If there is one thing that a savvy traveler is always packed with, it is a snack. There are times for a full picnic, so some people like to go to the airport very early, while others are last minute dashing while they’re off to the protein bar. Between flight delays and the possibility of complete cancellations and the rarity of delicious food from the airline, it is essential to take several clauses at the airport (reusable water bottles are important).
Still, certain foods can cause delays in airport security. that’s why Yes, you can bring your own food from TSA Checkpoint, There are some important exceptions and rules, and rules you should know before heading to the airport with a little plane snack in your bag.
What kind of snacks can you bring to TSA?
Most foods can be brought with you through the TSA, but snacks are subject to the 3-1-1 liquid rule, just like toiletries. If they are considered liquids, pasted or gels, then the classification that is not always obvious must be less than 3.4 oz. This includes the spread of liquid and liquid things, such as drinks, yogurt, syrup, soups, jams, jellies, seasonings, and oil-bottled, as well as dips and spreads such as nut butter, pate, creamy cheese, frosting, and hummus. So that 5 ounces of yogurt doesn’t achieve that through the TSA, but a packet of 1.2 ounces of nut butter is not an issue.
Items exempt from the 3.4 oz rule include:
Solid food is not subject to the rules, so any game from some slices of NYC pizza is a game fill in From Guatemala.
If you’re not sure about a particular food, check out TSA’s helpful ones. Text your question in a tool or simply text.
Additional rules to consider international flights
The 3-1-1 rule is not specific to the United States. Many other countries, including Canada, Australia and the UK, have banned liquids, pastes, and gels brought into containers that hold more than 3.4 ounces (including food, drinks and toiletries). Before flying, check the airline’s website for more information about what is permitted.
Healthy and moisturized fruits and vegetables are the perfect snack for travel, but make sure to eat that juicy plum while flying. Foreign agricultural products are not allowed to enter many countries, and in the forgotten apples and the US, even losing global entries could be fined.
TSA approved snacks and meals: what you can and cannot bring
If you want to bring food from home for a flight, read your favourite TSA approved snacks and meals. Don’t forget to bring a reusable fork, spoon or chopsticks.
What snacks have TSA approved?
- Sliced vegetables with a container of hummus (less than 3.4 oz)
- Sliced fruit (fill with reusable napkins for something very juicy)
- Protein Bar
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Carrot and zucchini fritters with Tzatziki’s (less than 3.4 oz) container
- DIY charcuterie and cheese box (cheese, not creamy)
- Banana bread or muffins
- Grizzly beef, salmon, or mushrooms
- Popcorn
- Cracker and travel size hummus or hard or medium-hard cheese slices
- “Sandwich” date with nut butter and dark chocolate
- Onigiri or kimbap
See more DIY snack ideas, recipes.
Pack your Tsa approved meals to carry around:
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Sliced quiche or frittata
- Salad paste
- Instant (dry) oatmeal, along with containers like meal camp cups, to eat it (simply ask the flight attendant for hot water)
- Grain or Rice Bowl
- Dumpkin with sides of edamame (cannon bullets for cleaning)
Whatever you bring, you can Bringing something through TSA doesn’t always mean you Should. Avoid easily perishable foods and overly irritating things (such as tuna and ripe bananas). Your neighbors will thank you.
Other food restrictions to consider
Alcohol exceeding 140 proofs (70%) is not permitted in airport security. If you don’t want to throw that souvenir rum, put it in your check bag. However, most alcohol is not that strong and is permitted through the TSA as long as the bottle is less than 3.4 ounces.
However, Federal Aviation Administration regulations do not allow alcohol on board unless provided by flight attendants. So, if you are hiding some mini bottles of alcohol while carrying it on, be aware that you will either keep them while flying or risk a fine.
Then there’s the problem with frozen foods. Technically, liquid food and ice packs can be brought into frozen form through airport security “as long as they are frozen solids when presented for screening.”
Packaging snacks for air travel: Tips and guidelines
No one needs to reach for a carry-on mid-flight, so you need to spot some rogue screaming grapes. Here are some tips for stuffing snacks and food for your flight.
For snacks and sandwiches, try packing them in reusable silicone bags like Stasher (starting at $11). These are environmentally friendly and help to carry more snacks to get home.
For anything that could be considered a liquid, pasted or gel, it will help you ensure that a 2.4 oz snack cup ($8) of Mont Bent is less than 3.4 oz. Push noodles into the salad, such as eco-friendly reusable cooking utensils such as easy-to-fold chopsticks, or titanium fork and spoon sets from Snow Peak (starting at $27).
If you have more than a small snack, a fun print-like lunch bag from Baggu ($34) can help you keep food fresh while separating it from the rest of your travel supplies.
This article was originally published in 2022 and was recently updated on September 16, 2025, and contains current information.
