Gas stations are heaven-sent during long car rides, mainly because of their accessibility and convenience. Aside from having restrooms for a quick bladder break (if you’re not very particular about cleanliness), gas stations also have a convenience store offering on-the-go purchases. But beware, not everything on the shelves should be purchased.
Sandwiches and Salads
Even reputable restaurants can experience food spoilage, so obviously, gas stations are no exception. After all, they are more prone to such risks because sandwiches and salads need to be stored at a certain temperature, and gas stations are not really mindful of that. Thus, it’s best to wait for the next Subway on the road rather than risk a bad stomach on a long joyride.
Hotdogs & Other Roller Grill Snacks
A gas station is not everyone’s go-to for hotdogs, so it’s understandable if theirs sit on the grills under heat lamps for long periods—a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. That’s why if you ever get a hotdog from a gas station and it tastes a bit off, it may come with a side of food poisoning.
Energy Drinks
Getting energy drinks from a gas station is not the win you think it is, given that the price for a bottle is significantly marked up. If you want to be energized, you can buy energy drinks in bulk from grocery stores before your trip rather than spending too much for a bottle at a gas station.
Bottled Water
Gas stations charge twice (or sometimes even thrice) as much as supermarkets for bottled water. On top of that, most gas stations do not ventilate well, making their bottled water (and other perishables) sit inside a hot, humid environment for long periods, which can possibly cause chemicals from the bottle to leach into the water.
Over-the-Counter Medicine
This should be a no-brainer—pharmacies and hospitals should be the only places for purchasing medicine. Medications, such as pain relievers and allergy pills, bought from gas stations may not be stored in optimal conditions, which can significantly reduce their effectiveness, assuming they haven’t been expired for weeks.
Phone Chargers and Accessories
Phone chargers and other device accessories shouldn’t be bought carelessly. Gas stations are built mainly for convenience, so the quality of their products—especially digital accessories like phone chargers—matters less than merely having them. That’s why their chargers are mainly low-quality dupes that can damage (or even explode) your phone in the long run.
Ice Bags
Ice bags are sold at a much higher price in gas stations than in your average convenience or grocery store. It also doesn’t help that they are usually stored in bins outside the station, which is the perfect place for contamination. Remember, when health and money are at risk, convenience isn’t worth it.
Deli Meats and Cheeses
Packaged deli meats and cheeses are delicious no matter where they are purchased. It’s just that getting them from a gas station may come with an extra slice of mold and a dash of food spoilage. Their refrigeration standards may not be ideal for storing such delicate perishables, which increases the risk of decay and molding.
Dairy Products
Dairy products already have a short shelf life, so the faulty storage conditions and the environment of gas stations are more than enough to completely ruin their freshness. To be safe, it is best to purchase this kind of product from a grocery store that rotates its goods more often and stores them properly.
Premium Coffee Drinks
Premium coffee drinkers will be immensely disappointed if they get their pick-me-up from a gas station. Their “fancy” coffees, like cappuccinos or lattes, may be brewed with lower-quality powder mixes and sweeteners using a vintage machine. That’s why if it’s a true premium coffee you’re looking for, it’s better to wait for the next Starbucks or pack a home-brewed one for yourself rather than purchase one while waiting for your tank to fill up.
Sunglasses
A pair of sunglasses from a gas station may be of low quality and usually does not protect the eyes from UV rays. They may be cheaper than a proper pair from an ophthalmologist, but they may also do more harm than good. This might be an ‘okay’ fashion statement on the road, but it’s certainly not for eye protection.
Baked Goods
Baked goods like donuts and pastries can be a great pick-me-up on the road. However, they’re not particularly fresh and tasty if they come from a gas station because they’re often doused with preservatives and are stale from the humidity. On top of that, they’re pretty expensive. That’s why if you’re looking for a fresh and delicious batch of donuts, definitely avoid a gas station and just wait for the next bakery nearby.
USB Drives and Memory Cards
USB drives and memory cards are also tricky to purchase, much like other electronics for phones or other devices. The difference is that if chargers can damage your phone on the outside, USB drives from gas stations can impair it on the inside. They may come with pre-installed malware or may not even provide the promised extra storage.
Sushi
Sushi is a late-night, Michelin-star restaurant kind of food—not an impulsive gas station buy. Raw fish should be stored in specific and ideal refrigeration conditions that gas stations are not particular about. That’s why gas station-bought sushi may poison you faster than it can satiate your craving.
Microwaveable Snacks
Frozen snacks like burritos and other microwaveable items are kept in substandard refrigerators at gas stations, which can easily ruin their freshness, texture, and taste. Not to mention that they charge ridiculously more for these snacks. That’s why if you’re looking to eat some burritos on the driver’s (or passenger’s) seat, you can buy ahead from grocery stores rather than purchase one from a gas station.
