This is how far $25 can go at Columbus gas stations if you’re not buying fuel

For this installment of Columbus on a Budget, I decided to visit one of the most familiar American spaces: the gas station. I had $25 to spend at my local store and I decided to see how far my budget would take me without purchasing gas.

More than half the U.S. population shops at their favorite store at least once a day, so the convenience store industry has upped its game. With retailers like Bucc-ee’s changing the way we think of these stores, it’s a whole new world out there.

But can you get your favorites without overspending?

The store and the snacks

The store

For this budget challenge, I set out with my $25 at the chain with the most locations in Georgia, the ever-available, Chevron. Georgia is home to more than 7,000 convenience stores, and Chevron leads the industry with more than 700 stores across 222 cities.

I pass by this particular Chevron on Veterans Parkway every day on my way to work and stop in a few times a week, so I knew the lay of the land. However, keeping track of the total was a little tricky without any prices on the products.

Fortunately, the clerk on duty, Zef, was willing to keep a running tally while I shopped for all the items on my list.

The snacks

To keep it local, I shopped for some of Georgia’s favorite junk food items and to keep it relevant I asked folks on social media to weigh in.

What I bought:

• Doritos (Georgia’s top fave) - $2.69
• 2 Blow Pops (Georgia’s preferred candy) $.58
• Flaming Hot Cheetos - $5.89
• Slim Jim Original - $1.99
• Pork Rinds - $2.49
• Corn Nuts - $1.79
• Diet Cokes (it was buy one get one for $1) $3.29
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups - $2.89
• 1 Losing lottery ticket - $1

Total (including tax): $22.69

Not just junk

They also do more than just pre-packaged food and sodas. If I wanted some more substantial nibbles, I could’ve had boiled peanuts, hot dogs, nachos and even hot coffee.

Aside from all the sugary snacks and preservative-ridden treats, this Chevron had a selection of fresh fruit as well. Although I didn’t buy an apple or banana, I could have if I wanted to for less than the bag of chips I bought.

All in all, I left with a pretty respectable snack haul.

Tips and tricks for getting more for your money

Convenience stores account for nearly a quarter of all food and beverage retail sales nationwide, so applying the same money-saving strategies is still smart.

But careful planning helps stretch your dollar here:

• Look for combo deals or multi-packs that lower per-item cost
• Stick to the perimeter of the store for fresher snack options
• Avoid high markup items like single-serve sodas or branded energy drinks when possible
• Bring your own refillable water bottle and choose free water refills instead of buying multiple bottled drinks

What would you buy if you had $25 to blow in your local gas station? Do you have any suggestions for my next Columbus on a Budget? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.