Protein Snacks You Can Find at the Gas Station

Walking into a gas station can be a battle of the wills, especially when you’re dealing with monstrous hunger. You almost want to shield your eyes from the candies, cookies and brightly-colored slushies.

Sure, they look good, but the last thing you want is a sugar crash while you’re on the road. You need substance. You need protein. And you need it now.

Luckily, there are actually plenty of protein snacks available at gas stations to help you quash your hunger and fuel up for the road. 

What Makes a Good Gas Station Snack?

Protein

Everyone needs protein to survive and live a healthy life. Find a snack with a strong amount of protein to help meet your daily requirements.

Good Fats

There are different kinds of fats, and they’re not all created equal. Unsaturated fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated, are known as the “good” ones. As much as possible, keep saturated fats to a minimum.

High Nutrient Density

According to page 13 of the dietary guidelines for Americans, published in 2020, nutrient-dense foods contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, and have little added sugars, sodium and saturated fat.

Tastiness

If you’re going to pick up a gas station snack with protein, it better satisfy your taste buds. Choose a snack that’s equal parts substance and flavor, so you won’t be left disappointed.

Protein-Forward Snacks You Can Find at the Gas Station

Jerky

Jerky is the go-to protein snack when stopping at the gas station. It’s shelf-stable and has protein, and is downright mouthwatering.

Bonus: Jerky gives you choices. From sweet Teriyaki Beef Jerky to Hickory Smoked Bacon Jerky, you might want to taste-test them all and stock up for future hunger emergencies. And honestly, that sounds like a plan we can all get behind.

Love smoked jerky but want to try something a little more tender to help conquer your hunger? Then you’ll love Beef Steaks. They’re seasoned and smoked to perfection, resulting in a fresh-tasting flavor.

Meat Sticks

When you’re craving protein and want something quick and easy, try Meat Sticks. These convenient sticks provide the delicious taste of jerky in a virtually hands-free snack. They’re a little sweet, a whole lot of savory and sure to make you salivate. 

Protein bars

Protein bars are one of the most convenient snacks to help you hit your protein goals. They’re small in size and nonperishable, making it easy to tuck a few in your car’s cup holder for later.

Best of all, there’s no shortage of protein bars on the market. From plant-based to sugar-free, you’ll have no problem finding one to suit your dietary needs.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs at a gas station come pre-boiled and ready-to-eat. They’re stored in water-filled packets to protect them from oxygen, which helps keep the eggs fresh.

If you’re hankering for some breakfast, they’re the perfect protein-rich snack to help tide you over. In fact, one egg has over six grams of protein.

Nuts and Seeds

Every trucker knows that nuts and seeds are a classic gas station snack. It feels almost illegal to not pick up some roasted peanuts or sunflower seeds before you head back onto the road. And luckily, they’re chock full of protein, even when they’re roasted and salted:

• Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seed kernels that are dry roasted with salt added have 5.47 grams of protein per oz.
• Almonds: One ounce of dry roasted, salted almonds has 6.88 grams of protein (calculated amount at 1/4 cup).
• Peanuts: Oil-roasted Virginia peanuts with salt have 7.34 grams of protein per oz.
• Pistachios: An ounce of dry roasted pistachios with salt added contains 5.95 grams of protein.
• Cashews: For cashews that have salt added and are dry roasted, a single oz has 4.34 grams of protein. 

Jack Link’s Cold Crafted®

Meat has protein. Cheese has protein. So why not slam these two together for a mouthwatering, protein-rich snack?

With Jack Link’s Cold Crafted®, you get delicious cheese sticks, bites and slices with your favorite smoked meats. From Beef and Cheddar Cheese Bites to Mozzarella Cheese and Pepperoni, you’re sure to find a winning combo.

Cheese Sticks

Do you like your cheese with a side of cheese? (If so, can we be friends?) Then head straight to the gas station fridge and pick yourself up some cheese sticks.

You can find a range of flavors to choose from, such as mozzarella, Colby jack and cheddar. Eat it string-cheese style like you did when you were a kid, or be bold and dive right in!

Hummus

If you didn’t know many gas stations carry hummus, now you do! Hummus is made from chickpeas, which are legumes that carry quite a bit of protein. As a gas station snack, you can scoop this creamy spread right out of the container, or dip some protein or seed crackers into it and chow down.

Yogurt

Sometimes you’re in the mood for something soothing and creamy, but also substantial. Yogurt is the answer. Besides protein, yogurt also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium and other vitamins and minerals. 

Fuel Your Engine With Protein-Rich Snacks

When it’s time to power up, look no further than Jack Link’s. We’ve got the perfect snack for every kind of adventure and level of hunger, from savory jerky to appetizing beef sausages. Find them at your nearest gas station or have them delivered right to your door by shopping online today.