The 7 Best Snacks at Buc-ee’s, According to a Texan

If you’re walking into a Buc-ee’s for the first time, prepare to be overwhelmed.

The over 100 gas pumps outside this cult-favorite Southern gas station and travel center are the first hint at the breadth of what awaits you within its doors. One step inside and you’ll be greeted with the sight of kitschy decor and delicious bites. 

You’ll spot the same packaged snacks you could buy at any convenience store — though Buc-ee’s sells a much wider array of these than you’d expect, with entire rows dedicated to different flavors of nuts or taffy — plus a hot counter with fresh barbecue sandwiches, refrigerated ready-to-eat goods, a bakery display, pounds of fudge behind a glass wall, and a large selection of house-made beef jerky. And that list doesn’t even include the drink options. 

Now with 54 locations across Texas and the South, Buc-ee’s is so much more than a road trip pit stop. It’s a culinary destination. But not every snack or sandwich is as good as the rest. Take it from a native Texan — these are the seven essential bites you do need to try when you visit a Buc-ee’s.

Beaver nuggets

These sweet corn puffs — named after the Buc-ee’s mascot — are the store’s most well-known snack, and for good reason. They’re light, airy, crisp, and come in a variety of sweet and savory flavors. The fan favorite is undoubtedly the original, which has a caramelized exterior and tastes like maple syrup.

Pecans

Fun fact: Texas’ official state tree is the pecan tree. To show some pride for these home-grown nuts, Buc-ee’s sells them raw and roasted, in nearly every flavor of them you could imagine. Grab a cone of hot, sugar-roasted pecans for immediate snacking, chewy pralines to satisfy a serious sweet tooth, or a shelf-stable package with your seasoning of choice to take home as a souvenir.

Brisket sandwich 

Always served warm with a soft bun, Buc-ee’s smoked brisket sandwiches might not stack up against other barbecue sandwiches you’ll find in Texas, but they’re good, hot, and far better than most of the brisket I’ve ordered of outside the state. Opt for the chopped brisket sandwich for ease of eating and maximum sauce. Don’t forget to add in some sliced pickles — find them on a counter nearby, along with the condiments and napkins.

Kolache 

These Texas-Czech pastries consist of a soft, yeasted dough filled with an assortment of sweet and savory ingredients. Any option with sausage or a fruit is classic, but the chain’s unique flavors, like pecan pie, are just as delicious.

Beef jerky 

Buc-ee’s sells over 26 flavors of jerky, from black pepper to teriyaki. You can even buy jerky by the pound at the deli counter. Dependable, easy-to-eat, and protein-packed, It’s perfect for fueling the rest of your road trip.

Banana pudding 

I consider myself a banana pudding connoisseur, and the version at Buc-ee’s nails all the qualities I want in this Southern dessert. It has the right ratio of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, Nilla wafers, and whipped cream, and it always tastes freshly made.

Red pepper jelly

This isn’t the kind of item you’ll eat on the road, but a jar of Buc-ee’s red pepper jelly makes an excellent souvenir and is the secret ingredient to one of the easiest appetizers ever. Pour this sweet, sour, slightly spicy preserve over a block of cream cheese or log of goat cheese, then serve with crackers for a Southern snack that dinner party guests will love.