'Everybody Else Is Like 15-30%:' Man Pumps Gas at QuikTrip Station. Then He Notices Their Ethanol Levels

"This is the one thing that I like about QuikTrip."

Photo by: TikTok

By: Chad Swiatecki

Jul 9, 2025 at 5:00pm ET

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Ethanol blends in gasoline are a routine part of the US fuel supply, but a recent TikTok video is renewing the debate over how much is too much.

The motorist and online creator @newlooklawnmowing points to the fuel pump label at the QuikTrip station he prefers, and expresses appreciation that the fuel contains “only 10% ethanol.” He contrasts QT’s gasoline with what he claims are higher-ethanol blends offered at other stations, suggesting some may contain between 15% and 30% ethanol. He frames QT’s fuel as a better or safer option, particularly for vehicle longevity and performance.

The video, which has been viewed more than 7,000 times, doesn’t cite specific stations or brands that supposedly use higher blends. But the implication is clear: Fuel with more than 10% ethanol is undesirable, and QT is a better choice because it avoids those higher percentages.

What Is Ethanol in Gasoline?

Ethanol is an alcohol-based biofuel typically derived from corn or other plant materials. It has been blended into gasoline for decades as a way to reduce carbon monoxide emissions, promote domestic fuel production, and extend petroleum supplies. The most common blend in the United States is known as E10, a mixture of 90% gasoline and 10% ethanol, which has been approved for use in all gasoline-powered vehicles since the late 1970s.

Higher blends are available, though far less common. E15, which contains 15% ethanol, is approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in vehicles from model year 2001 and newer. E85, a fuel that can contain between 51% and 83% ethanol depending on geography and season, is designed for flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) only.

The number following the “E” simply indicates the percentage of ethanol blended with gasoline. So, E10 is 10% ethanol, E15 is 15%, and so on. Most passenger cars are built to run safely on E10. E15 is growing in availability but still faces infrastructure and regulatory limitations. E85 is only suitable for specially designed flex-fuel vehicles or modified cars.

Are 15-30% Ethanol Blends Common at Gas Stations?

Despite the TikTok user’s claim, fuel blends containing 15% to 30% ethanol are not widely available at most gas stations. E10 remains the standard blend across the U.S., representing the majority of retail gasoline sold today.

E15 has seen gradual adoption in recent years, particularly after the EPA lifted seasonal restrictions on its use in 2019. However, as of 2023, E15 was available at around 3,000 locations nationwide, a fraction of the over 145,000 retail fueling stations in the US.

Why Do Some Drivers Avoid Ethanol?

Ethanol has long been a source of debate among drivers, especially enthusiasts and owners of older vehicles. One common concern is that ethanol is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. This has led to concerns that ethanol-blended fuels may cause corrosion or fuel system degradation, particularly in vehicles with rubber components that are not designed to withstand alcohol exposure.

Another common point of skepticism is ethanol’s lower energy density compared to pure gasoline. According to the Department of Energy, ethanol contains about 33% less energy per gallon than gasoline, which can result in slightly reduced fuel economy when used in higher concentrations.

Why QT Advertises 10% Ethanol

QT prominently displays that its gasoline contains “up to 10% ethanol,” a practice that appears to be more about consumer transparency than technical superiority.

What do you think?

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In regions where ethanol skepticism is more common, particularly among owners of classic cars, power equipment, or motorcycles, clearly advertising the blend ratio can serve as a trust-building measure. By highlighting the fact that its gasoline adheres to the familiar E10 standard, QT may be catering to customer preferences, even if the fuel itself is no different from what is sold at many other major chains.

Motor1 reached out to the creator via direct message. It reached out to QT via email. This story will be updated should either party respond.