healthy road trip snacks at gas station

10+ Healthiest Gas Station Snacks {and What to Look For}

Whether you’re in your car all day, hungry after a long day of work, or about to venture on a long road trip – there is no denying the convenience of a gas station snack. You might be wondering if there is, in fact, a healthy option available. In this post, I will discuss what to look for when browsing and my recommendations for the healthiest gas station snacks.

Now, I am a self-proclaimed lover of snacks of all kinds. I believe there is a time and place for candy and chips, however, it’s always beneficial to have the knowledge to make more nutritious choices.

To complete this post, I actually went to the gas station and spent a lot of time reviewing different products. Now, what is considered “healthy” is subjective – and what my largest gas station has available might not be what you find at yours.

However, each snack has a description of why it’s healthy so that you can use the same principles to read food labels and figure it out yourself.

WHat to Look For in a Healthy Gas Station Snack

When selecting a healthy snack at the gas station or any convenience store, it’s important to read food labels and compare different products (if you have the time). Here are some specific principles to look out for on a nutrition facts label.

This post does contain Amazon affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I receive a small compensation if a purchase is made.

10 Healthiest Gas Station Snacks

The nutritional information for each serving is listed for each product with a brief description of what makes this snack “healthy”. Using these ideas and the principles above, it will be a breeze picking out a snack that suits your preferences.

Popcorn is generally lower calorie, gluten-free, and considered a “whole grain”. Usually the portion size for each serving is large – so it’s an ideal snack for volume eating.

What you have to look out for when it comes to popcorn is the sodium content. Compare the labels of different products to find a lower sodium popcorn.

Slim Kim Pepper Popcorn Nutritional Information:

• 150 calories per 5 cups.
• 21 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber.
• 0 grams of added sugars.
• 1% daily value of sodium (30mg).
• 3 grams of protein.

That’s It Bars

That’s It Bars are simple fruit bars with just 2-3 ingredients. The bars that I found contained just apples and blueberries.

They’re simple and sweet – high in natural sugars because they are made of fruit.

That’s It Nutrition Information:

• 100 calories.
• 26 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber.
• 0 grams of added sugars (19g total sugars).
• 1% daily value of sodium (25mg).
• 1 gram of protein.

Beef jerky is a lower calorie, higher protein snack that definitely has its’ place on the list of healthiest gas station snacks. The downfall is that it is higher in sodium (and expensive).

Jack Link’s 100% Beef Jerky Teriyaki Stick Nutritional Information:

• 70 calories.
• 4 grams of carbohydrates.
• 4 grams of added sugars.
• 23% daily value of sodium (520mg).
• 9 grams of protein.

Trail mix has the healthy fats and protein from the mixed nuts combined with sweet and delicious dried fruit.

The downfall to trail mix is that the portion size is smaller, and it’s easy to eat 2-3 servings of it.

Trail Mix Nutritional Information:

• 130 calories per 1/4 cup.
• 17 grams of carbohydrates (1g fiber).
• 5 grams of added sugars.

At most gas stations, you will find a variety of nuts and seeds. While they are higher in calories because of the fat content, nuts and seeds offer many nutritional benefits. They are typically good sources of protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

The healthy fat and fiber in nuts have protective effects against cardiovascular disease , diabetes, and possibly cancer.

Look out for the added salt content used for flavor, and compare different products to find a tasty yet healthy option.

Nutritional Information for Wonderful Sea Salt and Vinegar Pistachios:

• 170 calories per 1/4 cup.
• 6 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber.
• 9% daily value of sodium (210mg).
• 6 grams of protein.

These pistachios also contain 30% daily value of copper, 15% manganese, 6% magnesium, 10% phosphorus and 15% vitamin B6.

Cheese Sticks

Some gas stations have a refrigerated section with items like cheese sticks – which are a good source of calcium and protein.

Pepper Jack Cheese Stick Nutritional Information:

• 80 calories per cheese stick.
• 0 grams of carbohydrates.
• 6% daily value of sodium (140mg).
• 5 grams of protein.

Hippeas Chickpea Puffs or Chips

If you’re craving the crunch and saltiness of chips, the brand Hippeas offers a variety of healthier snack options. They are made out of chickpeas, so there is some protein and fiber in their products.

Hippeas Chickpea Tortilla Chips Nutritional Information:

• 140 calories per 9 chips.
• 16 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber.
• <1 gram of added sugars.

Quest Protein Chips

Another option for a crunchy, salty snack are Quest Protein Chips . These chips are made of whey protein and contain 20 grams of protein per serving!

They are much higher in sodium than most of the snacks on this list, but are a great option for a healthier snack.

Quest Protein Chips Nutritional Information:

• 140 calories per serving.
• 4 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber.
• <1 grams of added sugars.
• 14% daily value of sodium (320mg).
• 20 grams of protein.

I found these little serving cups of cereal on my gas station run. Here’s the thing: most cereal is packed with added sugar, but also fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Therefore, dry cereal could be considered a “healthy” snack when it comes to a gas station snack as it’s providing some nutritional benefits.

Frosted Flakes Nutritional Information:

• 130 calories per serving.
• 33 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber.
• 12 grams of added sugars.
• 8% daily value of sodium (190mg).
• 2 grams of protein.

Fairlife Core Power Protein Shake

These convenient Fairlife Protein Shakes really pack a nutritional punch. 26 grams of protein per shake and 0 grams of added sugars. They are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, too.

If not available at your gas station, compare the nutritional information of these shakes for one with a similar nutritional profile.

Fairlife Core Power Protein Shake Nutritional Information:

• 170 calories per 14 ounces.
• 8 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber.
• 11% daily value of sodium (260mg).
• 26 grams of protein.

ONE Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bar

As you can tell from this list, I have a preference for high protein snacks. If you’re trying to lose or maintain weight, a higher protein diet helps to preserve lean muscle mass and promote positive changes in body composition.

Again, if a snack is higher in protein it is more likely to keep you full – and prevent the need for additional snacks from the gas station.

ONE Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bar Nutrition Information:

• 230 calories per one bar.
• 23 grams of carbohydrates, 3 gram of fiber.
• 0 grams of added sugars (but contains sugar alcohols).
• 5% daily value of sodium (130mg).

Honorable Mentions

— Hard-Boiled Eggs: If available, hard-boiled eggs are a lower calorie yet filling snack option. — Graham Crackers: Perfect if you’re craving something sweet, yet lower in sugar than most convenience snacks. — Clif Bars: These bars are designed to sustain energy, and would be a good choice if you have a long time until your next meal. However, they are high in added sugars.

Related Posts:

— High Protein Vegetarian Snacks — Top 10 Frozen Convenience Meals

1600 Calorie High Protein Meal Plans

How to Consume 120 Grams of Protein Per Day with Meal Plans

Happy snacking.

I hope this post gives you the knowledge you needed to make more informed choices on healthy gas station snacks!

Which snack are you going to pick on your next trip to the gas station?

Alex Evink, MS, RD

Hello! I’m Alex Evink, Registered Dietitian (RD) for over 10 years and moderately messy mom to two girls. As a RD, I believe in evidence-based research – but I don’t believe in perfection. My life can be pretty messy but I do my best to keep a balance that works for me and my lifestyle. I’m a foodie at heart, love Taylor Swift and read books in my free time.

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Tasty Road Trip Snacks That Are Actually Good for You

Here’s the skinny on what snacks to pack ahead of time and what to look for on the road..

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Hit the road fully stocked with snacks that you won’t regret a few hundred miles down the highway.

Photo by Dino Reichmuth/unsplash

We’ve all had that moment at a gas station in the middle of nowhere: You’re several hours into the drive, the next rest stop is 50 miles away, and the only edible thing left in the car is half a pack of chewing gum. Faced with aisles full of candy bars, chips, trail mix, beef jerky, and energy drinks, what do you do?

It’s not a trick question—you can have your road trip snacks and feel good about your choices, too. Outlined below are the major food groups that will nourish your body, along with the best healthy road trip snacks to seek en route to your destination and which foods to pack before you hit the road.

What to Look for in a Healthy Road Trip Snack

Whether you’re staring down a gas station snack aisle or figuring out what to pack from home, here are four categories of healthy road trip snacks to look for:

• Protein: Protein isn’t just essential for body builders; your body needs it to keep all your organs running properly. High-protein snacks like eggs or nut butter will keep you fueled up and full for long stretches of driving.
• Healthy fats : Yes, there’s such a thing as fat that’s good for you . Polyunsaturated fats are required for basic bodily functions such as muscle movement, and because our bodies don’t naturally produce these specific fats, we need to ingest them through food.
• Fruits and vegetables : They contain vitamins and minerals that help form red blood cells, reduce cholesterol, and promote healthy bowel function.
• Complex carbohydrates : A major difference between simple and complex carbs is how quickly they’re digested. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and contain more fiber; both factors keep you feeling full longer.

Goodfish salmon skin crisps are a sustainable, protein-rich alternative to potato chips.

Courtesy of Goodfish

1. Salmon skin chips

Buy now : Goodfish starter pack, $25 for 8 bags, goodfish.com

If you’re an umami fan, Goodfish is about to become your go-to chip replacement. Packed with protein and omega-3 unsaturated fats, the paleo- and keto-friendly crisps are upcycled from Wild Alaskan Sockeye salmon skins that would otherwise go to waste.

2. Dry-roasted edamame or chickpeas

Buy now : Biena Sea Salt Chickpeas, $13 for four, amazon.com

Put down the Cheetos and reach instead for these salty finger foods. Legumes are high in protein and iron but low on carbs, making them a nutritious alternative to pretzels and other crunchy snacks.

3. Nut butter

Buy now : Justin’s nut butter; $10 for 10, amazon.com

Justin’s , Rx , and a number of other brands sell single-serving nut butter packets that nip munchies in the bud. For the full PB&J nostalgia experience with none of the additives, check out Split Nutrition squeeze packets, which combines a variety of preservative-free nut butters and fruit spreads to delicious ends. Embrace your inner first grader with peanut butter and grape jelly, or try the cashew butter with sour cherry spread.

4. String cheese

Mozzarella’s most snackable format is a good source of protein to keep hunger at bay. But don’t go overboard, cheese lovers—each serving contains almost as many grams of fat as protein, which adds up quickly when you’re sitting for long periods of time.

5. Hard-boiled eggs, greek yogurt, or pouches of tuna

Buy now : Itsumo all natural tuna packs, $25 for 5, amazon.com ; Chobani greek yogurt, $1 for 1, amazon.com

You may not care as much if you’re driving solo, but if you’re making the trip with other passengers, they may have unfavorable opinions about hard-boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, and pouches of tuna. All three of these foods are rich in protein and healthy fats, but they don’t smell the best, especially in tight quarters.

6. Nuts and seeds

Buy now : Wonderful salt and pepper pistachios, $4, amazon.com

Pistachios and walnuts are especially good finds as they’re low in calories and carbs, high in fiber and protein. Regardless of your chosen nut, look for options that are unsalted and free of additional flavors (like cheddar, ranch, and barbecue) that will decrease the nutritional value.

Buy now : New Primal Sea Salt Beef Thins, $40 for 8, thenewprimal.com or amazon.com

Again, go for the pure stuff when possible—no Slim Jims or teriyaki flavoring. Look for brands such as the New Primal , which is low in sodium and sugar, made from grass-fed beef, and free of monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Buy now : Sabra Classic Hummus Snacker, $3, target.com

As vegetarians and vegans know, hummus is an excellent source of protein. If you forget to pack hummus and baby carrots before you hit the road, keep an eye out for Sabra Snackers when you stop for gas. The single-serving cups come with pita chips or mini pretzels, making them both tasty and convenient.

9. Protein bars

Buy now: Oatmega Vanilla Almond Bars, $20 for 12, amazon.com or amazon.com ; Rx Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bars, $19 for 12, rxbar.com or amazon.com ; Exo Cocoa Nut Cricket Protein Bar, $30 for 12, exoprotein.com or amazon.com ; Primal Kitchen Coconut Lime Protein Bars, $24 for 12; primalkitchen.com or amazon.com ; Aloha Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Bars, $30 for 12, aloha.com or amazon.com

When all else fails, go for a protein bar. Just make sure you buy something that’s actually good for you, not a glorified candy bar that tastes like cardboard. Start with Bon Appetit ’s favorite protein bar brands, which include Oatmega, Rx , Exo , Primal Kitchen , and Aloha .

As if we needed another reason to love avocados.

Illustration by svtdesign/Shutterstock

10. Avocados

Remember to pack a spoon and a resealable bag where you can discard the skin and pit. Also note that this suggestion is for pure avocado, full of (healthy) monounsaturated fat, not guacamole. If you’re spooning store-bought guacamole straight from the container to your mouth, we have no less respect for you but do caution that some of the fruit’s nutritional value is going to be lost in the mix.

Buy now: Olove’s 50-calorie Packs, $29 for 30, amazon.com

Salty, refreshing, and immensely flavorful, olives are also chock full of healthy fats to keep you feeling good on the road. If you love olives but not enough to pack an entire jar, check out Olove’s 50-calorie packs .

12. Chia seeds or flax seed

Buy now: Organic Black Chia Seeds, $7, target.com

These snack ingredients require a little prep work. Plan on an overnight soak to make chia seed pudding for your road trip, pack flax seed crackers to go with hummus or avocado, mix either into overnight oats. Have fun with it.

Healthy fats are admittedly difficult to find at gas stations and convenience stores. Those driving on the West Coast may see single-serving cups of avocado spread, and smoothie chains such as Jamba Juice offer chia seeds as add-ins. Your best bet is to plan in advance and buy these kinds of snacks online or at the grocery story before you hit the road.

Balancy healthy fats with veggies such as celery sticks to avoid lethargy on long drives.

Illustration by LAN02/Shutterstcok

13. Sliced vegetables

Carrots and celery are high in fiber and water content, low in fat and calories. If you’re lucky enough to find either on the road, they’re usually paired with unhealthy dips such as ranch and cream cheese. Stop temptation in its tracks and pack your sliced veggies ahead of time.

14. Freeze-dried fruit and veggies

While freeze-dried snacks often resemble astronaut food, the resulting product tends to explode with flavor. (Don’t believe us? Try the freeze-dried strawberries at Trader Joe’s.) The crunch adds to the snackability, making it easy to ingest all those vitamins and minerals. You might even want to split this snack into portions so you don’t eat it all at once.

15. Vegetable juice powder

Buy now : Athletic Greens, $107 for 30 travel packs, athleticgreens.com

Concerned about the sugar in freeze-dried fruits and the lifespan of fresh vegetables in a hot car? Throw all your excuses out the window with vegetable juice powder, also known as green powder . Buy ahead of time and shake in a bottle with water or juice to power up on vitamins in a flash.

16. Pickles

Buy now : Old Bay Pickles, $12, mouth.com

This is one case in which you’d benefit from bringing the whole jar. The low-calorie snack is great for munching, and sipping on the pickle brine helps restore electrolytes .

17. Kind bars

Buy now: Kind Bars, $15 for 12, kindsnacks.com

These minimally processed bars are made from fruit, nuts, and seeds, ensuring you get all of the nutrients and none of the filler. Bonus: They’re gluten-free.

18. Fresh fruit

Depending on where you’re driving to or through, you may pass stands for fresh fruit. Support local farmers and stock up! What you find at these stands will likely be much fresher than what you would find at the grocery store.

19. Dried fruit

Buy now: Organic Dried Mango (with no added sugar), $14 for 1lb, nuts.com

This recommendation comes with one glaring caveat: Avoid anything with added sugar. If the ingredients list anything other than the fruit itself, reshelf that bag.

20. Coconut chips

Buy now: Dang Toasted Coconut Chips, $20 for 4, amazon.com

While not terribly filling, these crunchy nibbles will satisfy a sweets craving without breaking the caloric bank. We love the fun, Asian-inspired flavors by family-run Dang Foods .

21. Vegetable juice

In most cases, you’ll want to look for low-sodium V8 , which is available at most convenience stores. Check the nutrition facts before going to the register since excess sugar will negate a lot of the health benefits.

Pair the antioxidants in dark chocolate with the complex carbohydrates in popcorn for a highly addictive treat.

Courtesy of Drizzled Popcorn

22. Popcorn

Buy now: Drizzled Popcorn, $5, safeandfair.com ; Skinny Pop, $16, amazon.com

As is the case with nuts and jerky, steer clear of flavor additives. Skinny Pop is a good choice for basic, prepopped popcorn. For something dangerously addictive, try Safe + Fair’s Drizzled Popcorn , a very mild kettle corn with ribbons of dark chocolate. Your greatest challenge will be sharing with your fellow passengers—Drizzled Popcorn is that good.

23. Puffed rice cakes

Buy now: Qaker Lightly Salted Rice Cakes, $3, target.com

Think of these plain rice cakes as fiber-rich vessels for more flavorful items in your cooler, such as hummus, avocado, olives, or nut butter.

24. Overnight oats

Get the recipe: Overnight oats, loveandlemons.com

Dress up your plain, rolled oats with almond milk, yogurt, fruit, sliced nuts, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or anything else that strikes your fancy. The more you load up on things you love, the more likely you are to reach for the overnight oats instead of pulling over for fast food at the next rest stop.

25. Whole-grain crackers

Buy now: Triscuit original, $3, amazon.com

In this case, you’ll want to look for function over flavor . Try to find something with at least four grams of fiber. Then pair the crackers with string cheese, a Split Nutrition packet, or another tasty ingredient you’ve packed for the road.

How to pack your road trip snacks

Don’t wait until you’re on the road to find out how long cheese and hard-boiled eggs last without refrigeration. These four pieces of gear will help prevent the majority of your road trip snack woes.

Pack a cooler

Buy now: Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler, $200, yeti.com

Keep perishable items chilled with a cooler that’s made for long hauls. The Roadie 24 Hard Cooler from Yeti is slim enough to squeeze behind the driver’s seat, tall enough to fit a bottle of wine (just saying), and insulated enough to keep ice frozen for four or more days . When you’re toting snacks such as string cheese, pickles, eggs, tuna, or yogurt, your passengers will thank you for keeping everything nice and chilled.

Remember the ice packs

Buy now: Yeti Ice, from $15, yeti.com

Avoid the hassle of discarding melted ice and refilling the cooler at gas stations and motels by bringing reusable ice packs. Yeti sells three different sizes of its ice packs, which reach lower temperatures than water-based ice and stay cold longer. When the durable packs finally do begin to thaw (exact timing depends on the size of the ice pack and the quality of the cooler), they do so without leaving “sweat” or condensation behind, meaning you won’t need to worry about damp or soggy treat containers.

Save space with collapsible containers

Buy now: Prepworks Collapsible Storage Bowls with Lids (Set of Three), $15, bedbathandbeyond.com

Even the most spacious car cabin has limited real estate, so do yourself a favor and pack homemade snacks in Tupperware-style containers that are not just reusable but also collapsible—the less room you occupy with clunky, empty containers, the better. The set of three by Prepworks includes multiple sizes in bright colors that make them hard to lose. This versatile set is also safe to use in microwaves, freezers, and dishwashers, making them a convenient addition to any food storage collection.

Consider reusable cutlery

Buy now: Sea to Summit Delta Cutlery Set, $10, moosejaw.com

While treats such as popcorn and carrot sticks are ideal finger food, not all snacks are created equally consumable. Sure you could eat avocados and overnight oats sans cutlery, but the car upholstery will never forgive you. Rather than creating waste with disposable utensils, invest in reusable cutlery that will also come in handy on a camping trip. The Delta Cutlery Set from Sea to Summit includes a fork, a knife, and a spoon, connected by a carabiner clip for both easy removal and easy organization.

>>Next: The 17 Best Weekend Bags for a Quick Getaway

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9 Nutritious and Filling Gas Station Snacks, According to R.D.s

By Audrey Bruno

When you're on the road for a long period of time, odds are you're going to get hungry at some point. But the further you drive, the fewer eating options you'll notice you have, and when your stomach does start to growl, the nearest gas station may be your only option.

Though gas stations may be famous for their slushies and lukewarm hot dogs, there are actually a number of healthy snacks that they also offer. Lots of registered dietitians spend time on the road for work, so they know the ins and outs of roadside snacking, including which pit stop snacks are worth your time. So whether you're on a road trip, or you need a bite ASAP and a gas station is just what happens to be nearest, these are your nine best snack options, according to R.D.s.

If you'd rather not deal with hunger pangs throughout the rest of your time on the road, you're best off picking up a protein bar at the nearest gas station. Of the different brands you'll find at most stores, Lindsey Pine, M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D, C.L.T, owner of Tasty Balance Nutrition , tells SELF that RX Bars are a great choice. She says these bars come in a bunch of different delicious flavors (like chocolate sea salt and peanut butter), and they'll keep you full for longer thanks to all the protein, plant-based fats, and fiber they have from the nuts, dates, and egg whites they're made with.

Popcorn may be a movie snack, but it also tastes great when you're driving. Edwina Clark , M.S., R.D., recommends picking up brands like BoomChickaPop if you see them at the gas station, because they're as satisfying as your favorite salty chip, but with way less sodium. Bonus: She says you'll get 3 grams of fiber from a 3 cup serving—a good reason to eat more if I ever heard one.

"Packed with healthy fats and protein, raw or dry-roasted nuts make a great, long-lasting snack when you're on the road," says Clark. Which nuts, though? Amy Gorin, M.S., R.D.N., owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City-area, tells SELF that her favorite is Wonderful Pistachios. "I love that gas stations sell the 5-ounce package of these in-shell nuts," she explains, "[they] offer a trio of plant-based protein, fiber, and healthy fats...and shelling the nuts makes eating the time pass more quickly in the car!"

String cheese— not just for kids , according to Pine. "Not only is string cheese fun to eat," she says, "but it also contains calcium, protein, and is pre-portioned for you. At the gas station, Organic Valley Mozzarella Stringles, which happen to be one of the winners of this year's SELF Healthy Food Awards .

Hard-boiled eggs may seem basic, but they can be exactly what you need to feel satisfied, because each egg has about 7 grams of protein, Pine tells SELF.

If you want a salty snack with lots of crunch, but you're allergic to nuts, Pine says sunflower seeds make a great substitute, and you can always find them at gas stations. "Not only are they filling from the fiber, protein, and healthy fats," she explains, "but the seeds are also rich in vitamin E." And who doesn't love spitting sunflower seeds out the car window? (Or is that just me?)

"If you love crunchy, salty snacks, you'll adore chips made from beans," says Pine. Beanfields are her favorite brand of bean chips, and she can almost always find them at gas stations near her home in LA. She likes them because they have way more protein and fiber than your typical potato chip, but they're just as satisfyingly salty.

"Bananas are a quick, nutritious, and affordable source of energy," Clark explains, "With 3 grams of fiber and 422 mg of potassium per serving, bananas can help offset the effects of sodium, and promote digestive health." So if you're prone to traveler's constipation (sitting still on a road trip can make it happen to the best of us), reach for a banana. Pair it with peanut butter for something even more satisfying, she says.

"I'll often pick up this snack from a gas station while I'm on a road trip," Gorin explains. She loves Sabra's Hummus snack packs, because they come with the hummus and the chickpeas all in one convenient package. "You get 11 grams of protein from this snack, which helps to keep you satiated," she says.

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

Fuel up with healthy snacks at gas stations

By Lara Clevenger, MSH, RDN, CPT

| Published: November 7, 2023

Discover guilt-free indulgence with this guide to healthy snacks at gas stations. Grab nutrition on the go.

Gas station snacks have a reputation for being unhealthy and loaded with calories, sugar and preservatives. But not all gas station snacks are created equal.

With a little knowledge and some careful choices, you can find nutritious and satisfying road trip snacks to keep you energized. This article will guide you through the gas station aisles to discover some of the healthiest snacks that will leave you feeling good about your pit stop.

Healthy snacks at gas stations

Healthy snacks at gas stations don’t have to be complicated. At most convenience stores you’ll have a plethora of snacks to choose from. You’ll even be able to find keto snacks.

“As a sports dietitian, I am commonly asked, what is the best healthy gas station snack to choose? While eating on the road is a challenge, I try to emphasize protein, fat and fiber options to stay fueled.”  — Leah Reitmayer, MS, RD, CSSD, Lettuce Eat Dessert

Fresh fruit cups

Many gas stations now offer fresh fruit cups with a mix of seasonal fruits like sliced apples, grapes or melon. These are an excellent choice for a quick vitamin and fiber boost. They’re refreshing and a healthier alternative to sugary snacks.

“Most gas stations have bananas, apples and even pre-cut fruit like watermelon in their fridge section.”  — Nicole Ibarra, RD, LD, Altitude Nutrition & Fitness

Nuts are packed with healthy fats , protein and fiber. A small handful can keep your hunger at bay and are delicious, too.

“While we try not to buy snacks at gas stations, sometimes we get desperate, especially on long road trips. My favorite healthy snack to buy at a gas station is a pack of nuts. I’ll usually go for almonds or peanuts, preferably unsalted.”  — Sarita Harbour,  An Off Grid Life

Greek yogurt

Some gas stations stock Greek yogurt cups with no added sugars. Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and probiotics, which is good for promoting a healthy gut.

“Greek yogurt is a good source of protein and can be found in the refrigerated section of gas stations. You can add some granola, fruit or nuts to make it a more satisfying snack.”  — Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, One Pot Wellness

Hummus and veggies

Many gas stations now carry single-serving hummus cups with baby carrots or celery sticks. This combination provides a satisfying balance of protein, fiber and vitamins. The hummus adds flavor and creaminess to your snack.

Protein bars

While not all protein bars are created equal, you can often find healthier options at gas stations. Look for bars with minimal ingredients, high protein content and low added sugars. These bars can keep you full and provide a quick energy boost.

“I love RX bars. They have only five ingredients and are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Plus, most gas stations have them.”  — Shelby, Fit as a Mama Bear

Hard-boiled eggs

Some gas stations offer pre-packaged hard-boiled eggs , which are an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. They’re a convenient and healthy gas station snack that’s perfect for a quick pit stop.

If you’re a fan of meat snacks, opt for beef or turkey jerky. Look for brands that have minimal additives and lower sodium and sugar content. Jerky is a protein-packed option that can satisfy your cravings and keep you full during your journey.

“I love recommending Beef jerky as a great snack option because it’s loaded with protein. Opt for a zero-added or low-sugar option if possible. Pair it with some whole-grain crackers for extra fiber. This snack combination is delicious, filling and nourishing.” — Maya Oueichek, MBA, RDN, MayazBites

Staying hydrated is crucial during long drives. Choose protein shakes , kombucha or unsweetened beverages like herbal tea or sparkling water. Avoid sugary sodas and energy drinks, as they can lead to energy crashes and dehydration.

“Looking for a refreshing drink when on the go at a gas station? Fairlife’s Core Power Drinks are high in protein, low in added sugars and lactose-free. They often have chocolate, strawberry and vanilla flavors available to satisfy any sweet tooth while keeping your blood sugars stable throughout the day.” — Jamie Adams, MS, RDN, Well Nourished Mamas

“When I’m in a rush and don’t have time for a full meal, I’ll stop at a gas station for a crisp, cold Olipop. With 9 grams of fiber, only a few grams of sugar and over a dozen flavors to choose from, I always feel satisfied and know I’m making the best decision for my blood sugar and gut health.” — Kaytee Hadley, MS, RDN, IFMCP, Kaytee Hadley

Eating healthy on the go is not as challenging as it may seem. With a bit of mindfulness and the right choices, you can find nutritious snacks. Even peanut butter can work in a pinch at gas stations to fuel your body without derailing your diet.

Remember to read labels, opt for whole foods and keep portion sizes in check. The next time you’re on a road trip or simply need a quick snack, consider these healthier options to keep you energized and feeling great.

Lara is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Personal Trainer. She is also a photographer and recipe developer and has a food and travel blog Lara Clevenger . She shares easy recipes that are mostly low-carb, along with some bowling and travel adventures. Whether you’re cooking with an air fryer, Blackstone or Instant Pot, she has you covered with healthy recipes.

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30 Healthy(ish) Road Trip Snacks To Bring on Your Next Adventure

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We share our favorite road trip snacks (and which types of snacks you should definitely avoid!) 

We lived on the road for over two years, and we also run a camp cooking blog. So we feel uniquely qualified to share our thoughts on what foods make great road trip snacks. We have given this topic A LOT of thought. 

We’ve learned a lot over the thousands of miles we’ve travelled and countless hangry meltdowns we’ve had, and we’re excited to share our best road trip snack recommendations with you. 

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We feel snacks are an essential part of any long distance road trip . And we never leave home without them! 

Sometimes you need a little energy boost, sometimes you need to stabilize your blood sugar, and sometimes you need to munch on something just to stay alert and keep blood flowing to your brain.

Snacks can also dramatically improve the overall road trip experience. They turn an otherwise monotonous process into a moveable feast. 

Below we share our thoughts on what snacks you should bring on your next road trip (and which snacks you shouldn’t). 

What snacks should you bring on a road trip?

This will largely depend on your personal taste, but the general rule is that road trip food should be easy to access and easy to consume. They should keep your body fueled, your blood sugar stable, and your mind alert. Keep reading for some of our favorite suggestions!

While there are lots of foods that are great for long road trips, there are few food categories you will absolutely want to avoid. 

Here are some of the worst foods for a long road trip: 

• Food that creates lots of crumbs or waste (e.x. crackers, pistachios) 
• Powdery foods (e.x. Cheetos)  
• Greasy or oily foods (e.x. olives) 
• Foods with strong smells (e.x. some soft cheeses, bananas) 
• Foods that can spoil on a dime (e.x. avocados) 
• Food in excessive packaging

Eating While Driving 

Snacking while driving can be done safely if you have taken the time to properly set up your cab area beforehand. Food should be within easy reach and not require you to take your eyes off the road. 

When driving with another person, delegate as much as possible so you can stay focused on the road. For example, asking them to grab a snack, unwrap it (if necessary), and hand it to you.  

While eating on the road is possible, whenever possible, we highly recommend stopping at roadside rest stops. Taking a 10-15 minute break to eat, go to the bathroom, stretch, and readjust your setup is sooo worth it. 

We know the urge to press on is strong, but taking a few small breaks can improve everyone’s mood. 

The Best Road Trip Snacks 

These are some of our favorite road-tripping snacks. We’ve personally consumed every item listed below at some point or another and can attest to their roadworthiness and superior snackability. 

Greenbelly Meal Bars

Taking a page from hikers & backpackers, these Greenbelly meal bars contain 650 calories per serving, which is as much as a complete meal. While we don’t recommend skipping meals on the road, if you need to, one of these could be a good option.

Energy Bars

There are a million kinds of energy bars, so our advice is to go for variety. Just stay away from those super crumbly ones like Nature Valley. Here are some of our favorite brands: Bobo , RX Bars , GoMacro , Lara Bar , Dang , Aloha , and 88 Acres Seed Bars .

Energy Cookies 

If you prefer your energy bars in a circular form, then perhaps you would be interested in the growing energy cookie sector. (This is just a way to stand out from the 8 billion energy bar brands!) Nevertheless, we are fans of MunkPack Cookies and Lenny & Larry Cookies

Fig Newtons

Fig Newtons are by far our preferred road trip cookies. They’re soft, don’t generate crumbs, and are absolutely delicious. 

Nut Butter Packets

Yum Butter nut butter packets make them super easy to eat while on the road. Sometimes we eat it straight from the packet, but it would also be good with sliced apples or bread if you’re taking a break at a rest stop. This resealable squeeze packet means you don’t have to dirty a knife or spoon to scoop it out of a jar.

Roasted Rye Chips 

Rye chips are our go-to gas station pick up. They are fairly robust and don’t generate crumbs like other chips. When compared to the other deep-fried options in the chip aisle, this is on the healthy-ish-er* side of the spectrum. 

*Healthy, only by comparison to other very unhealthy options. 

The Good Crisp Co. 

While these potato chips violate our no-crumb rule, these Good Crisp Co. chips are just too good to leave out. These are basically a healthier version of Pringles and feature the same cylinder, which protects the crips from getting crushed. 

Chocolate Covered Espresso beans

These are a great little caffeine and sugar burst all at once. We like to reserve these guys for the end of our trip when we’re likely at our most fatigued. 

Yogurt Covered Raisins

These are a real treat and can easily be picked up at a bulk bin in most grocery stores. If you are able to keep these chilled in a cooler, we highly suggest it! 

Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels 

We love these things. We often pick them up from Trader Joe’s and Quinn’s makes a gluten-free version you can find on on Thrive Market . We find that the bags tend to split down the middle, so we like to repack these into a sealable container or a big ReZip bag . These also make great hiking snacks !

Fresh no-peel fruit 

Grapes are great for road trips because they don’t need to be peeled and don’t have cores. Apples and pears are also good options. Oranges, clementines, and tangerines will hold well in a sealed container if you peel and segment them ahead of time.

*Do not throw fruit cores (or anything else for that matter) out the window. Just because something is biodegradable doesn’t mean it will decompose sitting on the shoulder of the freeway. It just attracts wildlife, which leads to more roadkill and more accidents. 

Fresh Vegetables

Fresh vegetables are one of the healthiest road trip snack options out there. Baby carrots, sliced cucumbers, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes are all super healthy and easy to eat while driving.

Veggie Chips 

Veggie chips are another snack we often pick up at the bulk bin or from Nuts.com . These are the perfect “bored/hungry” snack and don’t need to be refrigerated.

Plantain Chips

Healthier than potato chips, less pungent than a fresh banana, plantain chips are slightly sweet, salty, and crunchy—which checks a lot of boxes!

Opt for trail mix with large pieces. You don’t want to deal with a handful of finely chopped nuts and tiny seeds. They’re just going to get all over the car. The bigger the pieces, the better. 

We prefer cashews or almonds when driving. They are big enough to easily handle and don’t need to be shucked. Peanuts are just a little too small for us and pistachios and sunflower seeds are the worst.

Cheese 

Hard cheese that doesn’t need refrigeration is a great option. We also LOVE the Trader Joe’s Baked Cheese Bites as well as Parmesan or Cheddar Whisps (the latter are a bit less sturdy though).

Jerky And Meat Bars

Unlike a lot of the carb-heavy options on the list, Jerky and meat bars have some serious sticking power. We are big fans of Epic Provisions, Wild Zora, and other meat products that don’t have a ton of additives (looking at you Slim) 

If you or your road trip buddies tend to feel a little queasy on those winding roads, ginger is a natural way to settle your stomach without causing drowsiness like over-the-counter meds can. We like to keep a bag of Gin Gins ginger chews in our snack bin for this reason.

Need help staying alert while driving? In addition to the usual caffeinated remedies, there has been a lot of scientific evidence that suggests that the act of chewing gum can help focus and alertness.

Masticating (the act of chewing) increases blood flow to your head and helps increase cognitive ability and focus. So if you often get drowsy when driving, consider picking up a pack of gum . 

Best Road Trip Drinks 

This is where having a small soft sided cooler really comes in handy. After a couple of hundred miles, a cold drink can really make a big difference to revive you. 

Sparkling water/seltzer

Take it from us, it’s really easy to get dehydrated on long drives. So be sure to drink water along the way. There’s a world of sparkling water out there, but our favorite brand is Spindrift ! 

Iced coffee

A can of iced coffee or even nitro cold brew coffee can be a great pick-me-up to carry you through that final stretch. 

Another lightly carbonated, non-alcoholic option, kombucha is another one of our favorite drinks on the road.

Best Road Trip Snacks For Kids 

If you’re road tripping with kids, having a strong snack game is an absolute must! Some enticing snacks may not prevent a meltdown entirely, but it can buy you some time. 

However, unlike snack time at home, the kids will be strapped in the backseat. So whatever snacks you choose, they’ll have to be able to deal with themselves.

Sliced vegetables 

Cut slices of bell pepper, carrot, celery, or snap peas are a great snack option for kids since they are healthy and don’t have the potential to become a mess or leave crumbs everywhere.

Fresh fruit

Likewise, fruit that has been pre-sliced makes a great snack for kids. Choose fruit that isn’t overly juicy or soft. Apples, pre-peeled oranges, and grapes (for older kids) are good places to start. 

To keep apples from browning, try soaking them in a water & lemon juice bath for a few minutes before packing them.

String cheese

Kids love these and they’re a great way to add some protein into their diet. Ideally, these should be chilled in a cooler or insulated lunch bag.

Kid-sized energy bars

If the kids see mom or dad partaking in an energy bar, you can bet they’re going to want one too! These “kid-sized” bars are a great way to include them, without having to split your own bar!  Clif Minis and Lara Bar minis are a good place to start.

Annie’s Snack Mix

You’ll probably be cleaning these out from between the car seat cushions, but this is just such a popular snack – particularly if your kids like salty & crunchy things. For toddlers, pair this type of snack with a snack-catching cup, like this one by Munchkin .

Annie’s Bunny Grahams: 

Annie’s Bunny Grahams are usually a crowd favorite! Since they are bite-sized graham crackers, there won’t as many crumbs left behind as there would with full-sized graham crackers.

Mini Peanut Butter Sandwiches

Bite-sized mini peanut butter sandwiches are perfect for little hands. They are a nice balance of carbs, protein, and fats to help satiate your backseat companions.

Organic Fruit Tape

Ok, fruit rolls might not make it to the top of every parent’s “Healthy Road Trip Snacks” list, but they are just so nostalgic for us! 

This version is organic and made from real fruit and not much else, so it’s gotta be healthier than whatever we were eating in the 90’s, right?

These can also be used (leveraged?) as a reward or perhaps as a last resort if things start to really go sideways.

Helpful Snacking Items

You don’t need much, but there are a few pieces of gear that we find to be very useful on long haul trips. 

Soft-Sided Cooler : Generally speaking, you should select road trip snacks that don’t need refrigeration. But having a way to keep some items cold can be very helpful—particularly fresh fruits & veggies. 

Mini Trash Can / Large Sealable Container : We like to keep a mini trash can or sealable container nearby to help us keep the front cab area clean and tidy. Don’t let this be you . A clean, uncluttered car can really improve your overall driving experience. 

Insulated cup with lid : An insulated cup with a lid can keep your morning coffee hot or your afternoon kombucha cold for hours. It can really extend the enjoyability range of your beverage.  It’s also reusable, so your car doesn’t fill up with paper coffee cups.  

ReZip Bags : Ditch the single-use baggie, and consider using these reusable zip bags instead. They are great for sliced fruit and veggies, bulk bin items, or pre-portion out serving for kids. 

Wet Wipes : Sticky, greasy fingers are the worst. Having some easily accessible wet wipes handy is a great idea. 

Megan & Michael are the creators of Fresh Off The Grid, a blog dedicated to helping you fuel your adventures by sharing camp cooking recipes, backpacking meals, and outdoor travel guides. Their recipes and outdoor cooking expertise have been featured in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, REI Co-Op Journal, Food & Wine, and New York Times Cooking.

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I love pistachios. I buy a big, shelled bag at Costco for road trips. And no shells!

Oh, smart! I love pistachios, too, but always find the shells to be a hassle. Good to know you can pick them up pre-shelled!

I really enjoy reading all your tips and tricks from your various trips. They are all SO helpful and well communicated. Keep ‘em coming!!

I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks, Danielle 🙂

I love you guys! Such good ideas and great information. I’ll be looking into an Oregon trip for sure!

17 Healthy Gas Station Snacks for Hungry Travelers

Sticking to a healthy diet can feel extra challenging when you’re on the road. You need to refuel but the food sitting in your campervan cooler won’t cut it. It’s tempting to pull into that fast food drive-thru line, but you don’t want the wasted money or empty calories. 

Can’t you just get a healthy snack to tide you over until your real dinner?

Enter: healthy gas station snacks

You may think, “is it possible to have healthy snacks at a gas station?” But actually,  many gas station chains have upped their game in terms of offering healthy food and clean facilities. You can find most of these snacks at any gas station chain!

Healthy Snacks Quick List

• Fresh Fruit
• Tuna Packet
• Veggie Packet
• Hard-Boiled Egg
• Dark Chocolate
• Dried Prunes
• Greek Yogurt
• Hummus Packet
• String Cheese
• No-Sugar-Added Applesauce Cups
• Peanut Butter
• Protein Bar
• Protein Shake
• Sunflower Seeds

What is a "Healthy" Snack?

A healthy snack option is one that’s low in calories and saturated fat /sugars but high in protein and/or complex sugars. If you aren’t sure if a snack is healthy, keep in mind that less processed snacks will almost always be healthier–opt for fresh, raw products (fresh fruit, vegetables, organic or unprocessed breads).

And yes, you can find healthy foods at most gas stations. Let’s quickly review each healthy bite found at gas stations.

17 of the Healthiest Gas Station Snacks

1. Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruits such as apples and bananas are rich in fiber, which will help you feel full and satiated longer. Apples are also rich in vitamin C and bananas rich in potassium, which are both great for keeping your immune system up to snuff. 

Yes, they both have sugar, but it’s naturally-occurring complex sugars that your body will burn more slowly than overly-processed sugars. This also helps avoid getting a sugar high and then crashing. 

Oranges, grapes, pears and berries are also fresh fruits that are packed with nutrients your body will thank you for!

2. Tuna Packet

Tuna is insanely rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are the good kinds of fat that help lower cholesterol and improve heart and brain function! They also come in tasty seasoned packets, such as ranch or lemon pepper flavor. Pair tuna with pretzels or pita chips for the healthiest carb options.

Tuna is a popular diet food because it’s very low in “bad” fats, but very high in protein. Protein helps you feel full, so you can get away with feeling fuller on less calories when you eat tuna.

3. Veggie Packet

Of all the healthy gas station snacks, this probably is the healthiest–good ‘ol veggies ! Gotta love the crunch of carrots, and they are rich in vitamin C and calcium. Celery is technically a “negative calorie” food because your body burns more calories digesting it than what’s actually in it. This makes celery a great diet food. 

You can typically either find baby carrots or vegetable packets like the one shown above at gas stations. All other veggies have health benefits. They help your body get the nutrients it needs–and help keep your digestive track regular.

4. Beef Jerky or Turkey Jerky

Like tuna, beef jerky is super low in fat and very high in protein, making it a power food. But let’s be clear: Slim Jims do NOT count as beef jerky! Turkey jerky is an even lower-fat option than beef jerky and packs a similar protein punch.

Since jerky is just dried meat, you can easily work through a bag of it over the course of a week. No refrigeration needed!  Also like tuna, it comes in all sorts of smoked, spiced, or unique flavors.

5. Hard-Boiled Egg

Hard boiled eggs are low-calorie and nutrient-dense. Another great source of protein, they can help you feel satiated for hours after eating. Hard-boiled eggs are healthier than fried or scrambled eggs because they are simply cooked in water, as opposed to oil or butter. 

The egg yolk has some healthy fats and the egg white has virtually no fat (and hardly any calories either) while still being protein rich.

6. Dark Chocolate Squares

If you’ve got a sweet tooth and just need chocolate, try opting for dark chocolate over milk or white chocolate. Dark chocolate has MUCH less sugar and is packed with iron–a critical component for your body’s health!  Dark chocolate is also a great source of fiber. 

The darker the chocolate, the more cocoa it contains (and the less sugar). Cocoa is rich in antioxidants, helping reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol. I usually opt for 60% or 72% dark chocolate.

7. Dried Prunes

Dried prunes are relatively high in calories, but the good kind that will keep you running with consistent energy levels. Prunes are a great source of both insoluble and soluble fiber. While insoluble fiber will keep you poopin’ like a king, soluble fiber is good for digestion and helping the body absorb nutrients.

8. Greek Yogurt

The (much) healthier alternative to regular yogurt is Greek yogurt ; it has nearly half the carbs and sugar but twice the protein. If you opt for the unflavored Greek yogurt, you’ll save yourself even more calories and sugar! Add blueberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor and “healthy” complex sugars.

Don’t be fooled by the pre-made yogurt parfaits at gas stations. The yogurt and granola are loaded with carbs and sugars, and not much else.

9. Hummus Packet

Get your veggie servings in a different style by picking up a hummus packet ! Hummus is simply ground chickpeas with some flavoring and oil. It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein and goes well with pretzels, carrots, pita chips or celery. 

10. Raw Nuts

All nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats! The healthiest nuts are almonds and pistachios, with lower fat content but protein and nutrient-rich. 

A bag of roasted, salted mixed nuts will still be lightyears healthier and more filling than a bag of chips, but the healthiest option will be raw nuts. Since raw nuts aren’t baked or roasted, they aren’t coated in oil and haven’t lost nutrients that are literally baked out of them. And if they aren’t salted, then you save yourself a lot of sodium intake, which means less bloating and water retention.

11. String Cheese

Cheese gets a bad rap sometimes, but string cheese is impressively low in fat and insanely high in calcium, vitamin D and protein. Classic string cheese is made of mozzarella cheese, which is one of the healthier cheeses (a relatively low-fat and low-calorie cheese). 

While mozzarella cheese sticks will be healthiest snack option, other types of cheese sticks include colby jack and cheddar (still much healthier snack choices than a bag of chips!) Also, string cheese is just fun to eat.

12. Applesauce Cups with No Added Sugar

This snack might be harder to find at gas stations, but it’s a healthier twist to a childhood favorite. Applesauce cups without added sugar are a great source of fiber and vitamin C–just like a regular apple! It’s important to only buy the cups without sugar added, because regular applesauce is loaded with added sugars. 

13. Peanut Butter

Not only is good ‘ol peanut butter totally versatile, but it’s also rich in omega-6 (fatty acid) that can help improve heart health! These are healthy fats.

Yes, it’s high in calories (and processed peanut butter contains quite a bit of sugar), but it has high levels of protein which helps you feel full for hours. 

You can pair peanut butter with so many different snacks– celery, apples, bananas and pretzel are my go-to! Opt for raw or unprocessed peanut butter if you have the option.

14. Protein Bar / Shake

You’re sure to find a huge variety of protein bars at most gas stations. Protein bars are designed to be protein-dense and low in sugar. If you’re more in the mood for a liquid, protein shakes can pack the same nutritional punch. These protein-filled snacks are also rich in vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Some people don’t like the chalkiness of protein bars or shakes–but they’ve come pretty far in how tasty they can make some of these! Check the number of grams of protein on the protein bars to decide which high protein snack suits you best.

PRO TIP: Granola bars are NOT the same as protein bars. While some granola bars are protein rich snacks, most of them are simply processed sugars and carbs. If you opt for a granola bar, try a minimally processed one like an RX Bar or one with full raw nuts inside of it such as a KIND bar .

15. Pretzels

If you really need to crush that urge for carbs, try opting for pretzels instead of fried potato chips. Pretzels are baked instead of fried in oil and are essentially just wheat flour! They aren’t as loaded with random chemicals and preservatives as most chips, and they have a healthy amount of iron and B vitamins. They also make a great pairing with peanut butter or hummus–which will help you feel fuller for much longer!

16. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a great healthy snack because they’re rich in vitamins and nutrients such as copper, manganese and selenium, and healthy fats. They also force you to eat them slowly since you have to de-shell each one, which is better for your digestive track.

The only catch with sunflower seeds is that you have to stop yourself from eating the whole bag! Since they are relatively high in calories, try to eat just 1-2 ounces (30-60 grams) per day.

17. Trail Mix

Trail mix offers a variety of nuts that provide all sorts of healthy fats, nutrients, vitamins and minerals–and protein! Sure, there’s some processed sugars in the M&Ms or candy bits in the trail mix, but if you stick to single serving packets, then you don’t need to worry about overdoing it on the sweets.

Combining Healthy with Convenient Snacks

After nearly two years of living full-time van life, I’ve collected this list of healthy gas station snacks in order to save my own waistline and wallet.

After all, you can already be a healthy weight and just looking to maintain–healthy snacks aren’t just for people on diets.

Growing up, road trips meant junk food. It was one of the rare times that my parents would let us kids pick out candy and chips, probably in hopes of keeping us distracted! 

But once I entered full-time van life, I quickly realized I had to redefine what my road trip snacks looked like. Otherwise, I was looking at a lot of empty calories, weight gain, and lost money (junk food is expensive!) 

So, I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of what I consider the healthiest snacks you can find at just about any gas station chain. Most of them are going to be cheaper than that expensive bag of chips or candy you want to buy, also! 

Need some easy cooking recipes for your campervan? Check out three of my favorite meals that all use similar ingredients!

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Transparency note: please keep in mind that some links in my articles may be affiliate links, to which I may make a small commission at no extra to you, should you book travel or buy a product or service through one of these links. I only recommend products or services created by brands I know and trust. 

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10 Healthy Snacks for Your Next Road Trip

Ditch the potato chips and gummy bears, and instead bring along these nutritious and portable snacks that registered dietitians recommend.

Cheese, nuts, popcorn, and fresh fruit and veggies are healthy portable snack options.

On road trips, it can be easy to satisfy a grumbling belly with stops at gas station convenience stores and fast-food drive-thrus. But the sweet and salty fare at these spots can invite overindulgence and leave you feeling rotten in the long run. Those processed foods can send your blood sugar soaring, only for it to drop dramatically a short time later, according to research , and that can make you feel sluggish. Not exactly what you want when trying to stay alert and focused while driving.

“It’s so easy to eat the entire bag of chips or brightly colored candy when you are bored with nothing but the highway in front of you,” says Cordialis Msora-Kasago, RDN , a Los Angeles–based dietitian and founder of the African Pot Nutrition.

Rather than tossing a bag of chips and a package of gummy bears into the back seat, you may have to do a little prep work to pack healthy snacks for your road trip. Here, we show you the way.

Tips for Packing Healthy Road Trip Snacks

“Plan like you would pack your outfits,” says registered dietitian nutritionist Caroline West Passerrello, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who’s based in Pittsburgh. Passerrello suggests thinking about what you like to eat and how long you anticipate being on the road when you’re planning your snacks. Think about what matters most to you and prioritize from there: health, convenience, cost, or some combination.

There’s nothing wrong with including a favorite snack that doesn’t rate high on the nutrition scale. You just want to keep moderation in mind. “It’s okay to include a packet of chips in your snack stash, but balance it out by including plenty of colorful produce,” says Msora-Kasago.

And, of course, some foods don’t lend themselves well to travel. “Nothing spoils a terrific road trip quicker than food poisoning and the consequent gas station restroom stops,” says Msora-Kasago. “If you must pack potentially hazardous foods such as eggs, chicken, tuna, and yogurt, be sure to pack them in a cooler that will keep pesky bacteria at bay.”

One more tip when planning your stash of healthy road trip snacks: Make sure they’re easily accessible, Passerrello says. If you stow them away deep in the trunk, you won’t be able to get to them when you need them — and that might tempt you to stop for fast food or packaged snacks at the gas station.

Healthy Road Trip–Friendly Snacks

Try some of these 10 snacks on your next road trip.

Dried meat with seasoning is a perennial favorite, but “I’m not talking about your father’s beef jerky,” says Brenda Braslow, RDN , a Denver-based registered dietitian nutritionist for MyNetDiary. You can pick from beef, turkey, and salmon with various flavors, all of which are very similar in nutrient content, though it can vary from brand to brand. Some brands of all types are higher in sodium, protein, and fat than others, so be sure to read the labels carefully before you buy. If you’re following a plant-based diet , check out mushroom jerky for a similarly chewy snack that’s free of animal products.

Blueberries

In the summertime, blueberries are a smart seasonal choice for the road. Plus, they’re really good for you. A cup of blueberries contains only about 85 calories,  according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) , and less than ½ gram (g) of fat. And you’ll get 3.6 g of dietary fiber and 14.6 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C, making them a good source of the nutrient. “Blueberries are easy, super healthy, and offer a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness to eat while on the road. Wash them, let them completely dry, then bag so they are ready for the perfect road trip snack,” says Braslow. And don’t forget to keep them in a cooler so they don’t spoil.

7 Health Benefits of Vitamin C

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Snack-sized cheese.

You can freeze these if you need them to last an entire day of travel, but they’ll be fine for about two hours, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . Per the USDA , one 28-g stick of low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella cheese from Polly-O has 80 calories and 7 g of protein, as well as 150 mg of calcium, making it a good source.

Fresh Veggie Strips

For a low-calorie, nutritious snack, Msora-Kasago suggests opting for colorful fresh sliced veggies like bell pepper strips, carrots, celery, and cucumbers. Red bell peppers, for one, are an excellent source of vitamin C with 118 mg per sliced cup, according to the USDA . Stash them in a cooler so they stay cool and crisp — and more appealing when you’re rummaging around for something to nosh on.

Grapes travel well and are easy to pack, in addition to being a healthy snack, says Kathy Isacks, RDN, CDCES , who is also a registered dietitian nutritionist for MyNetDiary in Denver.  A 100-g serving of red or green grapes contains less than 70 calories, according to the USDA , and 1 cup is a good source of vitamin K and offers some potassium. Wash a bunch of grapes, stash them in a bag or covered container, and then eat them. One caveat: If you’re packing snacks for small children, whole grapes can be a choking hazard, so you may want to either cut them into sections or choose something else.

Nuts are nutrient dense, but they’re calorie dense, too, so watch out for serving sizes. For example, one serving of almonds (about ¼ cup, or 23 nuts, according to the  Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health ) may range from 160 to 200 calories. In a 1-ounce (oz) portion of almonds, you get 164 calories, 14.2 g fat, 6 g of protein, 6 g carbs, and 3.5 g of fiber (a good source), per the USDA .

Nut Butter Packets

Nut butters come in several varieties such as almond , cashew , peanut , walnut , or various blends, as the USDA notes. When prepackaged into pouches, nut butter can travel well, says Passerrello; just knead and squeeze. They can give you a nice boost of protein, and some versions are even sugar- or salt-free. One almond butter option without added sugar comes from Yumbutter , which contains 4 g of fiber, a good source, and 7 g of protein per 2-tablespoon (tbsp) serving. As with whole nuts, enjoy nut butter in moderation, as it is dense in fat and calories.

Dried Fruit

You have tons of options when choosing dried fruit: from raisins and cranberries to mangoes, pineapple, and apricots. Dried fruit doesn’t take up a lot of room, and it’s not messy. Depending on what you choose, dried fruit can provide a significant amount of nutrients, including potassium and fiber, according to one study . Looking for the best bang for your nutritional buck? Research suggests choosing dates or figs. One thing to consider: Are you likely to eat a lot of dried fruit quickly without realizing how many calories you’ve consumed? “Dried fruit is concentrated,” says Passerrello. “There is more sugar and fiber in it [cup for cup], so you want to be mindful of portion sizes.” One ounce of raisins will provide about 85 calories , while one dried plum contains about 23 calories , according to the USDA.

Make your own prepackaged bags of air-popped popcorn to take on the road. It’s a whole grain, according to the American Heart Association , and the USDA reports that 2 cups of unsalted air-popped popcorn contain about 2.4 g of fiber, which can help you feel full longer. Plus, the snack contains antioxidants like polyphenols . But go easy on the salt, and perhaps use a heart-healthy oil instead of butter.

Passerrello recommends a balanced mix of three foods: whole grains, dried fruit, and nuts and seeds. Pick one item from each category, and blend. “It doesn’t have to be expensive,” says Passerrello. “It just has to be what you’ll eat.” Again, remember that nuts and dried fruit are nutrient dense but also calorie dense, so watch out for portion size.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

• Fuhrman J. The Hidden Dangers of Fast and Processed Food. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine . September–October 2018.
• Blueberries, Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture . October 30, 2020.
• Four Steps to Food Safety: Clean, Separate, Cook, Chill. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . August 9, 2023.
• Mozzarella Low-Moisture Part-Skim Natural String Cheese, Mozzarella. U.S. Department of Agriculture . March 19, 2021.
• Peppers, Sweet, Red, Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 1, 2019.
• Grapes, Red or Green (European Type, Such as Thompson Seedless), Raw. U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 1, 2019.
• Almonds. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health .
• Nuts, Almonds. U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 1, 2019.
• Nuts, Almond Butter, Plain, Without Salt Added. U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 1, 2019.
• Nuts, Cashew Butter, Plain, Without Salt Added. U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 1, 2019.
• Natural Peanut Butter. U.S. Department of Agriculture . December 6, 2019.
• Walnut Butter With Cashews. U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 1, 2019.
• Sullivan VK, Na M, Proctor DN, et al. Consumption of Dried Fruits Is Associated With Greater Intakes of Underconsumed Nutrients, Higher Total Energy Intakes, and Better Diet Quality in US Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2016. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics . July 2021.
• Vinson JA, Zubik L, Bose P, et al. Dried Fruits: Excellent In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidants. Journal of the American College of Nutrition . February 2005.
• Raisins, Dark, Seedless (Includes Foods for USDA’s Food Distribution Program). U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 1, 2019.
• Plums, Dried (Prunes), Uncooked. U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 1, 2019.
• Popcorn as a Snack: Healthy Hit or Dietary Horror Show? American Heart Association . June 18, 2019.
• Snacks, Popcorn, Air-Popped (Unsalted). U.S. Department of Agriculture . April 1, 2019.
• Coco MG Jr., Vinson JA. Analysis of Popcorn (Zea Mays L. var. Everta) for Antioxidant Capacity and Total Phenolic Content. Antioxidants . January 14, 2019.

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7 Healthy Snacks You Can Get At A Rest Stop

7 healthy road trip snacks you can get at a rest stop, more from diet & nutrition, r29 original series.

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Best Gas Station Snacks

September 22, 2023

When you think of healthy and nutritious food and where to find it, gas stations are definitely not the first place that pops into your mind. They might even be the last.

However, when you’re on the road, gas stations are one of the easiest places to stop and get food, especially when you’re driving long-distance. You can’t always pack food to bring with you, and even if you do, you might get hungry later during your long car ride and need some snacks.

While there are tons of unhealthy road trip snacks to get at gas stations, don’t worry, there are also healthier options you can enjoy.

So, here are the best gas station snacks you can get on your road trip. Most of these are pretty healthy and actually good for you so you don’t have to worry about ruining your healthy diet while on a trip, and all of them will also hit the spot when you need to take a break and have something to snack on.

One of the best snacks you can get at a gas station is a bag of mixed nuts. It gives you protein, healthy fats, and dietary fiber, so it’s not only tasty, but good for you as well. Nuts are rich in essential nutrients like magnesium, vitamin E, and antioxidants. These nutrients can give you energy for the day and for your road, and help keep hunger levels down. If you’re on a weight loss journey, be mindful of portion sizes, as nuts are usually calorie-dense.  

Greek Yogurt

Some gas stations offer Greek yogurt cups, which are great sources of protein, calcium, and probiotics for digestive health. Because it contains good amounts of protein, greek yogurt can give you an energy boost for your trip, which can especially be helpful for those long car rides. If you want the healthiest option, you should opt for the plain, non-fat variety to keep added sugars to a minimum. For a well-rounded snack, you can add fresh fruit on top or a drizzle of honey for extra flavor.

Fresh Fruit

Another amazing snack from the gas station is fresh fruit. While not all gas stations have fresh fruit, those bigger ones usually do, so if you find one that has it, this is the snack to get. Fruit has tons of nutrients and vitamins, so it’s healthy for you. Plus, fruit usually has lots of natural sugars, so it will give you a quick energy boost and keep you awake. Most gas stations will have fruit such as bananas, apples, oranges, and maybe berries.

String Cheese

String cheese can give you protein and calcium, so it’s a good option for a road trip snack. It can help keep you full and it can give you some energy for the day. One stick of string cheese gives you about 6-7 grams of protein, so that’s a good snack serving. If you want to make your snack a bit bigger, you can pair it with some nuts or fresh fruit.

Trail mix can also be a balanced snack option. Trail mixes usually contain a combo of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Because of all of that, you get healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates, which give you energy. If you’re on a weight loss journey, just like with nut mixes, you should keep track of the portion you’re eating, as they can be higher in calories, but they’re a much better option than lots of other unhealthy snacks that are available at gas stations.

Beef jerky is very delicious, and if eaten in moderation, it can be a good snack option. It’s packed with protein and it’s low in fats and carbs. However, it can often be very high in sodium, so you don’t want to go overboard when eating it. It’s great that you’re going to get lots of protein, which gives you energy, but you don’t want to eat too much sodium.

Veggie Chips

Veggie chips are an amazing snack option. First of all, they give you the crunchy texture you’re probably craving, but without the trans fats and all of the not-so-great stuff that comes with regular potato chips, Doritos, Cheetos, and similar. Okay, sure salt and vinegar chips, nacho cheese Doritos, and flaming hot Cheetos are probably tastier than veggie chips, but if you’re looking for a healthy snack, that’s a much better choice. 

Protein Bars

Protein bars can be a really handy snack for those long car rides when you need something to pick you up. The protein content will give you energy, but make sure to look for those with little to no added sugar, to keep them as healthy as possible. There are lots of different flavors and flavor combinations that you can choose from, so you’ll definitely be able to find something you like.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Some gas stations also have pre-packaged hard-boiled eggs. While they can’t be found at every single gas station, if you do manage to find them, these can be great options for a snack. One or two eggs can be a great protein-packed snack to give you an energy boost, or you can eat one egg and maybe pair it with string cheese.

Hard-boiled eggs are also one of the great brain food snack ideas , so they’re definitely very good for road trips.

Popcorn can also be a good gas station snack, especially if you find the air-popped ones. If you’re looking for the healthiest option, you should look for air-popped ones with no added flavor (cheese or butter ones usually have more calories and fats).

Dried Seaweed Snacks

If you’re looking for a salty and crunchy snack that’s lower in calories, dried seaweed snacks can be a great option for you. They have vitamins and minerals, and as they’re not high in calories, they’ll work for you even if you’re on a weight loss journey. While their flavor is unique, if you like them, it can be something you can easily snack on without any guild of ruining your healthy diet.

Dark Chocolate

If you want a sweet snack, dark chocolate can be a great option for you. They’re much healthier and better for you than candy bars with all of that added sugar, and dark chocolate actually has some health benefits and helps with mood, energy, and memory. Just make sure to look for those with at least 70% cocoa content to maximize the benefits.

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The best gas station snacks to fuel you at the same time as your car

Pull into the station, gas your car and then swarm the store: this is the time to go nuts on your feasting!

Few things are as satisfying as an epic multi-day road trip , cruising for days with people you adore hanging out with. And when you pull into those towns whose names you don’t even know because you need to gas up, you’re going to want to stretch your legs and check out the snacks in the convenience store. These happy treats help you stay alert with a quick, modest feast. Gas stations aren’t known for their fancy food, but when you’re emerging from the confines of the car, anything tastes great. But we want to help you select the best snacks to fuel your ten-minute stay. Here they are, in reverse ranked order, so you can work your way to the top. Enjoy the tasty journey!

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Best gas station snacks

21.  chex mix.

What we love about this snack is how crispy it is. It’s a great stress-reducer (did you miss that left turn at Albuquerque?) to grind through big handfuls of it, with its dark and light (wheat and corn) cereal pieces, rye chips, mini pretzels and mini breadsticks, all covered in a savory seasoning. In January, Chex teamed with Sir Mix-A-Lot to release a video “Bagel Is Back,” riffing on his hit “Baby got back,” to let people know that bagel chips are once again returned to the mix.

20.  Toblerone

Even though this delicious chocolate bar is straight from Switzerland, it can be found in pretty much any candy aisle. It’s a bit of European elegance, and the subtle crackle of embedded almond nougat makes this a delicious choice. Inside the wrapper, the triangular shapes make it easy to break off individual pieces to share around the car—the little pyramids may remind you of the Matterhorn on the packaging.

19.  Miss Vickie’s Jalapeño Kettle Chips

These are spicy—just enough to get you sitting with better posture in your car—but not crazy hot; they’re perfect. Miss Vickie’s a real person who first started making chips in 1987 with potatoes from her family’s third-generation farm. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives in these, so munch away without regrets.

18.  Flavor-Blasted Goldfish

We know toddlers love plain goldfish, but when you choose the flavor-blasted variety, you’re showing how open you are to dramatic experiences, and how very grownup you are. These are fun to hold individually between thumb and index finger, which maybe slows down our voracious devouring of this cute little seafood. As Dory would say, just keep driving.

17.  Snyder's of Hanover Honey Mustard and Onion Pieces

These pungent honey mustard and onion-flavored pretzel chunks aren't great for a romantic road trip with a new love interest. But for all other travel circumstances, they'll do just fine. Do yourself (and your car-mate) a favor and grab a pack of gum as a palate cleanser.

16.  Honey-roasted Peanuts

Admittedly not the sexiest snack on this list, honey-roasted peanuts are more of a sleeper hit that you should stash away in your glove compartment for a long stretch of freeway driving. Equal parts savory and sweet, these dressed-up nuts hit the spot when you're fresh out of podcasts and miles from your destination.

15.  Pickle in a Bag

You'll giggle like a pre-teen when you see it: a full pickle floating in brine packed inside a clear plastic bag. You're going to want to open this sucker before hopping back in the car—be sure to drain the juice and hang onto the bag for handling purposes.

14.  Mamba Fruit Chews

We're not trying to pick a fight, but Mambas beat Starbursts any day of the week. The chew is a bit more satisfying, and the flavors are slightly creamy. Each pack contains 18 individually wrapped fruit chews in four flavors (lemon, orange, raspberry, and strawberry), so it's easy to make them last for a few days if you have the willpower.

13.  Sour Worms

Sugary worms coated in even more lip-puckering sour sugar? They're nutritionally null, but these neon-hued creepy crawlers will provide the short-lived energy boost you need to make it through the final slog of your journey.

12.  Taquitos

Repeat after us; you are not above gas station taquitos. These cylindrical handheld treats beckon from the roller grill near the register. Go ahead and give in—whether you like 'em stuffed with cheese and chicken or laced with jalapeño cream cheese.

11.  S’mores Pop-Tarts

Gas stations aren't exactly known for their breakfast options unless you delight in green bananas and sugary lattes (and if you do, no judgment!). But if you venture into the snack aisle, you might find a little blue packet of hope in the form of Pop-Tarts—s'mores are the way to go, sunshine!

10.  Takis Fuego

Worried that you're dulling your taste buds on bland fast food burgers? Bring them back to life with Takis Fuego, which boasts the terrifying tagline "A bite of lava." These addictive rolled tortilla chips are seasoned with hot chili pepper and a hint of lime, so grab a drink from the cold case to tame the heat.

9.  Salt and Vinegar Chips

The open road is the perfect place to rediscover an old favorite, and who doesn't have a soft spot for salt and vinegar chips? Whether you like the kettle variety or the good old-fashioned oil-dappled kind, the allure of tongue-puckering vinegar is irresistible. Pair it with something chocolatey for the ultimate match.

8.  Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn

The happy medium between butter-drenched movie theater popcorn and dried-out "health" popcorn, Smartfood's white cheddar variety tastes indulgent (cheese powder for the win!) without the caloric overload.

7.  Cheddar Cracker Combos

Combos are quite possibly the ideal savory snack for the road. They're not greasy like chips, and they wear their flavor on the inside, so your fingers won't be coated in cheese powder after devouring a bag. You'll find them in a variety of flavors—from pepperoni pizza to buffalo blue cheese—but cheddar cracker is an untouchable favorite.

6.  Peanut M&M’s

Can't decide between salty and sweet? Chocolate-coated roasted peanuts should do the trick. Easy to pop on the go and perfectly sized to stash in the cupholder, peanut M&M's are a classic car pleaser—no matter who you're traveling with.

5.  Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

Sorry, drivers; this one is for co-pilots only—unless you're cool with coating your steering wheel in bright-red Cheeto dust. The mess factor of consuming these cheesy puffs is balanced out only by the tongue-tingling reward that comes with them. Here's hoping you packed some Wet Naps!

4.  Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies

If the last time you saw or tasted a Cosmic Brownie was in the school lunchroom circa 1990, it's time to change that. These fudgy, sprinkle-topped morsels live up to the hype your 6-year-old self remembers. Plus, they'll be gone too fast to make a mess of your car.

3.  Beef Jerky

For the practical and responsible traveler, jerky is absolutely clutch. High in protein and low in calories, these lean strips of dried meat are easy to devour on the go and leave you feeling full until you pull off the road for lunch. And if beef isn't your jam, most gas stations now carry alternatives like turkey, pork, and bison. And for vegetarians: broccoli jerky. JK!

2.  Snickers

When you boil it down, Snickers might just be the world's perfect candy bar. Nougat, caramel, peanuts, and chocolate combine to create a mélange of texture and flavor. Plus, you're bound to spot those iconic blue letters no matter where you're pulling over.

1.  Nacho Cheese Doritos

If we could choose just one road trip snack for the rest of our lives, we'd have to go with a big bag of Doritos. And when it comes to these flavor-dusted, triangle-shaped chips, Nacho Cheese is boss (sorry, Cool Ranchers). Every morsel delivers a bold, cheesy flavor to light up your taste buds. And no, we'd never judge you for licking your fingers clean after plowing through a bag.

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The Best and Worst Gas Station Snacks To Grab on Road Trips

Posted: February 5, 2024 | Last updated: February 5, 2024

The best part of a road trip is the snacks. Memories of popping into a gas station during the drive and picking out the best chips and candies to fill our stomachs overwhelm us with a wave of nostalgia. We dissect our favorite gas station snacks and the ones we tend to avoid based on years of family road trips and excursions.

Who can go wrong with a spicy corn chip coated in fiery-lime-tinted red spice? Takis’ taste lingers long after finishing the bag, and the addictive chips keep customers craving more.

No snack appeals more to a long-haul road trip than a salty slab of vacuum-sealed jerky. Jerky is a protein source with a long shelf life, making it the perfect on-the-road snack, especially when traveling through varying temperatures.

3. Pretzels

Satisfying crunch ensues when biting into a crispy wheat flour snack dotted with salt. Unlike other snacks, pretzels do not leave a sticky residue on fingers after consumption.

4. Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn

Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn is a snack that curbs appetite but leaves fingers sticky with white cheddar dust. The kernels maintain a lighter personality than other popcorn brands with more intense flavor, yet it’s difficult not to indulge in the whole bag.

5. Gatorade

Recharge electrolytes and refuel with a cool, refreshing sip of Gatorade. The energy drink comes in numerous flavors, but our favorite is grape. Yes, we said it. Grape Gatorade is the superior flavor.

6. Peanut M&M’s

Combine two delicious snacks in one gas station purchase with Peanut M&M’s. A chocolatey layer encapsulates a solid peanut for a perfect combination of the greatest candy merge of all time.

7. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos

While hot snack enthusiasts know Takis and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos offer varying kinds of spice, not everyone understands the differences. Takis pack a limey, crunchy punch while Flamin’ Hot Cheetos’ spicy, cheesy flavor dissolves onto the tastebuds, growing in heat after each bite.

Who can go wrong with a gas station donut? Gas station/convenience store chain Wawa supplies customers with delicious donut flavors like Boston Cream, glazed, Apple Fritters, and holiday specials. A bite into a gooey glazed donut cures any bout of road rage.

9. Jolly Rancher Gummies

Jolly Rancher Gummies are perfect for our non-gelatin-consuming friends looking for a satiating gummy treat without the animal by-product. Jolly Rancher Gummies come in a few flavors (our hearts hold a special spot for the wild berry flavor) and they taste like hard candy.

10. Sunflower Seeds

Live out your baseball player daydreams with a pack of salted (or unsalted, we won’t judge) sunflower seeds. Peel off a sliver of the package, sling a salty sunflower seed snack into your mouth, and enjoy.

11. Almonds

If you’re looking for a snack without added fats, sodium, carbohydrates, or any additive and preservative prevalent in many snacks, opt for plain, unsalted, unflavored almonds. The tasty nut fills cravings and contains vital nutrients like magnesium, vitamin E, and fiber.

12. Granola Bars

Granola bars are another snack that give a surge of energy — but check the label since some brands hide unhealthy ingredients. Nutritional granola bars lean on generous portions of protein, like nut butter, seeds, nuts, and oats.

13. Gummy Bears

On special occasions, we pick out a bag of gummy bears to acknowledge our inner child and revert to memories affected by the adorable, squishy candy. We eat the strawberry, lemon, and orange bears first, saving up our favorite flavors, pineapple and raspberry, for the final bites.

14. Spicy Nacho Doritos

Forget traditional flavors like Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch — elevate the tastebuds with a bag of Spicy Nacho Doritos. These chips deliver a tasty, spicy, and sweet but not overbearing cheese flavor perfect for a satisfying snack that focuses on several flavors.

15. Cheez-It

Extra toasty, regular, white cheddar and the endless Cheez-It options (gas stations hold bags with mixed flavors) serve as fabulous snacks during long car rides. Each bag contains a good amount of crackers, each with a delectable flavor and gratifying crunch.

16. Ice Cream Bars

As children, we flocked to the freezer boasting frozen sweet treats in the corner of the gas station. Ice cream cookie sandwiches, fudge bars, and popsicles overflow the freezer and it’s a perfect stop for snackers searching for sweets.

17. Sour Gummy Worms

Sour gummy worms intrigue the part of the population that enjoys the sting of sour sugar dancing atop candy, causing facial winces and visceral reactions. For those who appreciate sour candy’s acidic bite, sour gummy worms prove their worth.

18. Pickle-In-A-Pouch

“Get your pickle in a pouch! Get your pickle in a pouch!” Nothing says gas station snacks quite like a giant dill pickle stuffed in a plastic pouch. Van Holten’s Pickle-In-A-Pouch’s flavors range between hot pickles, sour pickles, run-of-the-mill dill pickles, and even pickle-flavored popsicles.

19. Funyuns

When fast food onion rings don’t hit the spot, stop by a gas station for a bag of onion-ring-shaped cornmeal chips. Funyuns’ flavor introduces a salty, zesty smack with each bite.

People who don’t like Combos enjoy lying to themselves. The pretzel-rimmed, cheese/pizza/spicy-filled snack attracts such a polarizing crowd that even those who love the crunchy snack feel the urge to admit its faults. Combos do not contain the healthiest ingredients and they may leave consumers with upset stomachs after ingesting a whole bag. But what snack doesn’t?

21. Rice Krispies Treats

Rice Krispies Treats is another snack that launches us back to childhood. The packaged marshmallow cereal delights materialize in a picturesque square parcel, perfect for children and adults.

22. Trail Mix

Trail mix may be a less healthy snack than you think, depending on the ingredients and additives pumped into the bag. Healthy trail mixes contain nuts, seeds, sweet scoops of chocolate or peanut butter chips, and coconut, while less healthy versions include excess amounts of sugar and heavy sodium levels.

23. Skittles

Taste the rainbow, Skittles’ famous slogan states. Red, orange, yellow, green, and purple morsels make up the traditional flavor, while blue hues and pink come with the tantalizing wild berry set.

24. Boiled Peanuts

Boiled peanuts decorate the menu inside southern gas stations. Raw or green peanuts go into boiling water for hours to gain that signature salty seasoning. Bite into the boiled shelled-product, eat the peanut, and slurp the residual salt water sitting in the shell.

25. Cheddar Bugles

These salty corn snacks bear a pointy, 3-dimensional triangular form. The snack comes in cheddar, plain, pizza, and churro flavors. Kids (and adults, let’s not discriminate) adore putting their fingers in Bugles and running around with witch fingers.

26. Zapp’s Chips

The Louisiana specialty prides itself on its kettle style and rich flavored chips. The Voodoo style (our favorite) mends a few popular tastes together. The first crunch introduces a pungent salt and vinegar taste, then it swims to a sweeter barbeque flavor and cements the taste with a jalapeno kick.

27. Pork Rinds

Standard pig skin may not strike a snacker’s fancy, but boiled, chilled, fragmented, slow-cooked, and fried skin of the pig might! Pork rinds (snackified pig skins) endure a tedious process to produce the salty chip alternative perfect for meat lovers.

28. S’mores Pop-Tarts

Pop-Tarts sell multiple flavors, but what better way to celebrate a car trip than with a snack dedicated to the campfire tradition of s’mores? S’mores Pop-Tarts roll the best tastes from s’mores — dreamy chocolate with roasted marshmallows and hints of graham crackers — into one delectable any-time food.

29. Honey Buns

Honey Buns ward off hunger for a few hours and include the right amount of sugar and sweetness to gratify passengers with a strong sweet tooth. Many gas stations sell Little Debbie’s Honey Buns, a fried yeast pastry containing honey and cinnamon and topped with icing.

30. Sour S’ghetti

Sour S’ghetti candy suggests the candy comes across as a sour, lip-puckering sweet treat, but the stringy rainbow confection tastes more sweet than sour. Just like spaghetti, the more eaten, the more craved.

We venture to the abysmal side of gas station snacks. Sushi, produce, perishable, and fresh items… gather around.

Chefs don’t prepare the sushi in front of gas station customers, and while that doesn’t turn away some people, it should when raw fish is in the picture. No one knows the actual life of the raw fish menu item nor the bacteria brewing beneath the plastic wrap.

32. Egg Salad Sandwich

A Three Forks Voice columnist wrote about the jarring experience of a friend eating a gas station egg salad sandwich. She missed the school lesson warning kids to stay away from gas station sandwiches. Shortly after devouring it, she bolted to the bathroom for a horrendous experience.

33. Hot Dog

Ever noticed a slew of hot dogs rolling on an endless griller? Ever spotted an employee switching them out for new ones? Do the workers clean the grillers every day? The hot dogs stay on the griller without proper protection from exposed bacteria and harmful chemicals.

Gas station fruit tempts people searching for a healthier snack option, but the shelf life does not. According to an article published on Yahoo Financ e , gas station fruit lives on the shelves much longer than grocery store produce.

35. Vegetables

Similar to fruit, vegetables in gas stations stay on the shelves for longer periods than veggies in grocery stores, according to Yahoo Finance. With a longer shelf life, bacteria, flies, and germs reside on top of the veggies.

Lettuce spoils quickly. A pre-packaged salad might stimulate senses and pull customers toward the healthier choice, but always inspect the package. Check for wilting pieces and souring ingredients.

37. Hard Boiled Eggs

A hard boiled egg enthusiast defended the use of preservatives in packaged hard-boiled eggs. That works for him, but it rubs us the wrong way. Hard-boiled eggs peppering gas station shelves soak in additives — citric acid and sodium benzoate are just two of the chemicals.

38. Burritos

Typically, burritos contain meat, cheese, sauce, and maybe sour cream or guacamole. Together, those fresh ingredients birth a tasty concoction, but when left sitting out on reheaters, exposed to stale air, bacteria that cause foodborne illness can penetrate the tortillas.

Slices of pie or miniature handheld versions of the pastry delight those with sweet tooths and fulfill sugary cravings. At gas stations, pies, like most gas station treats, might bake underneath a blazing lamp that dries out the moisture and wicks away the flavor.

40. Burgers

An investigative report from HuffPost found that gas stations making burgers and other hot sandwiches stacked the meals, leaving the burgers on top colder than those closer to the hot grill. Selling a burger at an inadequate temperature violates health standards and invites bacteria into the meat.

A few years ago, gas station patrons opted for a serving of chips and cheese, unaware of the ensuing hospital trip. Nine people rushed to the hospital  and one person passed away after consuming nacho cheese from a California gas station. The culprit? A batch of botulism.

42. Egg Rolls

A cylindrical pastry stuffed with meat and veggies plummets into a deep-fryer, creating a caramel-colored snack. Gas station egg rolls live for hours on rotating rollers, watching all passersby breathe and reach over them. After the first few hours, they may grow stale or attract bacteria.

Gas station pizza reheats under the glaring, fluorescent light of a warmer. LEAFtv states that food warmers max out at four hours. After that time frame, the warmers begin drying out and warping the food.

Cold food must occupy a refrigerator set to 40 degrees or colder to maintain freshness and avoid harmful bacteria growth. Hot food must harbor a minimum internal temperature of 135 degrees. Sometimes, workers stack wraps on top of one another, keeping them away from the heating or cooling element necessary to remain safe for consumption.

Fresh tacos ooze flavors, dripping palatable sauces, queso fresco, and guacamole, but a gas station taco, wrapped in cheap paper, remains under the infamous warmer until one unlucky soul picks it up. Workers don’t assemble the tortillas upon order, so at best, customers receive warmed, withered shells of tacos.

The innards of a soda machine can harbor pools of bacteria and harmful viruses due to high moisture levels. The cherry on top? No one knows how often the workers clean the machines. Stick to bottled beverages.

Gas station employees undertake plenty of tasks during a shift, and changing out coffee may border on the lower end of the priority list. Avoid grabbing an old cup of Joe by purchasing a bottled caffeine beverage or asking the worker to make a fresh batch.

Always check the expiration date on gas station foods. Milk comes and goes through the door at frequent intervals, so the dairy drink is a safe bet, but other dairy products sit on the shelf for copious amounts of time.

49. Slushies

Customers can’t witness the cleaning schedule of every machine inside a gas station. Sure, the managers post machine maintenance, but who checks the validity of the schedule? Without proper cleanliness, slushie machines grow mold , emitting traces of the bacteria into drinks.

50. Breakfast Sandwiches

Ensuring food safety is the highest priority for restaurants, but gas stations don’t adopt the same priorities. These quick snack aisle stations don’t come equipped with proper heaters or refrigerators to keep the sandwiches at safe temperatures for human consumption.

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Kazan Travel Guide - Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Kazan Travel Guide – Perfect Your Travel Itinerary

Craving a one-of-a-kind, awe-inspiring trip to a place of ancient histories, visually spectacular, and spiritual marvels? The Kazan Travel Guide has everything you need to get just that.

Kazan is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic, also known as Russia’s third capital. Just an hour-and-a-half flight away from Moscow, this beautiful and thriving metropolis has a centuries-old history. Founded in 1005, Kazan is one of Russia’s oldest cities (older than Moscow) with sites and architecture reminiscent of its glorious 12th-century reign by the river Kazanka. The multiethnic region is famous for the harmonious co-existence of many different religions, whose sculpted sacred sites are some of the world’s most beautiful buildings. You’ll find a sublime fusion of Tatar and Russian culture in this city, creating a glorious melting pot of different cultures. Whilst predominantly Muslim, you will find all religious backgrounds within the republic. Discover how easy it is to be entranced by the captivating Kazan – it is even worth making a detour on the Trans-Siberian Railway for.

This Kazan Travel Guide will help you plan everything down to preferred months of travel according to seasonal highlights, main attractions, meals from our pick of Tatar cuisine delicacies, methods of transport, and activities from morning until noon.

Table of Contents

Why travel to Russia’s Kazan?

Kazan kremlin.

This UNESCO listed fortified citadel is the most familiar landmark of Kazan. Kazan Kremlin is full of cozy parks, picturesque streets, delectable foods, and beautiful sites. Take a tour through the only surviving Tatar fortress in Russia and lose yourself in its Middle Ages era splendor with this heritage-listed site. Many of the Kremlin’s architectural wonders are sculpted by the famous Postnik Yakovlev and Ivan Shirjay, recruited by the Tzar. Kazan Kremlin is also home to the Söyembikä Tower and museums, where Kazan’s extensive history and legends take centre-stage. Many also flock to the multi-faith place of worship for its glorious sculpted sacred sites such as Kul Sharif Mosque.

Söyembikä Tower

Kazan’s tiered tower of Soyembika, also known as the leaning tower or ‘Khan’s Mosque’ is the highlight of Kazan Kremlin. Its construction is recorded by scholars to date back as far as the 16th century, whose age-old history is expressed in some of its majestic colonial architecture. The colours are stunning in summer, and even in winter, the snow creates a fairytale-like scene. Once inside, you should pay attention to the haram carpet and elaborate details on the ceiling. Romantic and mystic legends surround the tower and the only woman to rule the Kazan Khanate for which it’s named after. It is said to be the same tower that led the beautiful Princess Syuyumbike to her death, built for her by Ivan the Terrible who seized Kazan in 1552 and then demanded they wed. Others tell a different history of a Soyembika forcibly detained here by Muscovite forces, before being taken to Kasimov where she died. For those interested in its story, be wary of self-nominated guides- the official Kazan guides are a purchase worth making. Despite its tragic history, many locals believe if you touch the tower and make a wish it will come true.

Kul Sharif Mosque

The Kul Sharif Mosque is Kazan Kremlin’s main mosque and one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. You will hardly be able to take your eyes off this one-of-a-kind structure. This attraction is not just for Muslims. It is open to all Kazan’s travellers, but it is preferred that women have their hair covered during their visit. The Kul Sharif Mosque takes the place of a former mosque conquered by Ivan the Terrible in 1552. From outside, the majestic lotus-flowered dome landmark sits atop a hill overlooking Kazan. Inside, it’s fitted with a modern yet classical interior where you can pray with the names of 99 gods inscribed on ceilings and window glass. On the ground floor is a Museum of Islam, where a tour in English may be available if there’s an English-speaking docent on shift. Otherwise, there are booklets in English that explain the whole exhibit. Whilst everything is free to all visitors, they ask you pay 3 rubles for shoe slip-covers to help keep its floors clean. It is recommended you go in the morning to avoid a queue to visit the Kul Sharif Mosque, boasting a reputation as one of the best mosques in the world.

Temple of All Religions

For those interested in the spiritual marvels of Russia, it is also recommended you see the Temple of all Religions located along the Volga river of Kazan . This is under construction, so it’s not a must-see, but worth the visit if you have time to kill before taking a train or bus. It boasts 16 towers all for various different religions- a stunning sight to behold from the outside.

Baumana street

The Baumana Street is the main tourist and pedestrian zone between the Kremlin and Tokai Square. Tatarstan restaurants, stalls of street painters, boutiques, souvenir shops, fountains that fulfil wishes and kiosks are just a few of its gems that are ready to assure your every need and charm your socks off. Monuments and fountains make for a perfect photo backdrop, with statuary ranging from a bronze carriage of Catherine II to the “thick lazy Cat of Kazan”, a tribute to its feline protectors who fended off mice. Whilst mingling with the locals, the rich chimes of Kazan’s bell tower help bring the vibrant Arbat to life. Baumana street’s historical attractions include houses of the 19 th century, a monument to Feodor Chaliapin, and a Russian baroque style Epiphany cathedral. For opportunists seeking for the perfect Russian souvenir, Baumana street is the place to buy everything: Matryoshka dolls, Tatar folk costumes, and one particular favourite of tourists is the Tatar national male headwear “Tubeteika”. This is a street that never sleeps- when the sun sets, it becomes a hub for nightlife.

Palace of Farmers

The Palace of Farmers is a vast and regal building like something out of a fairytale. Despite being a recent addition to Kazan’s collection of ancient sites, it looks to be built well over a century ago. This eclectic architectural piece boasts elements of Classicism style, the Second Empire, and the Belle Epoque. A magnificent, 65-foot tall bronze tree sculpture grows in the archway of the palace’s façade- a sight that makes for a mesmerizing photo backdrop. This is a governmental building related to agriculture, so the interior is not accessible. However, it’s worthwhile just to see its magnificently sculpted exterior. Located adjacent to the Kremlin and Kazan river embankment, the Farmer’s Palace makes for beguiling scenery for your riverside stroll. Manicured gardens out front create a serene, relaxing space in the summer sunshine, the site’s most popular season. When the sun sets, the Palace of Farmers comes alive with an array of spectacular light displays.

Raifa Monastery

Whilst known as one of the largest monasteries in Russia, Raifa Monastery had humble beginnings as a place of solitude where monastic followers could dedicate themselves to God. Found in a serene location by Sumy Lakes in a lush pine forest, this centuries-old site has been rebuilt time and time again. Its history tells of temple destruction, brutal plundering, arson, and has once made a home for juvenile delinquents. The history behind the monastery’s name is no exception to this trail of tragedies. In fact, the hermitage was established and named in memory of holy fathers tortured in Sinai and Raithu. Abandoned for over half a century, the ruins have been given new life with well doted on additions. This includes the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Cathedral of God’s Mother of Georgia, the Church of the Ss Reverend Fathers and bell tower, with beautiful onion-domed architecture and intricate iconography. It’s free to wander monastery grounds, where small shops and cafes populate the area. Arrive at this stunning rural monastery via a 40-minute drive from Kazan (with some free parking available), bus tour, or a scenic boat trip.

Sviyazhsk Island

Sviyazhsk Island, or “Conqueror City”, began as a fortress for Ivan the Terrible in 1551 when Kazan was an unassailable fortress. Frozen in time, visiting the Island is like going through a time machine with no fewer than 37 cultural-historical monuments. Its religious marvels are a must-see. Trinity Church is the last of its kind in Sviyazhsk- a wooden structure dating back to the time of Ivan the Terrible. Axe marks made by Yaroslavl carpenters can still be seen. The Dormition Cathedral boasts a glorious collection of 16th-century frescos. Its most famed is St Christopher with a horse’s head- a fresco that tells the story of a saint so handsome he pleaded to God for ugliness, to avoid unwanted attention from women. However, these monasteries have seen their fair share of horrors- the Soviet political repression saw them turn into prisons, concentration camps, and psychiatric hospitals. A local museum, Sviyazhsk State Museum of History and Architecture, is no stranger to these horrors. Here, inmates and prisoners were executed and their belongings are still on display in abandoned cells inside. A monument to the victims of political repression forms a two-meter-tall marble slab on the island.

The Ancient City of Bolgar

Not far from Kazan, Russia’s mysterious Muslim City, Bolgar, dates back to the 7th and 15th centuries. With such a powerful history, this Eurasian metropolis is one of Russia’s first UNESCO listed sites. It’s served as the capital of the Mongol Golden Horde, ruled by the founder of the Timurids Empire, and even the Prince of Moscow. A 1969 excavation for the State Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve saw the city turned into a huge open-air museum.  Stone citadels, mosques, and tombs are some of its jaw-dropping remains from its glory days. Other attractions include the Khan’s palace, White Mosque, the hidden healing well of Gabdrakhman, a 700-year-old burial chamber for Bolgar nobility, and an interactive bread museum. The city of Bolgar has great religious significance, once the center of Islamic civilization in Europe. Here, you can find the largest printed Kora in the world weighing at 500kg. Bolgar remains a sacred pilgrimage destination to Tatar Muslims. The city of Bolgar is a three hours’ drive from Kazan along the scenic route of the river Volga.

Kazan from a boat

Kazan’s river station is flocked to by tourists eager to experience the scenic water route along the city’s shores. Travelling through Kazan with a Volga River boat trip is filled with incredible landscapes and jaw-dropping scenes. Gorgeous views of some of the city’s beloved icons include the Kazan Kremlin, whose structure sparkles like a jewel in the sun in all its Russian glory. The comfortable steam-ships on the rivers and lakes of Russia depart a few times a day to make for regular service (12:00, 15:00, and 19:00 on most days). Two-hour boat trips without stops, with a guided tour along Kazan’s coast. A total of 9 dams choke the river and halt its waters to a standstill- a glistening, magical scene that is a magnet for artists, writers and explorers. By its shores, the Volga river is a favourite for camping, relaxing, fishing, and swimming.

Kazan Cuisine Guide: A Foodie’s Haven

Kazan is the central home of Russia’s Tatar cuisine, boasting many restaurants and cafes that have earned its keep in the hearts of foodies across the globe. This Kazan Travel Guide will convince you why this is a haven for Russian and eastern cuisine.

Museum of Chak-Chak

The Museum of Chak-Chak (Çäkçäk) is named after the mouth-watering honey-baked balls of doughy goodness, a delicacy served at celebrations and festivities. This museum-turned food establishment is dedicated to traditional Tatar foods and drinks, particularly their national sweet foods. Bashkir dishes, chak-chak, bursak, and kak-tosh made from almonds are some of the recipes derived from Tatar enlightener kayum nasyri. These are only some of the most popular must-try dishes that cannot go unsampled. Here, guests drink tea and sample desserts whilst guides tell stories of the ancient Tatar people’s way of life, tradition and customs. If you want to learn the secret to cooking the perfect Tatar dish, this is the place to be.

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii (restaurant)

Dom Tatarskoi Kulinarii, or House of Tatar Cuisine, is one of the oldest national restaurants that has earnt its place in the heart of foodies from across the globe. Its dishes are based on Yunus Akhmetzyanov’s time-tested recipes and traditions – a beloved local guardian of traditional Tatar cuisine. Here you can find confectionary like Tatar sweets, and authentic dishes such as:

• Echpochmak: These are triangle-shaped pastries stuffed with mince and potatoes. A small hole remains at the top of the stuffed and folded dough. Halfway through the oven baking process, the pastries are filled with a spoonful of broth, ensuring that the meat (stuffed raw) is moist and tender.
• Gubadiya: Layered pie which contains cottage cheese or quark, minced beef or lamb and boiled egg, which is combined with raisins or mixed dried fruits (such as figs, prunes and apricots). This filling is then covered with melted butter before being baked into a mouthwatering dessert.
• Kazylyk: Originating from Tatar nomadic culture, this dish is a horse meat sausage which has been traditionally cured by air-drying in the sun and wind. It is often spiced with coriander or cumin, served in thin slices with pickled sliced onions
• Talkysh kaleve: This intricate dessert involves honey and sugar spun into a stringy fairy-floss which is then moulded into miniature cones and coated with a powder of melted butter and flour
• Manti: Tatar dumplings made from either spiced lamb, beef or horse meat, which can be mixed with pumpkin or squash depending on the region. They can be boiled or steamed in their own juices, typically served with butter, sour cream, onion sauce or red pepper powder.

In the evenings, your wining and dining with this Bauman street food will be accompanied by live music and the opportunity for master classes about preparing national dishes.

Kazan Travel Guide: Summer Highlights

Months & temperature.

  June, July, August: +24 – +27 C

Summer is by far the most popular and most frequented time of year to trek to Russia’s glorious Kazan city. The bustling, sunny and comfortable seasons of June, July and August are some of the best months to travel here. July is its hottest month at an average of 27 degrees- the perfect time to bask by the mesmerising Volga River.

The Sabantuy Tatar National Festival in June is jam-packed with competitions, sports events, dances, feasts, and music. This holiday hallmarks the end of spring crop planting and draws crowds of up to 40,000 in Kazan’s village of Mirny. Competitions of sportsmanship draw contenders near and far, both amateur and professional, in games like the egg-and-spoon race, sack races, horse races, and wrestling matches. Contenders for the more professional scenes like wrestling can earn prizes varying from home electronics to cars. The wrestling champion is declared ‘Batyr’ and lifts an overweight ram onto his (or her) shoulders for the cheering crowd. This festival is a marvel to behold, especially witnessing it for the very first time.

Similar to this: See also International handicraft festival ‘Spasskaya Yarmarka’ in August, Elabuga city

Kazan Travel Guide: Winter Highlights

  November, December, January, February – 0 to -10 C

For those far-reaching globetrotters, here is your chance for a true white Christmas- Kazan in Winter gets especially chilly in November, December, January, and February, the coldest months to travel. In November and December, there is a high chance of snow. Besides public holidays, winter outings mean fewer crowds, fewer queues and a more serene, quiet atmosphere.

The Nardugan Pagan Holiday Festival is popular in Kazan as an annual celebration honouring the winter solace. According to the ancient Tatar calendar, the birth of the Sun is December 22. This begins weeklong festivities and celebrations acknowledging the awakening of nature and the beauty of life. Dancing, traditional costumes, theatrical performances, Tatar baker’s delicacies, and fortune tellers are part of the joyous festivities.

For those creative art buffs interested in the sophisticated art forms of ballet and opera, see Kazan’s Shalyapin International Opera Festival (February), and the International Festival of Classical Ballet, Rudolf Nureyev Dance Festival (May).

Kazan Travel Guide: How to Get There

Kazan international airport.

Kazan’s international airport in the Laishevsky district is the only one in Russia that secured a win in the World Airport Awards of 2018. It’s equipped with paid and free parking, medical facilities, free Wi-Fi, shops, cafés and restaurants, a post office and more whilst being English friendly. The train terminal of inner-city travel is located within the airport. Find out more about travel options via the air through the Russian Official  Kazan Aero site, Aeroflot Airlines, or plan your trip with Google Flights.

Railway station

For visitors travelling to Kazan from within Russia, the Russian railway is connected to the city’s two main stations: Kazan-Passazhirskaya and Vosstanie-Passazhirskaja station. Trains from the Russian cities  Moscow , Yekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, St. Petersburg , Novosibirsk and Adler pass by these stations. The railway stations are fitted to meet your every need, supplying luggage storage, baby changing facilities, tourist info desks, ATMs, cafes and more.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Kazan is one of the top must-see stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway . The traditional Russian Trans-Siberian Railway route stretches from Moscow to Vladivostok, and has Kazan as one of its main stops. Even if you weren’t planning on visiting Kazan but will be making your way through the Trans-Siberian Railway, this is a detour you won’t regret making. Kazan is a 1000-year-old ancient city, still full of life, and the perfect place to lose yourself in (but not too lost, because their diverse transport system will be sure to get you back on track).

Enjoy a short Kazan city tour via this entertaining video:

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Why You Should Add Kazan, Tatarstan to Your Trip to Russia

June 1, 2018 by Bino Leave a Comment

Ironically enough, the city that excited me the most during my trip to Russia was neither St. Petersburg nor Moscow. Sure, I was really looking forward to seeing St. Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square with my own eyes and to wander around the exhibits in the Hermitage but there was something about the Tatars, a Turkic people that call parts of Russia home, that really piqued my interest.

Compared to the Orthodox Christian majority that define most of Russia, Tatarstan (a republic within the Russian Federation) has a Muslim majority. The result is a hodgepodge of cultures. You have Russian with a distinct Turkic blend and this is manifested in the bilingual signs and varied cuisine in Kazan, its capital.

As it is a bit out of the way relative to the typical Russian itinerary , most people don’t visit Tatarstan at all. But if you have a couple of extra days to spare, I wholeheartedly recommend taking the 1.5 hour or so flight to Kazan for a slice of Russia that you definitely don’t see in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Without further ado, here are the top things you can do in Kazan.

Table of Contents

Kazan Kremlin

kazan kremlin

One of the more interesting kremlins that you’ll find in Russia is the one in Kazan. The diversity of religions is nowhere more apparent here where you can find an Orthodox church sitting within the same complex as a mosque. Don’t miss a visit to the striking Kul-Sharif Mosque which I would personally count as one of the most beautiful mosques I’ve ever seen both inside and out. If you come to the Kremlin in the day, you can also walk through the walls for a fee and obtain a higher view of the complex through the observation towers.

On the opposite side of the Kremlin, you will also find the Annunciation Cathedral and the leaning Suyumbike Tower which together form a fine ensemble of richly decorated buildings. If you walk out towards the bridge (Ulitsa Dekabristov), you can appreciate the fine views of the Kremlin. Better yet, hop on the ferris wheel from the Kyrlay Theme Park on the northern side of town to snap photos of the Kremlin from a high point.

Agricultural Palace

agricultural palace kazan

Don’t be misled by the name, the Agricultural Palace is a government building so it’s not really open to the public. It is listed here due to its highly instagrammable nature. You’ll find the curved angles of the building highly picturesque. A popular spot to take photos is from the small hill beside the palace itself.

National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan

national museum of the republic of tatarstan

Situated just outside the Kazan Kremlin, the National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan is housed in a grand 18th century European style building. Inside, you’ll find Tatar arts and craft including fine jewellry and weapons used by the Tatar people.

St. Peter and Paul Cathedral

st. peter and paul cathedral kazan

Despite the many churches you’ll find scattered throughout Russia, a visit to the beautiful St. Peter and Paul Cathedral is highly recommended for its Naryshkin-style Baroque decor. Look closely at the windows of this 17th century church and you’ll find these decorated in unique floral patterns.

Bauman Street

bell tower in bauman street

Bauman Street is Kazan’s main shopping street and is busy in the day and floodlit at night. There is a good mix of shops and restaurants here. Despite being the tourist center of the city, the pedestrian-only street is refreshingly devoid of the tour groups that you encounter in Moscow or St. Petersburg. Towards the end, you will encounter the Epiphany Cathedral’s Bell Tower , a 74 meter high structure that you can climb for views.

Old Tatar Village

architecture in the old tatar village

One of the more charming areas in the city marks the spot where ethnic Tatars were forced to stay following the siege of Kazan in 1552. There are not a lot of old buildings left here but the ones that remain date from the 17th or 18th centuries and highly instagrammable with distinctive colorful patterns. The most prominent structures in the area are the Mardzhani Mosque  and the Apanaev Mosque one block away. If you walk towards the side of the lake, you’ll encounter this kitschy restaurant serving Tatar cuisine – Tatarskaya Usadba . My favorites are the nourishing soups and stews that go well especially during cold days. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also try the horse meat which is cooked in a variety of ways.

Getting Here: Ulitsa Kayuma Nasyri is where the bulk of the older buildings are situated.

Temple of All Religions

temple of all religions

I visited the Temple of All Religions a month after it was razed by fire. Although the exterior is mostly intact, the inside was heavily damaged. There is no admission to enter although a gatekeeper asks for donations. The highlight of the place is its numerous and colorful towers, each dedicated to a different religion. Do note that the temple is a bit out of the way. I took an UBER here and I had some difficulty getting a ride back to town. Alternatively, you can take Bus #2 from the city center.

Where to Eat in Kazan

salmon tartare

Priyut Kholostyaka – Come here for variety. This restaurant has a wide range of Russian as well as European dishes and you can order from the iPads – they have an English menu as well.

Restaurant Hemingway – upscale restaurant located in the Bauman Street area. Excellent service and authentic Mediterranean cuisine.

Tatarskaya Usadba -It may look kitschy from the outside but the food is quite delicious. Come here for the warm Tatar atmosphere.

Where to Stay in Kazan

Frequently cited as the best hotel in Kazan, the Ramada Kazan City Center is located near some trendy restaurants and just two blocks away from TSUM Department Store. Rooms are spacious and the breakfast has relatively good variety for its price.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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Gulnara Safina: “Kazan is full of tourists, while hotel occupancy rates are falling”

The president of the Association of Hotels of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan on the tourist boom, paradoxes of competition and harmful gaps in legislation

Summer is a high season for hoteliers: this business maintains the tourist season. However, all big international events accompanied by an inflow of tourists have ended, while hotels that opened for them have remained. Isn’t the time for Kazan hoteliers to skim off? Read if they will face bankruptcy, honest and dishonest competition in the hotel business and ways of boosting its profitability in today’s uneasy situation in the first part of Realnoe Vremya’s interview with President of the Association of Hotels of Kazan and the Republic of Tatarstan Gulnara Safina.

More hotels — brighter prospects

Mrs Safina, there had been no doubt before the Universiade and then the 2018 FIFA WC that Kazan needed new hotels and hostels, and they were built. Who is filling them today and are they full?

I am often asked the question if hotels still should be built in Kazan. I think any hotelier of the city will answer this question like I will, no, as the existing room capacity is enough for the flow of guests arriving in our city nowadays. At the same time, we can’t help but note that Kazan is a leading tourist destination in Russia.

This has been achieved mainly due to a correct and far-sighted strategic policy of officials of the republic to attract and host big international events in our city and to use also the federal budget to develop the city’s infrastructure, which now allows Kazan to participate in different world tenders in the fight to host different international events in line with any developed metropolis in the world. This is very important for the economy of the city and the republic and, of course, for the hotel sector. As for occupancy rates of hotels in the city, according to the Tatarstan Tourism Development Centre, it was 60% in 2018, 57% in 2017. We shouldn’t forget that it was during the Confederations Cup and the FIFA World Cup when the months when these international sports events were held levelled the situation with the general annual tendency for reduction of key indicators of the hotel activity. In the last five months in 2019, the average occupancy rates of hotels have been about 54%, the 2019 WorldSkills Kazan will probably fix the situation.

But before hosting all big events in Kazan, the number of hotels had been much lower, and they had been empty. What’s the paradox?

I have been in the hotel industry since 2006, and the typical picture of that time is a 60% occupancy rate of hotels and only on working days, hotels were full only due to business trips. At weekends, the hotels were empty, and we wondered how to attract guests on weekends. It seemed that a hotel occupancy rate was 60% both then and is now, but it happened only because there were few hotels. To compare, the number of hotels was 87 in 2010, while their number with a total room capacity of 8,200 rooms, which are able to host almost 20,000 guests, reached 230 in 2018. Big hotels began to open by the Universiade — it was the first rise, and the growth followed by the 2018 WC. The number of hotels augmented gradually, and infrastructure developed at the same time, roads were built. At the same time, big international hotel chains began to enter the city. They are interested in big and promising cities with a population of over a million. And before they enter, they analyse the market situation in general. And if they make a decision to open a hotel managed by a chain, it means there is a prospect of running a business. And this prospect is again a result of the far-sighted policy of the republic’s officials on the promotion of the city both inside the Russian Federation and the world market. Kazan won the title of the third capital of Russia, we went ahead of Nizhny Novgorod here, and it is also a very important achievement in the tourism promotion of the destination, this also attracts tourists. For this reason, I don’t see a danger for the hotel business: the huge infrastructure built nowadays is the potential allowing working successfully.

Big hotels began to open by the Universiade — it was the first rise, and the growth followed by the 2018 WC. The number of hotels augmented gradually, and infrastructure developed at the same time, roads were built. At the same time, big international hotel chains began to enter the city

In other words, are hotels fully loaded today?

Yes, and it’s not that guests we received in the 2009-2010s and earlier. Businesses maintained us then, business trips on working days, and everyone checked out by Friday evening. There was nothing on Saturday and Sunday. And if somebody told me then that the situation would be the other way round and Kazan would be full of tourists on weekends, I wouldn’t believe. Such a segment as tourists, tourist groups didn’t exist for Kazan hoteliers 10 years ago at all, while now they provide with almost a hundred per cent load on weekends from April to October.

Strategy — key to success

Paraphrasing the classic, does Tatarstan and Kazan, in particular, have everything for a successful hotel business like in Greece?

Indeed, now we have everything: infrastructure was created, there is tourist traffic, in which the flow of tourists who come back gets better. But there are other moments, too. It’s important for the republic not to fall out of the Tourism Development Strategy in the country, which is being prepared now by the Russian Ministry of Economic Development.

There are few places with a tourist guide, even when you go to southern Russia, while we have signs everywhere, there is a developed online portal and the brand Visit Tatarstan

Should one regulate what already operates successfully so much?

It is important to be in the Strategy not to lose, not to miss our potential. Russia has other very interesting destinations — Lake Baikal, Altai, the Golden Ring. The Russian tourist has places to go besides us. But unlike us, they don’t have such hothouse conditions — infrastructure, good roads. And roads, by the way, are very important. I often drive. Samara Oblast, Chuvashia and other regions of the Russian Federation sometimes just have holes on roads, and it is a different story you enter Tatarstan. There are few places with a tourist guide, even when you go to southern Russia, while we have road signs everywhere, there is a developed online portal and the brand Visit Tatarstan. While Krasnodar Krai, the Urals, Crimea are underdeveloped in this respect, it’s very hard for a tourist to navigate — navigation is in trouble. The seashore of Krasnodar Krai is huge, while only Olympic Sochi is equipped with infrastructure that can compete with Europe. What is done here is a role model. Our region is set as an example, and our experience is offered to expand across the Russian Federation at meetings at the Russian level not accidentally.

Unhealthy competition

All is going so well that I just can’t believe.

And it’s correct you can’t believe: it isn’t that well. What we certainly didn’t expect happened: if earlier hotels used to compete among each other, inside their star category or between segments, now the competition with each other is low that competition with individuals, with flat rent. It began some two years ago, and now it has been especially notable. Now private residence is our major rival. Why has this developed so much in the last years? Thanks to online booking systems — Booking.com, Airbnb, TVIL.ru and other services operate.

Can small owners really ruin the hotel business?

It isn’t just our problem, it’s a worldwide problem. It is present in America, Europe — in Italy, France. Accommodation of tourists in flats isn’t bad, somebody prefers a hotel, while somebody wants to dive into the everyday life of the country he arrived in, tourists choose a flat for tourists, not a hotel. But this affects the business in Russia and Europe differently. Long-term flat rental began to go up in price in Italy, France and other countries because they understood they it was more profitable to lease short-term. And here short-term flat rent is the main factor lowering the prices of the hotel sector.

But it’s profitable for the consumer, it is healthy competition.

No. At least because hotels don’t hike prices. And our rivals can fix any prices — in any case, they will have an advantage, with income — they don’t pay taxes, utility tariffs with rates for natural persons. And the list can go on, though they run a business as we do. We have huge costs, and they grow year after year, the legal business presses. For instance, a standard room in a four-star hotel cost 4,200 rubles in 2010. And the prices are the same now. It is unhealthy competition.

Profitability fell almost three times

Do you want to say that hotels have a high occupancy rate but at a loss?

A hotel with 30-32% profitability is considered cool today. And before the crisis, in the 2006-2007s, 70-80% profitability was supposed to be the norm. Now one can only dream about it.

A hotel with 30-32% profitability is considered cool today. And before the crisis, in the 2006-2007s, 70-80% profitability was supposed to be the norm. Now one can only dream about it

But 70-80% profitability is just a Russian phenomenon, it is usually much lower in the West with real competition. Why do they complain, why aren’t they satisfied?

The fall in profitability isn’t the only wake-up call. And I repeat that we don’t talk about honest competition. For instance, taxes. In Italy, those who rent accommodation for tourists pay taxes like commercial structures. The VAT rate for them is 22%. To compare, it’s 10% for hotels. If a flat is rented for a long term, from a month, an agreement must be registered, and they pay income tax. They obtain a special identification number with a term less than a month, and it’s permitted to rent only with it. In the Russian Federation, short-term rent agreements aren’t registered at all, and taxes often aren’t paid. An owner often rents a flat for a long term, while lessees rent it for a short term, and he isn’t even aware of it. Their prices are lower than in hotels, but it’s black money.

All to fight black money

It is no secret that grey accounting is the scourge of the economy of Russia. How are you going to solve this problem in the sector only?

We should understand this isn’t the only problem, it’s a ball of problems. For instance, nobody registers anybody in Russian accommodation for tourists, while it’s a matter of security. God forbid, gas will explode — nobody cares about equipment’s technical condition. Hotels check everything — from law-enforcement agencies to Russia's consumer protection watchdog Rospotrebnadzor, and nobody does private residence. The Housing Code’s article on inviolability of the home protects us from it. Statistics is another important moment, nobody can count tourists. According to ratings, Kazan was in the top 3 in tourism on New Year holidays, November holidays. Kazan was full of tourists, while hotels weren’t completely full. Even on New Year when hotels are usually full. These flats make a difference. And statistics also matter to develop tourism. The situation should be analysed to develop.

Legislation has recently banned from locating hostels in residential flats. Will it make the situation look better?

This can’t be solved with simply bans on flat rent as Mrs Khovanskaya offers. Those who rent a flat operate illegally. In Italy, Spain and America the problem is solved by limiting the number of months in a year when owners can rent flats for a short term. They are allowed to rent from 2 to 6 months as maximum, or no more than 30 or 60 days a year. And every flat of this kind is given an identification number. The owner gets it in the municipality and goes then to the tax service to register. He must indicate this number when posting an offer, on the Internet or somewhere else, no matter. He has no right to operate without it. The police and the tax inspection deal with lawbreakers. And they are held accountable in legislation — a fine of up to €10,000 for the owner if he posted an ad without the number and fines for booking systems for posting such ads.

There is no sense in banning a hotel business in residential houses as Khovanskaya’s law presupposes it — it is easy to shirk, they will simply remove the Russian National Classifier of Types of Economic Activity for hotels and go on working with lease. It is important that law introduce honest game rules for everyone — both for hotels and their rivals

Why is it so easy to shirk taxes in Russia?

Now the government is planning to introduce a resort tax. Unlike the voluntary fee, according to the experiment of the FL-214 (for Crimea, Altai Krai, Krasnodar Krai and Stavropol Krai), it’s planned to be compulsory for all the regions. As a hotelier and potential tourist, I am against its imposition given its doubtful feasibility. But if it is imposed in the existing situation, mainly hotel guests will pay it, while the majority of those who host tourists will avoid paying the tax. Everybody who works with tourists abroad pays the tax, including owners of flats for tourists. And they also have to provide with statistics — how many tourists they have. It is statutory there. Now the Ministry of Economic Development is preparing a similar bill. There is no sense in banning a hotel business in residential houses as Khovanskaya’s law presupposes it — it is easy to shirk, they will simply remove the Russian National Classifier of Types of Economic Activity for hotels and go on working with a lease. It is important that law introduce honest game rules for everyone — both for hotels and their rivals. I think we won’t be able to destroy tourist accommodation as a class, and there is no need. It is some support for people. And Russian resort zones don’t have so many hotels to handle such a tourist flow. But we should use the successful European experience and transfer it to our soil so that the legal business won’t suffer.

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Realnoe Vremya is an online newspaper, providing business news and sectoral analytics, up-to-date information about the development of economy and technology in Tatarstan, Russia and the whole world. Every day Realnoe Vremya’s Editorial board prepares materials and interviews with the leaders of different sectors and markets on the most relevant topics.