Road trips can get expensive fast, but your snack stops don’t have to. With a $10 bill and the right strategy, you can pick up satisfying, road-friendly snacks from your favorite gas stations—without sacrificing quality or taste. Here’s how to build the perfect snack haul at convenience stores across the U.S.
Snack Picks That Pack Value
Look for items that are high in protein, portable, and mess-free. Here are smart choices you can mix and match under $10:
- Beef Jerky or Meat Sticks – Protein-packed and ideal for long stretches
- Trail Mix or Mixed Nuts – Long shelf life and balanced energy
- String Cheese or Cheese Cubes – Great with a piece of fruit or hard-boiled eggs
- Granola or Protein Bars – Quick, filling, and easy to stash
- Fruit Cups or Bananas – Refreshing and hydrating
- Hummus with Pretzels – A protein-rich, savory option
- Popcorn or Rice Cakes – Crunchy and satisfying without greasy residue
Where to Shop for $10 Snack Hauls
- Wawa – Try a combo of cheese stick, banana, hummus snack pack, and a bottle of flavored water
- Sheetz – Pick up a granola bar, jerky, and a fruit cup from the grab-and-go cooler
- QuickTrip (QT) – Mix a protein bar, nuts, and sparkling water for an energy-boosting trio
- RaceTrac – Grab a combo deal with two snacks and a drink for under $5, then add fruit
- Kum & Go – Bento-style snack boxes, yogurt, and healthier chip options are all priced well
- Pilot Flying J – Offers fresh fruit, cheese packs, trail mix, and bottled drinks ideal for long hauls
- Love’s Travel Stops – Known for well-stocked convenience marts with affordable fruit cups, peanuts, and packaged deli items
- GetGo Café + Market – Includes fresh sandwich selections, salads, and snack pairings under $10
- 7-Eleven – In addition to its famous hot food, it has value-priced yogurt, bars, and fresh fruit trays
Sample $10 Combos
- Trail mix ($2.99) + Banana ($1.00) + Cheese cubes ($3.00) + Water ($1.99)
- Granola bar ($1.50) + Hard-boiled eggs ($2.50) + Popcorn ($2.00) + Unsweetened tea ($3.00)
- Protein bar ($2.99) + Apple slices ($2.49) + Pretzel chips ($2.00) + Gatorade ($2.50)
Tips to Stretch Your Budget
- Look for combo promotions or BOGO snack deals via store apps
- Choose store-brand snacks when available
- Use rewards points from programs like Wawa Rewards or RaceTrac Rewards for free items
A $10 snack budget at the gas station goes further than you think—especially if you mix fresh, packaged, and store-brand items. With the right plan, you’ll stay full and focused between exits, without relying on fast food.