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Guidelines for packing solid and liquid foods, plus tips for traveling with baby items
Navigating TSA with food can be overwhelming—especially when you're unsure what will pass inspection. This guide removes the guesswork by clearly outlining which foods are allowed or restricted, including special cases like baby formula and breast milk. You’ll also find our best tips for packing food in your carry-on to breeze through security without issues.
Is food allowed through TSA?
Yes, with some limitations. You’re free to bring solid food items in either your carry-on or checked luggage. However, for carry-ons, any food in liquid, gel, or aerosol form must be in containers of 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less. Breast milk and baby formula are exceptions to this rule.
Instructions
Are food items allowed past TSA checkpoints?
Yes, solid foods are permitted by TSA, but liquids over 3.4 oz (100 mL) are not. You can carry a sandwich—even with a bit of mayo—through security, provided it’s not overly soggy. However, if you plan to travel with a full 8 oz (237 mL) jar of mayo, it must go in your checked bag. Otherwise, TSA will require you to throw it away.
- Note: TSA agents have final say. Even properly packed items not on the restricted list can be denied if they trigger alarms or appear suspicious during screening.
Approved Food Items for TSA Screening
You can bring any solid food in your carry-on bag. As long as it’s not a liquid, gel, aerosol, cream, or paste, you can pack it in any quantity. Approved examples include:
- Bread
- Candy
- Cheese slices
- Chocolate (solid)
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Dried fruits
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Dry pet food
- Pies and cakes
- Pizza
- Protein or energy powders
- Salt
- Sandwiches
- Snack bars
- Snack items (chips, pretzels, etc.)
- Spices
- Tamales
- Tea bags or dried tea leaves
Breast milk, baby formula, and baby juice are TSA-approved in larger quantities. These medically essential items are exempt from the 3.4 oz (100 mL) limit. It's best to store them in transparent bottles to help agents inspect them quickly.
- Let TSA officers know in advance if you're carrying these items. You may also request that they not be X-rayed during screening.
Foods You Can't Freely Bring Through TSA
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes are restricted in carry-ons by TSA. After past security threats involving liquid explosives, TSA now limits these items to containers of 3.4 oz (100 mL) or smaller in carry-ons. Here are examples of restricted food items:
- Alcohol (up to 140 proof or 70%)
- Bottled water
- Canned foods
- Soft or liquid cheeses
- Liquid chocolate (e.g., syrup)
- Coffee
- Creamy dips and spreads
- Fruits or vegetables in gel/liquid form
- Gravy
- Honey
- Hummus
- Ice cream
- Jam and jelly
- Juices (excluding infant use)
- Maple syrup
- Oils and vinegars
- Nut butters (e.g., peanut butter)
- Wet pet food
- Salad dressings
- Salsa and sauces
- Soda
- Soups
- Yogurt
Tips for Getting Food Through TSA Security
Keep solid foods in separate, clear containers for easier screening. Solid foods are allowed, but they still need to be screened. To avoid delays, place snacks, sandwiches, and other non-liquid items in clear plastic bags or containers and keep them near the top of your bag for quick access during inspection.
Use the TSA 3-1-1 rule when bringing liquid foods in your carry-on. This rule means: no container can exceed 3.4 oz (100 mL); all liquid, gel, cream, aerosol, or paste containers must fit inside a single quart-sized zip-top plastic bag; and each traveler is allowed only one such bag.
- Keep liquid food items separate from solid ones. For instance, if bringing a salad, place the dressing in a small (3.4 oz or less) container within your quart-sized bag to stay compliant.
Pack breast milk, baby formula, and baby juice in clear plastic bottles. These should go in your carry-on, and you should let TSA agents know before screening begins that you’re carrying them for a child—even if the child isn’t traveling with you. These containers can exceed 3.4 oz (100 mL) as long as they fit securely in your bag and can be accessed easily.
When unsure, place liquid foods in your checked baggage. While the 3.4 oz (100 mL) rule applies to liquids in your carry-on, there are no such limits for your checked luggage. If your food doesn’t qualify as solid and exceeds the limit, stow it in your checked bag to avoid losing it at the security checkpoint.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Can food be brought through TSA on international flights? Yes, as long as you stick to the 3-1-1 rule and properly pack your items. However, if you're entering the U.S. from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, don't bring fresh produce—this is to stop invasive pests from reaching the mainland.
Is cooked food allowed through TSA? Absolutely, as long as it’s solid and not soaked in liquid that could be flagged by TSA.
Can you bring an open bag of chips? Yes, chips are classified as solid food by TSA and are allowed. You can even bring an open bag, though it’s more hygienic to keep it sealed during screening.
Is frozen food allowed through TSA? Yes, but only if any ice or gel packs used to keep it cold are completely frozen at the time of screening.
Can you carry unopened drinks through TSA? No. TSA prohibits both opened and unopened beverages in carry-ons. You’ll have to drink it or toss it before going through security.
Can you bring fast food through TSA? Yes, fast food is allowed if it’s solid. Be sure to place any sauce or condiment packets in a quart-sized plastic bag, and finish or discard your drink before reaching the checkpoint.
