Convenient stores are the most convenient option for a quick meal or snack when you are on the go, running errands, going on a road trip, stranded in an unfamiliar place, and so on.
They’re known to sell non-perishable and often unhealthy foods, so it can be a challenge to resist the temptation to grab one of their chips, pretzels, cookies, candy, etc.
However, there are also a lot of convenience stores that have a wide range of fresh and healthy food options, so you can make healthy choices even with limited options.
So in this post, I’m sharing a roundup of healthy foods that you can find in convenience stores, so you don’t have to worry about ruining your diet or healthy eating lifestyle.
15 Healthy Convenience Store Foods
Fresh Fruit
Many convenient stores will have fresh fruit – so it’s definitely the healthiest thing you can get. You can either grab an apple or an orange OR, you might be able to find little boxes of berries and cut up fresh fruit – that might be a better option if you’re on the go, as it will be easier to eat.
String Cheese
String cheese is a delicious snack, and great to eat on the road. Depending on the brand you get, it only has around 60 calories per serving, which is definitely not much!
It also has around 140 grams of sodium.
Along with some fruit or whole-grain crackers, it can be considered healthy snacking.
Granola Bar
Granola bars can definitely be considered one of the healthy convenience store snacks. Not all brands are the cleanest, so make sure to read the label. Some have too much added sugar, but not all of them.
But you’ll definitely be able to find some healthier ones, and they come in tons of flavors – peanut butter, honey, fried fruit, chocolate, etc.
They’re usually around 150-200 calories, which is fine for a snack.
Dried Fruit
Dried fruit is another great option for healthy snacks. You can find it at any gas station or convenient store.
They’re higher in sugar than fresh fruit, but still a healthier option than most convenient store snacks.
It has around 16 grams of sugar per a packet – so per a single serving.
Trail Mix
Trail mixes are probably the most popular snacks, and they’re definitely a healthier option than many convenient store snacks.
They’re higher in fat, as nuts are naturally higher in fat, but it’s still a great snack.
You can buy unsalted nuts and trail mixes, to make sure you don’t eat extra sodium.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is an amazing snack! It’s full of nutrients, and it’s a healthy source of fats.
You can get the single serving packets. Depending on how you’re traveling, you can buy a pack of fresh berries, and eat them with the yogurt – for a mini on-the-go yogurt bowl.
You can also eat it with cheese, crackers, or any other healthier snack from this list.
It’s better to get the regular kind than the flavored ones because the flavored ones have added sugar, so they’re not as healthy as they could be.
Unsalted Peanuts
Peanuts are an amazing snack! They’re higher in fat, but it’s a healthy source of fat – as long as you watch what you eat the rest of the day, feel free to snack on peanuts.
The unsalted kind is a healthier option because the salted ones have more sodium, which isn’t the best for you.
You can eat them with fruit, with cheese, with crackers, or by themselves.
Jerky
Jerky can usually be found in all convenient stores out there.
It’s a good source of protein, and it’s great to get an extra dose of protein while you’re on the road or on the go.
An important thing to note is that it is fairly high in sodium, so try to watch your sodium level for your other meals.
Cereal Cups
Cereal isn’t the healthiest thing in the world, but there are many healthier brands out there. Most of them offer single-serving packs that you can eat on the go.
Try to find ones with the least added sugar, to keep it as healthy as possible.
Fruit & Veggie Juice
Juice isn’t a very healthy option, but freshly-squeezed fruit & veggie juice definitely is!
There are many brands that offer 100% fresh fruit & veggie juice, so if you can find that in the refrigerated section, definitely get it.
It will be a great source of nutrients, and it’s very healthy!
Hummus and Pretzels
Another healthier snack you can get at gas stations and convenience stores are hummus and pretzel packs.
Hummus is a great source of protein and healthier fats, and these packs are very convenient to eat when on the go.
Veggie Sticks
Veggie sticks can’t be found in every convenience store, but many stores have cut up celery and carrot sticks. If you can find them, get them! You can dip them in greek yogurt for a great and healthy snack.
Coffee
Most of us need coffee, especially when on the go. So if the convenience store has unsweetened coffee, feel free to get it. Just try to find the unsweetened one, without added flavors or similar things, to make it healthier.
Tuna
Tuna can be found in many convenient stores, and it’s a great healthy food to get! Of course, depending on where you’re going and how you’re traveling, you might not be able to eat tuna. But if you are, and you’re looking for a healthy convenience store food, tuna is one of them!
Whole-Grain Crackers
Whole-grain crackers are the best crackers to get. They’re great to eat with cheese and fruit!
