Gas stations often have a wide variety of everyday items, such as auto supplies, basic food supplies, lottery tickets, generic medications, sunglasses, and other accessories. While you may be tempted to pick up some of these products whenever you stop for gas, many of them are either overpriced or of lower quality than what you would get elsewhere.
According to the latest data, Americans spend billions of dollars at gas stations each year. Unless you need a specific product and don’t have time to buy it somewhere else, getting it from a gas station isn’t the best decision.
Here are 10 items you should skip when hitting the local gas station!
1. Bottled beverages
When picking up bottled soda or water, quality may not be a problem, but price definitely is. Many bottled beverages are priced higher at the gas station, especially compared to what you’d get at a store like Safeway, Harris Teeter, or Walmart.
According to personal finance experts, many gas stations have a convenience store, with an emphasis on the word “convenience”. Basically, that’s what you’re paying for. Usually, gas stations mark up the price compared to grocery stores and supermarkets. So with that expectation in mind, choose wisely.
Experts also recommend skipping the overpriced bottled water at gas stations. Sometimes, you can end up paying double for it, and you can save money by carrying your own bottle (reusable; it’s the best) and filling it up at a fountain or tap.
2. Perishable foods
In a gas station, you can usually find a basic selection of food products, such as boxed goods and different sauces. That’s not to mention the wide range of snacks you can buy while you’re there.
But when it comes to perishable foods, gas stations aren’t typically known for their affordability or even their quality. This also applies to gas stations like Sheets which feature a full-service kitchen in the back.
According to experts, there are a few items that you should avoid buying at a gas station. First, it would be so-called fresh food goods like sushi, sandwiches, or wraps, which may not be as safe as you’d hope. No matter how glazed they seem, skip them and keep your money.
In 2016, an investigation by a food safety inspector concluded that many gas stations didn’t store food properly. Any perishable goods stored at temperatures above 39°F are breeding grounds for viruses and bacteria.
If you really have to pick up any perishable foods at a gas station, check the fridge thermometer and make sure it reads below 39. Also, a great tip is to choose the products closest to the cooling element.
3. Fruits and vegetables
Some gas stations stock their shelves with basic fruits like apples or bananas. They may also sell packages of vegetables. But while some of this produce may seem fresh, it’s usually not.
This being said, fresh produce is another thing you should avoid picking up at a gas station. These places don’t have the same turnover as supermarkets, so the fruits and vegetables might not be as fresh as you would want them to be.
4. Dairy items
Dairy is another category of products you should avoid buying at the gas stations. Not only are prices often significantly higher, but quality is also questionable.
If you really want to buy yogurt or some cheese snack, expect to pay for it more than you’d get at a grocery store. Also, make sure you check the expiration date on the package.
Keep reading to see other items you should avoid purchasing at a gas station!
5. Soda fountain drinks
Soft drinks you can find at the gas stations may be more reasonably priced compared to bottle ones. However, the quality can vary greatly depending on which drink you choose and the gas station itself.
In many cases, drinks you could get from the soda fountain are flat or watered down—definitely not what you’re looking for when you want something fresh and carbonated.
6. Headphones
Headphones deserve a special mention because they often have questionable quality. Even if you pay more, the price tag doesn’t reflect the quality you’d expect to get.
Vova Even, a shopping expert, consumer trends analyst, and founder of Vova Even, told us she once was on a road trip across the country and made a stop at a gas station, where she bought a pair of headphones out of sheer curiosity.
Her conclusion? It was a big mistake! Not only did the headphones give out within hours, but they were also three times the price of what they would cost in specialized stores or online.
This being said, don’t waste your money on headphones bought from gas stations. If you need a new pair, here are some great options from Amazon.
7. Electronics
Electronics are another hit-and-miss product at the gas station—especially when it comes to quality. It’s one thing to buy an extra phone charger if you forget yours at home and you’re on a long trip. It’s another way to grab several tech accessories at a gas station.
According to shopping experts, cables, chargers, and batteries are a big no when it comes to purchasing them at gas stations. These things are expensive to begin with. Gas stations sell them at a higher price because they know the chances of urgency are high. A better option would be to buy them at a local store, even if it’s an emergency purchase.
Similar to headphones, other tech accessories are lower quality compared to what you’d get online or at tech stores.
8. Skincare or beauty products
Many skincare and beauty products aren’t properly stored or could even reach their expiration date at the gas station, making them another purchase you should skip.
Plus, you never know when some other customer might have already opened up one of these items to “test” it but then placed it back on the shelf. Just thinking that someone stuck their dirty fingers in it is enough of a reason to convince you to avoid these things. That’s why it’s better to buy them from a pharmacy.
Not to mention that the price of these products has always skyrocketed. Some personal care items may be okay to purchase, depending on where you go. Things like deodorant, hand sanitizer, or toothpaste can be useful if you happen to run out at home.
9. Over-the-counter medications
Chances are, you’ve been there. You’re on a long road trip, and suddenly you feel a terrible headache coming on, or your allergies start acting up. Since the only place nearby is a gas station, you make a stop there because you know you can find some basic medications there to pick up.
This makes sense if it’s an emergency. Otherwise, it’s better to wait until you find someplace else to purchase even basic medicine. Similar to skincare and beauty products, these may not be stored properly and could have expired. Expired medications are known to be ineffective, but some of them can even be potentially harmful.
10. Car supplies
Certain basic auto parts may be worth buying, especially if you need something new and you’re in a rush. But be careful, though, as the prices can still be significantly higher than what you’d find at a specialized store.
Shopping experts recommend skipping car maintenance supplies such as antifreeze, oil, or windshield wiper fluid. While they may seem convenient to pick up while filling up gas, it’s better to buy these products from trusted auto parts stores or have your vehicle serviced by a professional.
On the other hand, you could buy some basic accessories like air fresheners, tie pressure gauges, or windshield wipers. Just be aware that these may not last as long.
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