The Best Healthy Gas Station Snacks

The next time you stop for gas and are looking for something to eat, skip the junk food aisle and instead grab one of these healthy gas station snacks:

• String cheese or cheese sticks – These are great for a boost of protein and calcium.
• Greek yogurt – Often found in the fridge section. Pick low-fat or plain options if available.
• Hard-boiled eggs – Many gas stations now carry these as quick grab-and-go items.
• Fresh fruit – Bananas, apples, or cut-up fruit cups are easy to eat in the car.
• Nuts or trail mix – Look for plain or lightly salted versions without candy or added sugar.
• Protein bars – Choose bars with short ingredient lists and low added sugar.
• Beef or turkey jerky – Opt for low-sodium versions without too many preservatives.
• Hummus and crackers – Conveniently packed in one container, they’re a satisfying snack.
• Popcorn – Plain air-popped or lightly salted popcorn is a crunchy, lower-calorie choice.

These healthy snacks from the gas station can keep your energy up and your hunger in check without filling you up with salt, sugar, and empty calories. 

If you’re looking for healthy drinks at the gas station, your best bet is to skip the fountain drinks and instead opt for a bottle of water, seltzer, unsweetened iced tea, or a low-sugar sports drink. Just read labels if you’re not sure what’s in a drink to avoid ones that are high in sugar.

Some foods at gas stations may seem healthy at first, but they aren’t usually the best choice. Granola bars, flavored yogurts, and fruit juices can be full of added sugar. Trail mix that includes candy pieces or yogurt-covered raisins can have as many calories as a candy bar. Reduced-fat chips still have more fat and sodium than you may want to consume. Some healthy-looking sandwiches have more fat, sodium, and calories than you would expect. Check nutrition labels if you're unsure how healthy any food may be, because marketing claims on the front of packages can be misleading.

While it’s easier to find healthy gas station food than ever before, the best way to ensure you have snacks and drinks that fit into your healthy eating plan is to bring them from home. By doing so, you’ll not only ensure you have access to nutritious foods when hunger hits, but you’ll also save yourself money in the process.

Here are some healthy grab-and-go foods that are easy to take with you in the car. Just bring a small cooler with an ice pack to keep perishable items fresh.

• Nut butter and whole grain crackers
• Apple slices or grapes with cheese cubes
• Baby carrots with hummus
• Cut-up veggies with guacamole
• Homemade trail mix 
• Protein bars 
• Small bags of nuts
• String cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Whole fruit, like bananas or peaches
• Sandwiches, wraps, or roll-ups made on whole-grain bread (hold the mayo)
• Water bottles, seltzers, or low-sugar drinks