TSA limits liquids, gels, and anything spreadable to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. That includes things like hummus, peanut butter, and yoghurt. If you're bringing any of those, make sure the container is small enough or plan to pack it in your checked luggage. Here are some snacks to double-check before you fly.
The TSA recently clarified that six foods that are most commonly taken away include yoghurt, hummus, cream cheese, creamy dips and spreads, jam, and peanut butter. Each Thanksgiving, the government agency also reiterates that pieces of leftover turkey are completely fine to bring as one's mid-flight snack, while—depending on just how liquid they are—cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes could get taken away.
List of snacks you can’t bring in your carry-on bag on a flight
"If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it—it's considered a liquid, aerosol, or gel," a TSA spokesperson told USA Today. "And if it’s over 3.4 ounces, it needs to go in your checked luggage." While solid snacks like chips, pretzels, or hard candies are allowed in carry-ons, any food item that doesn’t meet the 3-1-1 liquids rule could be taken away at security. There are exceptions, however, for baby formula, breast milk, and certain medications, which may be carried in larger quantities with proper declaration.
If you're heading to the airport soon, it's a good idea to review both what you're packing and how much of it is going into your carry-on. Items that are creamy, spreadable, or gel-like must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, or packed in your checked baggage.
In simple terms, if you can scoop it, smear it, or eat it with a spoon, TSA likely considers it a liquid. And if it exceeds the size limit, it won’t make it past security.
The TSA recently clarified that six foods that are most commonly taken away include yoghurt, hummus, cream cheese, creamy dips and spreads, jam, and peanut butter. Each Thanksgiving, the government agency also reiterates that pieces of leftover turkey are completely fine to bring as one's mid-flight snack, while—depending on just how liquid they are—cranberry sauce or mashed potatoes could get taken away.
List of snacks you can’t bring in your carry-on bag on a flight
- Peanut Butter
- Hummus
- Yoghurt and Pudding
- Soft Cheeses (Brie, Camembert)
- Salsa and Honey
"If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it, or pour it—it's considered a liquid, aerosol, or gel," a TSA spokesperson told USA Today. "And if it’s over 3.4 ounces, it needs to go in your checked luggage." While solid snacks like chips, pretzels, or hard candies are allowed in carry-ons, any food item that doesn’t meet the 3-1-1 liquids rule could be taken away at security. There are exceptions, however, for baby formula, breast milk, and certain medications, which may be carried in larger quantities with proper declaration.
If you're heading to the airport soon, it's a good idea to review both what you're packing and how much of it is going into your carry-on. Items that are creamy, spreadable, or gel-like must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less, or packed in your checked baggage.
In simple terms, if you can scoop it, smear it, or eat it with a spoon, TSA likely considers it a liquid. And if it exceeds the size limit, it won’t make it past security.
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