Candy bars? Chicken gizzards or livers? Chips? Anything from the hot lamp roller display that, possibly, could result in a rumbling tummy a few hours later? Perhaps a healthy choice, like an apple or banana?

Gas station food spans the gamut of culinary delights. That's a questionable statement, of course, since "food" and "culinary delights" typically aren't found at the local Gas 'n Go. But occasionally we run across a joint that requires a mental pin-drop, where someone is making fried chicken in a small deli or a pop-up has tacos, tamales, Indian or some other delight that is worth a visit on each trip.

Food, in this case, is something to nosh on while driving. As much as I  love Indian and Korean food, it would be difficult to enjoy saag paneer or a cup of kimchi while driving to the duck club or fishin' hole. A big burrito possibly could be gulfed as I click-clack along the highways or interstate, but safety should take precedence.

So I stick with easy snacks for driving and leave the saag paneer and goat curry for a tailgate meal in the parking lot. I checked with our Grand View Outdoors staff for their favorite gas station food, too. Enjoy.

Hilary Dyer
Managing Editor

— Swedish Fish, and you should be caned for not thinking of this already.

— Peanuts or almonds, the kind in the tube you can dump into your mouth

— I’m a fan of anything in resealable packaging, so Pringles get the nod over other chips, and I always pick bottled soda over canned for that reason.

— A banana if I’m feeling guilty about the rest of the junk I bought.

— Chicken biscuits for breakfast.  

Darren Choate
Editor

This is an easy choice for me — Hostess Donnettes: Chocolate or Powdered. #breakfastofchampions 

Dave Maas
Senior Editor

I agree with Darren: Hostess Donnettes. Although I always go for chocolate, or maybe glazed in a pinch. Never powdered sugar because then you need a full glass of milk to avoid choking. My buddies and I call them “waxies.” So good.

Derrick Nawrocki
Publisher

— Combo’s, baked pizza flavor or other baked flavors.

— Beef jerky, Sweet and Spicy or Teriyaki, quality depends on state and gas station. The more tender the better, the more off brand the better as well. I stay away from Obertos and Jack Links. 

— Blue Diamond Almonds, Wasabi and Soy or Salt and Vinegar flavor.

— In Colorado they have Kum & Go stations (in other states as well), and I get their pizza by the slice. Believe it or not, their egg rolls on the hot lamp rollers are a nice surprise.

— Kind bars always hit the spot, too 

Alan Clemons
Editor

Years ago I stopped at a gas station in West Memphis, Arkansas, on the way home from deer hunting in Kansas. When I opened the door the "Deli" sign in the back caught my eye and then I smelled fried goodness.

Chicken wings and legs were available, as were gizzards and livers. They were fresh, golden brown, crispy. The oil wasn't burned; you can smell and taste bad cooking oil. This was clean, and the gizzards weren't greasy. The kind lady serving me a big cup of gizzards asked if I wanted anything else. I got some turnip greens to eat in the parking lot, but the gizzards were for the drive.

"Hot sauce, please" I replied.

"Ohhhh, you know that's right," she said, smiling broadly as she packed a few extra gizzards on top. They were delicious with a cold Coca-Cola (the best). I had an empty cup by the time I got through Memphis. So good.

My other choices:

— Nacho Cheese Doritos, the greatest chip in the world.

— Heat lamp roller pepperoni Tornados, with a sugar-free Red Bull. 

— Moon Pie, in chocolate or banana, and a Coca-Cola.

— Snickers or 10,000 Grand candy bar, or Peanut M&Ms.

— Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies.

— Albanese gummy worms, which also are great if you're hiking, trail running or sitting in a stand or blind.