America's Favorite Gas Station Snacks: Regional Highlights

Whether we're stopping during a long road trip or just taking a break on the daily commute, gas stations are where America satisfies its cravings. For our vehicles, it's all about fuel; for us, it's the salty, sweet, crunchy, or highly caffeinated snacks. While certain staples like jerky and Red Bull are ubiquitous, the variety of snacks and meals at gas stations varies widely across the country, influenced by local tastes and creativity. Here, Dinogo presents some beloved regional gas station treats, from gobs in Pennsylvania to breakfast pizza in Iowa, deep-fried burritos in Texas, and Spam musubi in Hawai’i. No matter your gas gauge, these are the stops worth making.

The Northeast

Stewart’s Shops Ice Cream, New York

In upstate New York, few experiences rival enjoying a cold scoop of ice cream from Stewart’s after a hot summer day. This convenience store, found throughout upstate New York and Vermont, offers rich, locally made ice cream in flavors like Adirondack Bear Paw, Crumbs Along the Mohawk, and Kaydeross Kreme. They also serve milkshakes and build-your-own sundaes, but a simple scoop in their iconic red cup is the perfect quick treat. — Kayla Stewart

Gobs (Whoopie Pies), Pennsylvania

Gobs are a beloved snack in Pennsylvania, crafted by the Amish. This twist on the traditional Whoopie Pie typically features a filling of vanilla icing or marshmallow fluff nestled between two soft chocolate cookies. You can find them wrapped in plastic at independent gas stations throughout the state. — KS

Wawa Hoagies, Philadelphia

Wawa is far more than just a convenience store chain or a gas station in the Northeast; it's a cultural phenomenon. This beloved institution inspires fierce loyalty and has even inspired rap lyrics and heartfelt tributes. Known for its overstuffed hoagies, Wawa allows for complete customization, serving everything from breakfast to deli sandwiches, along with seasonal offerings. The phrase “gotta have a Wawa” resonates deeply with many, reflecting a lifestyle rather than just a slogan. — KS

The South

Chimichanga (also known as the Fried Burrito), Texas

For those who have spent hours traversing the vast, lonely stretches of West Texas, the deep-fried burritos from Allsup’s become a cherished delight. The gas station chain’s brightly decorated signs often serve as the only visual relief in the sprawling high plains, providing a much-needed break for fatigued travelers. These deep-fried burritos, simply served in paper sleeves, are likely mass-produced, yet after a long drive, the combination of basic flour tortillas, mildly spiced beans, and meat drenched in hot sauce feels like culinary magic. Pair it with a fizzy fountain Coke and a bag of pork rinds, and you’ll be full enough to tackle the rest of the journey to Marfa, where better burritos await. — Amy McCarthy

Klobásník / Klobasniky / Kolaches, Texas

In Texas, few road trip snacks are as sought after as the soft, yeast-based kolaches and klobasniky. Available at roadside bakeries and gas stations like the renowned Czech Stop and Little Czech Bakery in West, along with Hruska’s in Ellinger, these pastries trace their origins back to the 1840s when Czech settlers arrived in Texas after tumultuous times in Central Europe. These settlers brought along sweet kolaches, resembling yeast rolls with a dollop of sweet filling—like cherry preserves or cream cheese—and savory klobasniky, which are filled with meats such as jalapeno-cheddar sausage wrapped in kolache dough. Typically pre-baked and warmed to order—often in a microwave—these treats become cherished gifts for friends and family back home. Tourists often leave with large boxes of kolaches and klobasniky, and be careful not to mix them up; Texans are very particular about the distinction between these two beloved pastries. — AM

Beaver Nuggets, Texas

Puffcorn pops are delicious. But puffcorn pops drizzled with caramel and named after everyone’s favorite amphibian? Even better. The top snack at Buc-ee’s—one of the most iconic gas stations in the U.S.—are affectionately called beaver nuggets. Fans rave about them, calling them “the best damned thing in Texas.” With a dedicated following, they’re available online and even feature in Texas craft beer recipes. They’re that good. — KS

Natchitoches Meat Pies, Louisiana

These Cajun meat pies can be spotted at gas stations all over Louisiana but hail from the northwest city of Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish), roughly 250 miles from New Orleans. Gaining fame through Steel Magnolias and a 2002 article in the New York Times about Lasyone’s Meat Pie Restaurant, Natchitoches has become synonymous with these delicacies, originally sold by street vendors in the 19th century. They bear resemblance to Latin American empanadas, featuring a crimped, half-moon shape but are a bit richer. Traditionally filled with a savory blend of beef and pork spiced just right (not spicy), they are deep-fried to golden perfection. While Lasyone’s are the most coveted by outsiders, you can also find them at local gas stations like French Market Express on University Parkway. — Clair Lorell

Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy, Louisiana

Gulf seafood ranks high among the reasons to visit Louisiana (unless you’re a shrimp, of course). Across the state, at gas station cafes like Danny & Clydes in Metairie, Buc Stop in Haughton, and Chevron in Shreveport, hungry travelers can enjoy hoagie rolls stuffed with crispy fried fish and shrimp, along with non-seafood options like chicken and dumplings, burgers, and fries. — KS

Boudin, Louisiana

This flavorful sausage, steeped in Cajun and Creole tradition, is typically crafted from a blend of rice, meat—often pork—and Southern spices. However, in Louisiana gas stations, you'll discover varieties stuffed with seafood like crawfish, shrimp, and even alligator, available in a range of spiciness from mild to fiery. The most popular type is boudin blanc, a ‘white’ version; add some blood, and you get boudin rouge. Enjoy it on the go, savor it at the station, or snack on a few links with crackers while cruising down the Louisiana coastline. — KS

Dodge’s Fried Chicken, the Carolinas

As you head south from Charleston, the bright red and yellow sign for “Dodge’s Chicken” signals a must-stop for some of the finest fried chicken in the Lowcountry. Inside, it resembles any other convenience store, but with four industrial fryers in action and a display piled high with crispy chicken and their take on fried potatoes, known as “jojos.” Both travelers and locals flock here, with a typical day seeing 400 pieces of chicken sold. The leg-breast-thigh combo for $8.99 offers plenty of satisfaction on the trip from Charleston to Savannah. The chicken’s skin is perfectly crispy, while the meat remains juicy, so you’ll definitely need those napkins. While Dodge’s also offers pizza sticks and corn dogs, it’s the chicken that keeps customers returning. — Erin Perkins

Boiled Peanuts, the Carolinas

Whether you call them groundnuts, goober peas, or boiled peanuts, these soft legumes boast a deep-rooted history in South Carolina, tracing back to the culinary practices of enslaved Africans who arrived in the U.S. More bean-like than nutty, boiled peanuts are a staple at Southern gatherings and are a must-have at gas stations, combining protein, nutrients, and that irresistible salty flavor for the perfect roadside snack. Refuel and Whaley’s are popular choices, but you can also find boiled peanuts at many chain gas stations across the state. — KS

The Midwest

Breakfast Pizza, Iowa

Casey’s General Stores, headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa, runs over 2,000 convenience stores across 16 Midwestern states, with 23 percent located in Iowa. The chain introduced pizza to its menu in 1984, installing ovens in small Iowa towns where larger pizza chains aren't found. On September 14, 2001, they launched breakfast pizzas, featuring a light, fluffy crust with a choice of cheese sauce or sausage gravy instead of traditional tomato sauce, topped with bacon or sausage, scrambled eggs, and a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese. — Susan Stapleton

Pasties, Minnesota

As you navigate the rugged coastline of Lake Superior's North Shore, it's essential to stop for a gas refill in the charming village of Lutsen. At Lockport Marketplace, travelers can find everything they need for their northern adventures: groceries, camping gear, fresh-baked goods, and the finest hot-from-the-oven pasties in the state. These savory hand pies are a beloved choice in Minnesota's Iron Range, providing hearty and portable lunches for miners. Lockport’s pasties feature a flaky crust filled with beef, carrots, potatoes, and the crucial addition of pungent rutabaga. — Joy Summers

New Glarus Beer, Wisconsin

In the Midwest, the concept of “drinking local” is taken very seriously, with liquor stores often filled with unwanted beers from out of state becoming mere “shelf turds.” However, exceptions exist due to strict government regulations governing beer distribution. These rules can make certain beers rare and highly sought after based on your location. One notable example is New Glarus Brewing, situated about 130 miles northwest of Chicago, which only distributes its exceptional brews within Wisconsin. This exclusivity makes their beers, such as New Glarus Spotted Cow, highly desirable at gas stations near the Illinois or Minnesota borders. Beer enthusiasts from out of state frequently load their trunks while refueling—sometimes under the radar. A popular myth claims it's illegal to transport their beer across state lines. — Ashok Selvam

Twin Bings, Iowa

Originating from the Palmer Candy Company in Sioux City, Iowa, Twin Bings are a beloved fixture on candy shelves in gas stations across Iowa and Nebraska. This treat features two round, chewy, cherry-flavored nougats enrobed in chocolate and sprinkled with chopped peanuts, perfectly balancing the sweet cherry center. — KS

Mama Mary’s Hummus, Ohio

When does hummus from a gas station become worthy of its own Instagram account? When it’s Mama Mary’s, the acclaimed spread found at the Sunoco in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, just outside Cleveland. Stunning platters of sesame-topped hummus come in flavors like garlic, jalapeno, and “pickles,” attracting thousands of followers who rave about these dips. Owner Khalil Dari launched the Sunoco Cafe next to the station a few years ago, where his mom, the chef, started serving gyros and other sandwiches, but it was the hummus that truly stole the spotlight. Now, you can purchase full hummus gift baskets and catering trays from the Sunoco without needing a gas top-off. — Lesley Suter

Shawarma and More, Detroit

Numerous gas stations in the metro Detroit area, especially in Dearborn, are run by Arab American families, making them fantastic food stops like the always-busy halal burger joint Taystee’s Burgers — the ideal place for a beef bacon and cheeseburger before catching a movie at the legendary Ford-Wyoming Drive-In. Then there’s Berkley’s Mr. Kabob, renowned for its shawarma as well as platters of kafta and kabobs, located within a Sunoco. At Detroit 75 Kitchen, an Arab American-owned food trailer beside a busy US Fuel off I-75, you’ll find incredible sandwiches, smoked chicken, and crispy, moist chicken tenders served with garlic-cilantro fries; it’s become a go-to for hungry Detroiters looking for a quick lunch. — Brenna Houck

Dot’s Pretzel Sticks, North Dakota

While Dot’s thick, twisted pretzel sticks, dusted with salt, aren't exclusive to the Dakotas, they represent the quintessential snack and a notable source of employment in the charming town of Velva, North Dakota. Founded by an actual Dot, this family-owned business credits its success to a “top-secret coating” that has secured a spot on gas station snack shelves across the nation. — LS

The West

Tri-Tip Sandwiches, Central California

Nestled off I-5, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, is Harris Ranch, a sprawling cattle ranch featuring a renowned restaurant, hotel, and a fast-casual lunch spot, all centered around its signature beef. The Harris Ranch Express BBQ combines a Shell station with a meat lover’s paradise, where the gas station counter also serves as a butcher's showcase, and a takeout window dishes out delicious Central California-style barbecue, focusing on the beloved tri-tip. While ribs and pulled pork are available, the star is the sliced tri-tip served on a hearty hoagie roll, which is a must-try. — LS

Ice Cream Sandwiches, Northern California

It’s-It ice cream sandwiches are a cherished treat in the Bay Area, crafted in Burlingame and available at gas stations across California. These delightful sandwiches feature ice cream flavors like vanilla, strawberry, cappuccino, and Nuggets—vanilla ice cream enveloped in chocolate and sprinkled with waffle cone bits—between two sturdy oatmeal cookies that won’t drip on your car seats. — KS

Fried Catfish, Seattle

For years, the outstanding hot bar at a 24/7 Shell gas station in Seattle’s Beacon Hill was a hidden gem. However, the secret is out, as local critics and TikTok influencers rave about its fried catfish, which is expertly breaded and perfectly seasoned. Don’t miss the garlic chicken wings and gizzards, best enjoyed fresh from the fryer, if you can catch them right after the trays are replaced (the helpful cashiers often share the scoop). — Gabe Guarente

Spam Musubi, Hawai’i

Spam musubi is a unique Hawaiian delicacy consisting of seasoned rice layered with Spam and wrapped in nori. This tasty treat can be found across the islands, often paired with some of the finest gas station offerings at local chains such as Aloha Island Mart, Kuntz Shoppette & Gas Station, and even 7-Eleven. — KS

Kayla Stewart is a freelance writer specializing in food and travel, currently residing in Harlem, with her roots tracing back to Houston, Texas.Naya-Cheyenne is a multimedia illustrator and designer who grew up in Miami and is now based in Brooklyn.