May 25, 2021 - News

Ranking the convenience of Iowa's gas station foods

Cheese pizza in a bag from Casey's.

A Casey's cheese pizza in a bag. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

Gas station food is steeped in Iowa's commute culture, especially before we head out to work.

The state of play: In rural communities where people historically drive 30+ minutes for work, you gas up, pick up breakfast and then eat it on the way.

  • So, of course, our food needs to handle the journey.
  • I picked up some food at Casey's, rural Iowa's most prominent gas station chain, and gave them "napkin" ratings. The lower the rating, the higher the ease of eating on the go.

Cheese pizza

A slice of Casey's pizza.
Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

As a human vacuum, I admit β€” I've carried a Casey's slice with me through some unconventional times.

  • Bike jersey? Check. Purse? Check.
  • It's perfect car food. With a convenient cardboard base and a plastic bag to protect both pizza and you, you'll have no problems chowing down.

Napkin rating: πŸ“ƒ

Ham, egg and cheese croissant

A ham, egg & cheese croissant from Casey's.
Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

Easy to eat and packed full of savory flavor in each bite.

  • Unlike a snooty bakery croissant, this one isn't flaky and gets all over you.

Napkin rating: πŸ“ƒ

Biscuits & gravy

An order of biscuits and gravy from Casey's.
Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

10/10 do not recommend eating this in the car unless you are a passenger or you want to look like you swam in gravy.

Napkin rating: πŸ“ƒπŸ“ƒπŸ“ƒπŸ“ƒπŸ“ƒ

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