Hey there! You may be wondering if you can pick up eggs at the gas station.
The short answer is — sometimes! Certain gas stations do sell eggs, but it depends on the individual store.
Why Might Gas Stations Sell Eggs?
There are a few reasons some gas stations stock eggs alongside their typical offerings:
- Convenience – Gas stations are open late and located everywhere, making eggs handy in a pinch. No more emergency trips to the store!
- Impulse purchases – Gas stations encourage impulse buys near registers. Cartons of eggs by the counter can tempt hungry shoppers.
- Additional inventory – Selling eggs brings in extra revenue from an in-demand grocery staple.
- Helping customers – Gas stations recognize customers appreciate grabbing essentials like eggs while filling up. It’s added convenience.
Of course, gas stations don’t rely on egg sales like grocery stores.
But carrying eggs can be a smart strategy for added business.
Where Are Eggs Located in Gas Stations?
Since eggs need refrigeration, they aren’t always carried by gas stations.
related: Do Gas Stations Sell Cat Food?
But when gas stations do sell eggs, you’ll typically find cartons:
- In coolers near the refrigerated drinks
- On shelving above the coolers
- On display in front of checkout counters
- On top of coffee station refrigerators
- Next to milk, butter, and other dairy
If you don’t see eggs at first glance, try asking the clerk. They may keep a small supply in a back refrigerator.
Popular Gas Station Egg Brands
You won’t find fancy free-range or organic eggs at gas stations.
But you will see very common grocery store egg brands like:
- Great Day Farmers Market – One of the top egg brands carried by gas stations nationwide. Their white and brown eggs come in small, medium, large, and jumbo sizes.
- Farmhouse – From wholesaler Global Foods, Farmhouse eggs are another bestseller with white, brown, and jumbo options.
- Sunny Meadow – A leading gas station egg brand for their white, brown, and vegetable-fed varieties.
- Sunny Valley – From wholesaler Rose Acre Farms, Sunny Valley offers white and brown eggs in various counts.
- Land O’ Lakes – Primarily known for butter, Land O’ Lakes also produces white, brown, and cage-free eggs found at some gas stations.
These major egg suppliers provide affordable, long-lasting cartoned eggs perfect for gas station sale.
Egg Sizes and Counts at Gas Stations
Since gas stations have limited space, they generally only stock the most popular egg sizes and counts.
You’ll typically find:
- 12 count cartons of large white eggs
- 12 count cartons of large brown eggs
- Half dozen cartons of jumbo or extra large eggs
Occasionally stores may also have:
- 18 or 24 count cartons of medium white eggs
- 6 count cartons of large eggs
But most often, gas station egg selections are limited to those high-demand 12 count large white and brown eggs.
Are Gas Station Eggs Fresh?
With proper refrigeration, gas station eggs can stay fresh for weeks or months beyond their pack date. But it’s smart to:
- Check pack dates on egg cartons
- Choose eggs with furthest away sell-by dates
- Inspect eggs before purchasing
- Avoid cracked or dirty eggs
Also be sure to:
- Refrigerate eggs within 2 hours of purchasing
- Keep eggs refrigerated at 40°F once home
- Use eggs within 3-5 weeks of purchase
As long as gas station eggs are refrigerated consistently, they should stay just as fresh as those from the grocery store.
But always inspect and follow storage guidelines.
Are Gas Station Eggs Safe to Eat?
Despite being sold in an unconventional spot, gas station eggs are perfectly safe when handled properly. Here are some tips:
- Carefully inspect eggs before buying. Avoid cracked or soiled shells.
- Choose cartons where eggs are clean and sound.
- Make sure eggs are refrigerated in the gas station. Avoid warm eggs.
- Check egg expiration or pack dates and pick furthest dates.
- Refrigerate eggs immediately after purchasing, ideally within 2 hours.
- Keep eggs refrigerated at home at 40°F or below.
- Use eggs within 3-5 weeks of purchase for optimal freshness.
- Cook eggs thoroughly until whites and yolks are firm.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs.
Reputable national brands like Great Day undergo stringent safety processes and inspections even for gas station eggs.
Following basic food safety tips will keep gas station eggs safe to enjoy.
Why Are Gas Station Eggs Cheaper?
You may notice gas station eggs cost a dollar or two less than grocery store eggs. There are two main reasons for this:
- Bulk supplies – Gas stations buy large wholesale supplies of eggs for distribution nationwide. This allows for lower pricing.
- In-house brands – Most gas station eggs are packaged under generic in-house brands versus national brands. Savings get passed down.
But the eggs themselves are often the exact same quality as those in supermarkets.
So gas station eggs provide a convenient way to save a little money while still getting fresh, tasty eggs on the go!
Next time you need eggs in a hurry, forget the supermarket lines.
Stop by your neighborhood gas station to pick up eggs anytime day or night.
Just be sure to give them a quick inspection and refrigerate promptly once home.
With their affordability and convenience, gas stations can be an egg-cellent option in a pinch!