Best Low Carb Gas Station Snacks For Traveling
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There are plenty of low-carb snack options available at gas stations. With a bit of planning, there are many delicious options to choose from!
Gas station snacks
Eating low-carb doesn’t have to mean giving up snacks when you’re on the go. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can find plenty of satisfying low-carb options at gas stations. These are some snacks I usually buy myself at gas stations. I’ll show you many options you have to choose foods that will keep you satiated and fuller longer!
Low carb gas station snack options
- Nuts and seeds – Look for individual almonds, cashews, or mixed nuts packets. Seeds such as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds are great salty snacks. And a good source of protein and healthy fats.
- Cheese – Cheese is a great source of protein. Look for individually packaged cheese sticks or cheese cubes.
- Hard-boiled eggs – Many gas stations sell pre-cooked hard-boiled eggs, which are a great source of protein and healthy fats. I like to put hot sauce on them!
- Beef jerky or sticks – Similar to beef jerky, these snack sticks are high in protein and low in carbs. Look for options with no sugar added.
- Pork rinds – These crispy snacks are made from fried pork skin and are very popular among those living a low-carb or keto lifestyle. They come in a variety of flavors, but it’s best to choose options with no added sugars.
- Seaweed snacks – If you’re looking for something crunchy and low-carb, try seaweed snacks. They’re a good source of minerals and vitamins.
- Dark chocolate – Look for high-quality dark chocolate with at least 80% cocoa. It’s a low-carb option that can satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Pickles – are a low-carb snack that can satisfy your craving for something salty. Look for individual packets.
- Olives – These salty treats are a great source of healthy fats and can be found in individual packets.
- Deli meat – Look for sliced deli meat like turkey, ham, roast beef and chicken for a quick and easy low-carb snack.
- Protein bars – a good option for a low-carb snack on the go. It’s important to check the labels carefully, as some protein bars can be high in sugar and carbs. Look for bars with protein and healthy fats, and avoid those with sugar and refined carbs. Quest makes several low-carb tasty options and can be found at many gas stations.
- Nut butter – Peanut butter and almond butter in individual packets, are a quick and easy source of healthy fats and protein. Make sure to look for brands with no added sugars.
- Salami and pepperoni – commonly found in gas stations and are a good low-carb option.
- Cheese Crisps and Moon Cheese – low in carbs and come in a variety of flavors. Great for when you’re craving something crunchy.
- Hot dogs and sausages – without the bun are great low carb options without the bun. Usually, they offer toppings such as pickles, onions and jalapenos. I like them with mustard!
Low carb gas station drinks
- Water – of course, water is the best way to stay hydrated, and I like to add electrolytes to mine. LMNT and Ultima are my favorite electrolytes. They come in a variety of delicious flavors.
- Coffee – Nowadays most gas stations offer both hot and iced coffee. Add half and half or heavy cream along with your choice of sweetener or sugar-free flavor. And if you’re like me, sometimes a simple cup of black coffee hits the spot.
- Unsweetened iced tea – Add stevia or your choice of sweetener and some lemon slices for flavor.
- Diet or Zero sugar soft drinks – These drinks are typically sweetened with artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, or stevia. It’s also important to remember that just because a drink is low in carbs doesn’t mean it’s healthy.
- Sugar-Free Energy Drinks – Most gas station convenience stores carry sugar-free energy drinks, which are low-carb and can help boost your energy levels when you’re on the go. Be mindful of the caffeine content and artificial sweeteners used in these drinks if that’s important to you.
- Sparkling Water – Most sparkling water brands are naturally zero-carb and can be a refreshing carbonated alternative to sugary sodas or sports drinks. Brands such as La Croix come in a variety of flavors, including lemon, lime, grapefruit, and mixed berry.
- Sugar-Free Sports Drinks – Many gas station convenience stores carry sugar-free energy drinks, which are low-carb and can help boost your energy levels when you’re on the go. Be mindful of the caffeine content and artificial sweeteners used in these drinks.
- Protein shakes – Some gas station convenience stores carry protein shakes that are low-carb and high in protein.
Pro Tips for choosing on-the-go keto snacks
- Plan ahead – If you know you’ll be stopping at a gas station or convenience store, plan and research the best low-carb snack options beforehand.
- Read the labels – Always check the nutrition labels before buying any snack. Look for snacks that are low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein. Avoid snacks that contain added sugars and artificial ingredients.
- Pack your own snacks – If you have time, it’s always a good idea to pack your own keto snacks before heading out. This way, you’ll have more control over what you’re eating and can avoid unhealthy options altogether.
- Consider macros – If you closely track carbs, consider this when choosing snacks. For a low-carb, high-fat lifestyle, you’ll want to choose snacks that are high in healthy fats, moderate in protein, and low in carbs.
Tips for packing your own low carb travel snacks
Pack a cooler with your favorite snacks if you’re planning a road trip. Here are a few of my favorite travel snacks. But, again, the key is planning ahead!
- Proteins – deli meat, beef jerky, cheese, pork rinds, hard-boiled eggs, nuts and seeds
- Veggies – celery sticks, mini peppers and cucumbers
- Berries – raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries
- Sweet treats – protein bars, dark chocolate and low-carb cookies and candy bars. You can make your own treats, such as these delicious low-carb peanut butter chocolate chip bars.
- Water and your favorite low carb beverages
When traveling, it’s essential to consider more than just food. Ensuring everyone has something to keep them occupied during the journey is key. Many people opt for game apps as entertainment while on the road. Have you ever considered downloading game apps that pay real money? It could be a fun and profitable way to pass the time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I avoid hidden carbs when choosing low-carb gas station snacks?
It can be more complicated to avoid hidden carbs in gas station snacks. However, if you are tracking closely, it’s important to read the nutrition labels and try to choose whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
Can I find keto-friendly snacks at gas stations?
Yes, many keto-friendly snack options are available at gas stations, including pork rinds, beef jerky, meat sticks, cheese crisps, and low-carb protein bars. Check the nutrition label for net carbs and possible added sugars.
What are some good low-carb sweet treats I can find at gas stations?
Low-carb sweet treats that you can find at gas stations include dark chocolate with at least 80% cocoa, sugar-free candy or gum, and low-carb protein bars with a variety of flavors. In addition, quest makes cookies and candy bars that are low-carb and high-protein.
Author: Natasha Newton (Natasha's Southern Flavor)
Natasha is the founder of Natasha’s Southern Flavor. She has a passion for sharing delicious family friendly low-carb recipes that are easy to make and use readily accessible ingredients. Natasha has published three bestselling cookbooks. Her books and recipes have been featured by CNET, Delish, Mindbodygreen, Parade and Women’s Health. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, two adult children, and three furbabies.
Read more about Natasha here.
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