Absolutely, You Can Bring Food Through TSA—With Certain Exceptions

Food makes for a great souvenir, a go-to gift for friends, and a must-have on my packing list. I often find myself sneaking in a tasty treat into my carry-on, which occasionally leads to delays at TSA checkpoints. Over the years, I've seen yogurt taken away, pâté discarded, and hot chocolate mix subjected to extra screening by TSA staff. However, I've also successfully carried countless protein bars, chips, and sandwiches without issue.

While yes, you can take food through TSA checkpoints, it’s crucial to be aware of certain exceptions and regulations before you pack your in-flight snack securely in your bag.

Which snacks are allowed through TSA?

You can carry most food items through TSA, but your snacks, like your toiletries, must adhere to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. If they fall under the category of liquid, paste, or gel—a classification that isn't always clear-cut—they need to be less than 3.4 ounces. This applies to liquids and semi-liquids such as juice, yogurt, syrup, soup, jams, jellies, condiments, or anything stored in oil, as well as spreadable items like nut butters, pâté, creamy cheeses, frosting, hummus, and various dips. Therefore, while a five-ounce yogurt might cause issues, a 1.2-ounce packet of nut butter should pass without problems.

Items that are exempt from the 3.4-ounce rule include:

• Baby food and formula
• Breast milk and juice for infants or toddlers
• Ice packs to keep these foods cold, but only when frozen; once they become liquid, they can no longer be taken through (unless for medical reasons).

Solid foods, such as pasta and sandwiches, are not affected by this rule; so feel free to bring that whole loaf of San Francisco sourdough on board.

If you're uncertain about a particular food item, you can use TSA’s useful What Can I Bring? tool or text the TSA your inquiry.

A few additional rules to keep in mind for international flights

The 3-1-1 rule isn’t exclusive to the United States. Numerous other countries, such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom (which is contemplating eliminating the restriction), also prohibit liquids, pastes, and gels in containers exceeding 3.4 ounces (whether food or not) in your carry-on. Make sure to review your airline’s website for specific details on what is permitted before your flight.

Fruits and vegetables make for healthy, hydrating snacks on flights, but many nations restrict the entry of foreign produce—and you might face fines for violating this rule. So enjoy that ripe plum before you arrive to avoid getting into trouble with customs.

TSA-approved snacks and meals

If you plan to bring food from home for your flight, keep reading for some of our favorite TSA-approved snacks and meals. Remember to pack a reusable fork or spoon!

TSA-approved snack suggestions:

1. Veggie sticks with a (less than 3.4-ounce) container of hummus
2. Protein bars
3. Dried fruits and nuts
4. Homemade charcuterie box (featuring hard cheeses, not creamy ones)
5. Muffins and pastries
6. Beef or mushroom jerky
7. Popcorn
8. Chips
9. Crackers
10. Chocolate or cookies

Explore additional DIY snack ideas, including recipes.

TSA-approved meals to include in your carry-on:

1. Sandwiches and wraps
2. Slice of quiche or frittata
3. Pasta salad
4. Instant (dry) oatmeal, along with a container like the Miir Camp Cup for easy eating
5. Grain or rice bowls

Regardless of what you decide to bring, keep in mind that just because you can take something through TSA doesn’t always mean you should. It’s best to steer clear of highly perishable foods and anything with strong odors (like tuna or bananas). Your fellow passengers will appreciate it.

Tips for packing your snacks for air travel

To avoid finding squished grapes in your carry-on mid-flight, here are some suggestions for effectively packing your snacks and food for the journey.

For snacks and sandwiches, I prefer using a reusable silicone bag like Stasher (starting at $10). It’s eco-friendly and great for carrying extra snacks on your return flight.

For any items that could be classified as a liquid, paste, or gel, I prefer using Monbento’s 2.4-ounce snack cups ($8) to ensure I'm keeping it under the 3.4-ounce limit.

When packing more than just a small snack, I opt for a lunch bag, like the fun printed options by Baggu, to help keep perishable items fresh and separate from my other travel belongings.

Additional food restrictions to be aware of

Alcohol above 140 proof (70 percent) is prohibited through airport security in any amount. To avoid having that souvenir rum discarded, place it in a checked bag. Most types of alcohol are permissible through TSA as long as the bottle is (you guessed it) less than 3.4 ounces.

However, according to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, consuming alcohol on board is only allowed if served by a flight attendant. So if you’re packing a few mini liquor bottles in your carry-on, be sure to keep them there throughout the flight or risk a fine.

Next, let’s discuss frozen foods. You can indeed carry liquid-like foods and ice packs through airport security, provided they are completely frozen when you present them for screening.

This article was first published in 2022 and was last updated on September 10, 2024, to reflect the latest information.