Healthy and gas stations don’t typically go hand-in-hand! When we’re on the go, convenience stores may be our only option for a snack to tide us over until we can get a proper meal in. When racing between obligations, responsibilities, and appointments, it’s far too easy to grab a bag of salty, greasy chips or a gooey, fatty chocolate bar and a sugary drink to wash it down. Stop the madness! There are healthy convenience store snacks. Stick to your dietary and health goals, tame the “hangry” beast, and enjoy!
Top 10 Healthy Convenience Store Snacks
Next time you’re on your way to the gym after work, going to pick up the kids from practice, or headed to (another!) meeting, stop and grab one of these 10 healthiest gas station snacks:
1. Greek Yogurt
Head straight for the refrigerator section, pass the soda, and grab a Greek yogurt. You’ll get calcium, potassium, zinc, and vitamins B6 and B12 in each spoonful, plus it’s packed with protein. The Greek variety has twice as much protein as other types of yogurt. Go for the gold and choose plain, which has zero added sugars. A bit too tart for your taste? Grab a honey packet from the coffee/tea station and mix it in. You can also sprinkle in some nuts for crunch.
2. Bananas
Yes, you can get bananas at convenience stores. No excuses now! This is a yummy, nutrient-packed little package. If you need something a little more substantial, pick up a container of nut butter (conveniently sold in single serving packets) and smear or dip it on.
3. Hummus
Most convenience stores have single serving packages with hummus and a dipper, like whole grain crackers. You cannot go wrong with this protein- and fiber-heavy snack. It’ll help fill you up and keep you satisfied longer. Extra credit if you choose a package that has carrot sticks instead!
4. Guacamole and Chips
You will also find single serving guacamole, such as Wholly Guacamole or Sabra Guacamole, with a few tortilla chips (they’re lower in fat than regular chips).
5. Pickles
Craving a salty, crunchy snack? Pass up the chips and grab a pickle. Most stores have single pickles for sale and you’ll also find pickle chips, which are super snackable. Yes, there is a lot (and we mean a lot) of sodium in pickles, but they are very low in calories. It’ll scratch the itch. Just drink lots of water!
6. Dark Chocolate Squares
Dark chocolate is an excellent way to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep on track with your dietary and health goals. You’ll love eating all of those healthy antioxidants, and dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce blood pressure. Enjoy a square or two (mind your calories).
7. Almonds
Almonds deliver a lot of healthy fats, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. They’re also very satiating, so you won’t be reaching for an unhealthy choice ten minutes after eating them. You can find a variety of flavors, including wasabi and sriracha. Avoid options with added sugar, such as honey roasted. They are fairly calorie dense so a handful will do you.
8. Granola Bars
Now, this one comes with a disclaimer. Granola bars can be one of the healthiest gas station snacks – or they can sabotage your efforts by adding a lot of sugar and empty calories. Opt for brands that feature real ingredients (e.g., fruits, seeds, and nuts), have six to 10 grams of protein, five or more grams of fiber, and that have no more than 15 grams of sugar.
9. String Cheese
Mmmm… string cheese! This is a perfect portable snack, and it’ll give you a boost of calcium, vitamin C, protein, and fiber. It’s low in calories, satisfying, and sold in individual servings.
10. FATTY Smoked Meat Sticks
We may be partial, but this is our favorite healthy convenience store snack. FATTY Smoked Meat Sticks are loaded with protein and are ideal for any diet, particularly Keto and Paleo. We slow-smoke Antibiotic-Free Pork and Grass-Fed Beef with real American hickory wood for unbelievable taste, and we offer a variety of flavors, including Original, Jalapeno, Pepperoni, Teriyaki, and Honey BBQ. FATTY Smoked Meat Sticks are available for purchase online at Sweetwood.com, as well as at select QuikTrip, Circle K, and Sheetz convenience stores.
Feeling extra hungry? Pair a FATTY Smoked Meat Stick with string cheese for a delicious and healthy convenience store snack.
Bonus: What to Drink?
When you’re picking up a snack, you often opt for a drink too. And is that drink a sugary soda or calorie-bomb coffee? If so, switch it up. Grab a bottle of water, sparkling water, or unsweetened ice tea. Sub in black coffee (or add a splash of whole milk for calcium and satiety).
Know that you know the healthiest gas station snacks, you will have no trouble eating right on the go.