20 American Road Trip Snacks You’d Find at Every Gas Station in the ’80s
The 1980s were a golden age of road trips, filled with mixtapes, family vacations, and late-night adventures. No trip was complete without a stop at a roadside gas station, where shelves were stocked with iconic snacks that fueled the journey.
From sweet indulgences to crunchy, salty bites, these treats were road trip essentials. Let’s take a trip back in time and remember the must-have snacks that made every mile more enjoyable.
1. Twinkies
Twinkies were the ultimate road trip treat, thanks to their soft sponge cake and creamy filling. This snack’s mess-free convenience made it perfect for backseat munching, keeping both kids and adults satisfied.
With its bright yellow packaging and famously long shelf life, Twinkies became a road trip staple. Their fluffy texture and sugary sweetness made every bite a small moment of indulgence.
Though they briefly disappeared from shelves, Twinkies have since made a comeback, proving that nostalgia never goes out of style.
2. Ho Hos
For those craving rich, chocolatey goodness on the go, Ho Hos were the perfect snack. These rolled cakes, packed with cream and coated in chocolate, delivered an irresistible mix of textures and flavors.
Their compact size and individually wrapped portions made them easy to stash in a glove compartment, ready for a mid-drive sugar boost.
Though the branding has evolved, Ho Hos are still available today, continuing to satisfy sweet-toothed travelers.
3. Doritos
Doritos were the go-to crunchy snack of every road trip in the ’80s. The nacho cheese variety, in particular, was a fan favorite, offering a bold, tangy kick that left fingers coated in signature cheesy dust.
The iconic triangular shape and loud crunch made Doritos a fun and flavorful snack to enjoy during long drives. While today’s flavors have expanded, the classic nacho cheese variety remains a nostalgic favorite.
4. Slim Jims
For those needing a protein-packed, savory snack, Slim Jims were the ultimate choice. These spicy meat sticks provided a quick, mess-free way to curb hunger on the road.
With their bold, smoky flavor and iconic snap, Slim Jims became synonymous with road trip snacking. Their lasting appeal has ensured they remain a gas station staple even decades later.
5. Pop Rocks
Nothing made a road trip more exciting than the fizzy explosion of Pop Rocks. These tiny, colorful candies crackled on the tongue, turning every bite into an experience.
With their fun, popping sensation and bright packaging, Pop Rocks felt like edible fireworks. Despite urban legends surrounding them, they remained a childhood favorite and are still enjoyed today.
6. Corn Nuts
For travelers craving a loud, crunchy snack, Corn Nuts were the answer. These roasted corn kernels packed a serious crunch and came in a variety of bold flavors.
Their salty, satisfying taste made them a great alternative to chips, especially for those looking for something more substantial. Corn Nuts continue to be a favorite for those who love their signature loud crunch.
7. Combos
Combos were the perfect mix of crunchy and creamy, featuring a pretzel shell stuffed with a cheesy center. Their unique texture and flavor made them an instant road trip classic.
The bite-sized, mess-free nature of Combos made them ideal for snacking on the go. While new varieties have emerged, the original cheese-filled pretzel remains a nostalgic favorite.
8. Funyuns
For onion lovers, Funyuns were the ultimate crunchy snack. Their light, airy rings packed a punch of flavor, making them stand out from traditional chips.
The unique ring shape and bold onion taste made Funyuns a road trip favorite. They’re still available today, continuing to be a top choice for those who enjoy their distinctive crunch.
9. Moon Pie
Moon Pies combined marshmallow, graham cracker, and chocolate into one irresistible treat. Their soft, chewy texture made them a comforting snack for long drives.
The layered flavors and nostalgic charm of Moon Pies have kept them popular through the decades. While variations exist, the classic chocolate-covered version remains a timeless favorite.
10. Gummy Bears
Gummy Bears were the chewy, fruity candy that made road trips sweeter. Their fun shapes and variety of flavors made them a hit with both kids and adults.
With their vibrant colors and playful appeal, Gummy Bears were a staple in gas station candy aisles. They’re still enjoyed today, proving that some snacks never go out of style.
11. Hostess CupCakes
A road trip in the ’80s wasn’t complete without a pack of Hostess CupCakes. These chocolate cakes, topped with their signature white swirl, were the perfect balance of rich, moist cake and smooth, creamy filling.
Their portable size and irresistible sweetness made them a favorite for mid-drive treats. Though the recipe has changed slightly over the years, the classic Hostess CupCake remains a comforting bite of nostalgia.
12. Planters Cheese Balls
Planters Cheese Balls were a fun, finger-licking snack that added a burst of cheesy goodness to any road trip. Their light, airy texture and bold cheese flavor made them a gas station favorite.
The iconic canister packaging made sharing easy, and their comeback in recent years proves just how much people missed them. These crunchy snacks remain a beloved memory for those who grew up in the ’80s.
13. Charleston Chew
Charleston Chew was the ultimate chewy candy for long road trips. These nougat-filled bars, coated in chocolate, were a treat that lasted, especially when frozen for an extra crunch.
The combination of chocolate and chewy nougat made them a fun snack that kept hands and mouths busy on the road. They’re still around today, offering the same old-school charm and flavor.
14. Ritz Crackers
Ritz Crackers were the go-to salty snack for those wanting something buttery and crisp. Whether eaten on their own or paired with cheese, they provided a simple yet satisfying crunch.
The classic red packaging and melt-in-your-mouth texture made Ritz a versatile choice for road trippers. Still widely available today, they continue to be a timeless snack option.
15. Beef Jerky
For a protein-packed snack, nothing beat a bag of beef jerky. Smoky, chewy, and full of flavor, it was perfect for long drives and quick hunger fixes.
Its long shelf life and savory taste made it a popular gas station staple. While jerky comes in many varieties today, the classic smoky flavor remains a road trip must-have.
16. Pringles
Pringles stood out from other chips thanks to their stackable shape and signature canister, which made them easy to store and less likely to crumble.
Their light, crispy texture and bold flavors made them a gas station essential. While new flavors have been introduced, the original Sour Cream & Onion and Classic varieties still bring back fond road trip memories.
17. M&Ms
M&Ms were the mess-free chocolate snack that everyone loved. Their candy coating kept them from melting in your hands, making them perfect for car rides.
The bright, colorful packaging and classic taste made them a favorite for kids and adults alike. Whether peanut, plain, or crispy, M&Ms remain one of the most popular candy choices today.
18. Bugles
This snack added a playful twist to road trip snacking with their fun, cone-shaped design. Their salty, crunchy texture made them a fun alternative to traditional chips.
People loved them for their crispy bite and the tradition of wearing them as “finger hats” before eating them. Though they’re not as common as they once were, they’re still available and remain a nostalgic favorite.
19. Big League Chew
Big League Chew was bubble gum with a baseball twist, shredded to resemble chewing tobacco, making it especially popular among kids who wanted to feel like pro athletes.
Its soft, flavorful chew and playful packaging made it a must-have on long drives. Today, it’s still around, bringing back memories of carefree summer road trips.
20. Sixlets
Finally, Sixlets were the colorful chocolate candy with a crisp candy shell, making them easy to snack on and fun to share. Their smaller size and unique malted flavor set them apart from other chocolate treats.
Their vibrant packaging and satisfying crunch made them a hit with candy lovers. While they’re not as commonly found as they were in the ’80s, they’re still produced, offering a sweet taste of nostalgia.