The best gluten-free gas station snacks

Introduction

If you stopped at a gas station and are looking for a tasty and delicious snack, but you must follow a gluten-free diet. We want to present you the best gluten-free gas station snacks.

Snacks are characterized by being foods that temporarily satisfy hunger, producing pleasure or providing a minimum amount of energy for the body.

The best gluten-free gas station snacks: our recommendations

When choosing a snack we usually prefer chips or nuts, but if we follow a gluten-free diet, it is necessary to be careful with the products we choose. It is recommended to carefully observe the brand label, see if it has a front certificate and the ingredients that make it up. Here we want to help you when choosing a gluten-free gas station snacks, that’s why we present our recommendations:

Chips

Chips are usually the favorites when choosing a snack. Gas stations typically offer a variety of gluten-free fries, vegetarian fries, and corn chips. For example, Frito-Lay. In addition, famous brands such as Leys, Ruche, Tostito, Doritos and Cheetos since 2011 have tried to make their products contain gluten levels of less than 20 parts per million. 

Protein bars

This is a healthy and nutritious snack option. For example, King, Quest, No Cow, RXbar, and Lara bars are gluten-free.

Nuts

Pistachios, cashews, and almonds are gluten-free and packed with protein. They are a rich and nutritious option when choosing a snack. For example, Blue Diamond almonds. 

Popcorn

Popcorn is a natural gluten-free option and excellent as snacks. Be careful with flavored options that may contain malt or wheat-based seasonings.

Chackers

At some gas stations you can find gluten-free crackers. For example, those of the brands: Milton, Nut Thins, Crunchmaster, Simple Mills, Table Crackers.

Cheese

String cheese does not contain gluten.

Meat and jerky sticks

GF brands without MSG are gluten-free and a safe choice.

Fruit

A healthy, fresh and healthy option. Gas stations often offer gluten- and dairy-free fruit cups, already cut, peeled and ready to eat.

Ice cream

There is a wide range of gluten-free ice creams, for example:

• Ben & Jerry’s. All flavors of this famous ice cream brand are available gluten-free.
• Häagen-Dazs. There are some gluten-free options, but not all, you have to check the available options. 
• Breyers. In most of their products we do not find gluten, but it is good to consult when choosing.
• Dairy Queen. Among some of their products, there are some that do not contain gluten.

Other great gluten-free options are hard-boiled eggs, V8 juice, and hummus or guacamole snacks.

We leave you a table with gluten-free marks:

Gluten-free snacks	Examples of marks
Chips	Frito-Lay
Protein bars	Kind, Quest, No Cow, RXbar y Lara
Nuts	Blue Diamond
Popcorn	All, except flavored ones that may contain gluten products
Crackers	Milton, Nut Thins, Crunchmaster, Simple Mills, Table Crackers
String cheese	Does not contain gluten
Meat and jerky sticks	Look for brands that say GF and no MSG.
Fruit	Does not contain gluten
Ice creams	Ben & Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs, Breyers, Dairy Queen

What ingredients to avoid?

When choosing a gluten-free gas station snacks, it is necessary to avoid ingredients derived from wheat flour, rye, barley and, in some cases, even oats.

Be careful with:

• wheat flour
• flour or cereal extract
• barley or malt
• the rye
• maltodextrin
• hydrolyzed wheat protein
• hydrolyzed wheat starch
• triticum
• dextrin

Warning

It is safest to choose products certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO). However, there are products that do not have gluten-free labeling, since this is voluntary, so there are brands that have gluten-free products but without certification.

It is always advisable to check the labels of snacks to confirm that they do not contain gluten and there is no cross contamination, because sometimes sweets and sweets tend to hide surprises.

It is also advisable to avoid dairy products, nuts and soy.

Are gluten-free snacks healthier?

Snacks are not characterized by being nutritious foods, their protein content is low and their volume of salt and fat is high. The fact that snacks are gluten-free does not mean that they are healthier. Some tend to contain high sugar, salt, fat and calories that do not provide much nutritional value.

The safest and most natural option is to choose fresh fruits, nuts and seeds, that is, products that are not highly processed.

Is it safe to drink coffee, tea or chocolate at a gas station?

• Coffee or tea is a safe option to drink if you follow a gluten-free diet, as long as it does not contain milk, flavorings or other additives.
• Don’t choose the dispenser option, opt for freshly brewed coffee
• Be wary of flavored creamers that may contain wheat, barley or malt
• If you prefer to consume a coffee with cream, choose to carry one with you or buy one sealed and certified gluten-free
• If you choose a powdered hot chocolate, check the ingredient list first.
• If you prefer to opt for a tea, choose one certified gluten-free

Is it safe to eat any preparation made at the gas station?

Gas stations usually have pizzas, sandwiches, hot dogs or tacos that can be consumed on the premises or preheated to take away. Our recommendation is that you do not choose these products, some may contain gluten or there is a risk of cross contamination, so it is more Safe to opt for closed foods.

The same usually happens with soda dispensers, by opting for sealed drinks you will avoid cross contamination that may have arisen from not following proper cleaning protocols.

Conclusions

Snacks are a quick option to eat, but when following a gluten-free diet, you have to be very careful and check the labels. It is best to opt for certified and sealed products to prevent the risk of cross contamination.

Currently, many of the snacks found at gas stations are gluten-free, but it is necessary to know which ones they are to recognize them when purchasing.