Before you head to the airport, it’s worth taking a second look at your snack bag. While solid foods like sandwiches, chips, and cookies are usually fine, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict rules about anything considered a liquid, gel, or spread. Many travelers don’t realize that some common snacks fall into this category—and risk seeing them tossed out at security. Here’s what you need to know.
What Counts as a Liquid or Gel?
The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule limits liquids, gels, and anything spreadable to containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in carry-on bags. Items over this limit need to go in your checked luggage.
A TSA spokesperson summed it up in a statement, explaining that if an item can be spilled, sprayed, spread, pumped, or poured, it is classified as a liquid, aerosol, or gel.
This means foods that seem solid enough can still be classified as liquids if they’re creamy or spreadable.
Snacks you can’t bring at Airport
These are some of the most common foods travelers try to bring through security, only to have them flagged:
- Peanut Butter: Even small travel packs often exceed 3.4 ounces. Since it can be smeared, it’s treated as a liquid.
- Hummus: Unless in a tiny container under the limit, this creamy dip will be taken away.
- Yoghurt & Pudding: These are gels, so standard-sized single-serve cups won’t pass.
- Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Cream Cheese): Too spreadable to count as solids.
- Salsa & Honey: Both are considered thick liquids. Containers over 3.4 ounces aren’t allowed, even if they’re sealed.
- Jams & Jelly: Fall under the same rule—too spreadable, so they need to be in small containers or checked.
What about holiday foods?
You can bring solid foods like leftover turkey, bread, or cookies in your carry-on. But be careful: items like cranberry sauce, gravy, and mashed potatoes might be taken away if they’re too soft, mushy, or liquid-like.
What Snacks Are Safe in Carry-On Bags?
- Solid cheeses (like cheddar or gouda)
- Whole fruits and vegetables
- Crackers, chips, pretzels, cookies, and hard candies
- Sandwiches (without big amounts of spreadable condiments)
- Dry snacks like trail mix or granola bars
If you’re unsure, the rule of thumb is: If you can scoop it, smear it, or eat it with a spoon, TSA likely considers it a liquid or gel.
Exceptions to the Rule
TSA does allow some items over 3.4 ounces in carry-ons if you declare them at security:
- Baby formula and breast milk
- Medications and medically necessary liquids
These items should be separated from your other belongings and shown to the TSA officers during screening.
Final Tip Before You Pack
Check both what you’re bringing and how much of it you’re bringing. For anything creamy, spreadable, or gel-like, make sure it’s in containers of 3.4 ounces or less or pack it in your checked baggage. By keeping these simple rules in mind, you can save time, avoid hassle, and keep your travel snacks with you on the plane. Safe travels!
Date: 5 August, 2025 (Mumbai)
Time: 10 AM to 5 PM
Fee: Rs. 2360
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