the Circle K with a piping hot burrito in your hand.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 5/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 5/5
Burrito Vending Machines Are a Thing: 5/5
2.Takis Fuego
Want a taquito, but just the shape? Try Takis! The fuego snack that gives a certain flamin' cheetah a run for his money, Takis with a can of Arizona tea is all you need to satisfy that 1am craving.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 2/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
Even Makes "I Can Handle Hot Food" People Sweat: 5/5
1.Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
If you're not getting Hot Fries, and you're not getting Takis, you're getting Flamin' Hot Cheetos. It's such a popular snack that there's Flamin' Hot socks, backpacks, and AirPods cases. They may not leave your fingers clean, and they may not satisfy your hunger, but they are the epitome of everything a gas station snack should be.
Portability: 5/5
Finger Cleanliness: 2/5
Hunger Satisfaction: 2/5
