Gas stations may promise quick meals but often deliver regretful choices. Read on to discover which gas station hot foods to avoid for your health and taste buds.
1. Nachos
Tortilla chips covered in low-quality cheese sauce may seem like a quick snack, but they can lead to bloating and disappointment. Gas stations, such as 7/11, often use machines to distribute a cheese sauce that tastes more like plastic than real cheese. Instead of satisfying your craving, these nachos can leave you with regret and a craving for something more substantial.
2. Roller Grill Hot Dogs
The notorious roller grill at gas stations offers hot dogs that are often unsanitary and unappetizing. These exposed hot dogs can be a breeding ground for germs, making them best avoided. Even if you're a hot dog lover, the combination of questionable hygiene and stale toppings will spoil your appetite.
3. Buc-ee's Brisket
Famous for its brisket, Buc-ee's might lure you in, but its liquid smoke flavoring and high price tag — around $13 — doesn't align with quality. Authentic Texas BBQ is best enjoyed elsewhere. Skip the brisket that compromises traditional flavor for convenience.
4. Gas Station Pizza
Pizzas from gas stations like Kwik Trip often feature low-quality ingredients, resulting in a disappointing and unappetizing experience. The cheese can be gelatinous, and the toppings are typically processed and flavorless. If you’re in dire need of pizza, consider a simple cheese slice, but reheating it in the microwave may be the safest bet.
5. Breakfast Sandwiches
Often made with harshly microwaved ingredients, breakfast sandwiches are usually a regrettable choice. Most gas stations lack the culinary prowess to prepare fresh items, leaving you with tough, plastic-like eggs and overly processed meats. Choosing a cold option over a microwaved one might actually save your appetite.
6. Fried Shellfish
Eating shellfish from a gas station should raise red flags. Without proper cooking facilities or trained personnel, the risk of food poisoning is high. Even if you see fried shrimp po'boys available, it's wiser to indulge elsewhere. Stick to safer snack options to avoid health risks.
7. Tornados
Heavily processed taquitos called Tornados often spin around alongside hot dogs on roller grills. These can be greasy, stale, and suspect in terms of freshness. As they rotate and gather contaminants, it's best to steer clear of them altogether.
8. Kolaches
While kolaches are a beloved treat, gas station versions fail to deliver quality. The sausage inside often becomes rubbery, while the dough lacks flair. Consider finding authentic kolaches from local bakeries instead.
9. Bacon Cheeseburgers
Bacon cheeseburgers from gas stations may appear tempting, but they usually come with dubious bacon patties that defy the very nature of crispy bacon. Poor quality guarantees a disappointing meal, prompting you to reconsider that stop at the gas station.
10. French Fries
Gas station french fries are often overcooked and bland, proving to be utterly unappealing snacks. Typically baked instead of fried, they fail to satisfy your craving for something salty. Fresh isn’t a guarantee here, as you might have to wait a frustrating amount of time for them to be made.
11. Churros
These sweet pastries are beloved for their crispy texture, yet gas station churros often turn out soggy and limp from being on display for too long. A churro made fresh is a delight, but the ones you find at gas stations will likely disappoint.
12. Boiled Peanuts
A Southern classic can take a turn for the worse at a gas station. Often overcooked and too salty, gas station boiled peanuts lack the rich flavor of their properly prepared counterparts. If you’re craving a flavorful snack, seek out fresh, artisanal options instead.
Navigating gas station food can pose challenges, especially for those on long road trips. Recognize which items to avoid and save your taste buds from agony. Popular snacks from local eateries often deliver better flavor and health, so plan your stops wisely on your next journey.