In the South, cars are like a second home to us. We enjoy taking long road trips in the family station wagon and going for sunset drives in the countryside on warm summer nights. Whenever we hit the road, whether it’s for a short or long drive, you can bet that snacks will be a part of the journey. But we’re not talking about just any snacks like Little Debbie treats or bags of chips. We have a special menu reserved specifically for car travel, filled with all the irresistible treats you can only find at gas stations. Here are some of the most popular snacks to buy at a Southern gas station.
1. Pickle in a Bag
Why bring a jar from home when you can enjoy the salty tang of a giant pickle floating in its own neon juice right out of a convenient plastic pouch?
2. Golden Flake or Zapp’s Chips
Whether you crave crunchy, salty, spicy, or sour, Golden Flake (founded in Alabama) or Zapp’s (founded in Louisiana) chips have got you covered with flavors like Dill Pickle, Sweet Heat Barbecue, Voodoo, and Spicy Cajun Crawtators.
3. Pork Rinds
Satisfy your Southern cravings with these ubiquitous salty, crunchy, melt-in-your-mouth deep-fried pig skin morsels found in gas stations throughout the region.
4. Buc-ee’s Du Jour
A trip to Buc-ee’s is a memorable experience for every Southerner, offering a wide array of snacks including Beaver Nuggets, kolaches, peanut patties, and Sizzlin’ Saltines.
5. Boiled Peanuts
If you come across a gas station serving house-made boiled peanuts, consider yourself fortunate. These soft, delightful treats are irresistible, especially when flavored with a Cajun spice blend.
6. Gas Station Cake
Gas station cake may seem like an unusual combination, but these locally made cakes are a longstanding tradition in small towns and rural areas, coming in flavors like strawberry, vanilla, caramel, and Coca Cola Chocolate.
7. ICEEs
While not exclusive to the South, ICEEs are a must-have on hot summer days, with classic flavors like cherry and coke swirl being a popular choice.
8. Pickled Eggs
Don’t judge until you taste the sweet-tangy bite of a pickled egg, known for its bright pink hue and unique flavor.
9. QuikTrip Roller Grill Fare
The QuikTrip Roller Grill offers a variety of enticing cylinder-shaped foods like taquitos, egg rolls, smoked sausage, and hot dogs that are irresistible to Southern snackers.
10. Pecan Log Rolls
If you’ve ever been to a Stuckey’s, you’re familiar with the Southern-born pecan log rolls featuring a fluffy nougat center coated in a delicious blend of pecans and caramel.
Handcrafted caramel coated with pecan bits, delivering a decadent and delightful flavor. Check out the full article on Southern Living for more details.
