Flying with food can be tricky, especially when you’re unsure what TSA will let through. Can you bring cheese on a plane? What about fresh fruit? And will security let you carry on that jar of homemade jam?
What’s the good news?
Well, many solid foods, like hard cheeses, fresh bread, and even frozen seafood, are completely fine in your carry-on. Liquids and anything spreadable, though, follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule, which means they can’t be larger than 3.4 ounces unless packed in a checked bag.
To help you avoid last-minute headaches at airport security, we’ve broken down exactly what foods you can bring on a plane, what needs to be checked, and what’s completely off-limits.
What You Can Bring in Your Carry-On
If you’re wondering what food is allowed on a plane, here’s a list of TSA-approved foods that should make it through security without issues. Just keep in mind that TSA officers have the final say, so if something looks suspicious, you might need to go through extra screening.
Vacuum-Sealed Meat and Hard Cheese
Can you bring cheese on a plane? Yes, but only if it’s hard cheese. Vacuum-sealed meats like prosciutto or salami and solid cheeses such as cheddar, parmesan, or gouda are all TSA-approved. Soft cheeses (like brie or goat cheese) count as a liquid and must follow the 3.4-ounce rule.
Traveler Tip: “I always buy vacuum-sealed cheese from local markets when traveling. TSA never gives me trouble as long as it’s sealed!” – Mark, frequent flyer
Spices and Seasonings
Bringing back local spices from your trip? No problem—just keep them sealed and labeled to avoid unnecessary delays at security.
Dried Goods (Pasta, Beans, and Grains)
TSA considers dried pasta, lentils, quinoa, and rice to be non-restricted items, so they’re fine in both carry-on and checked luggage.
Packaged Snacks (Cookies, Chips, Granola Bars, Nuts)
Most pre-packaged snacks are TSA-approved, as long as they’re sealed. Bringing home local snacks from Italy, Japan, or Mexico? As long as they aren’t perishable, they’re good to go.
Chocolate and Candy
Can you bring chocolate on a plane? Yes! Hard chocolates and candy bars are completely fine in carry-on luggage.
Bread and Baked Goods
TSA has no issue with bagels, baguettes, croissants, and even whole loaves of bread—just keep them wrapped to avoid making a mess in your bag.
Traveler Tip: “I once flew home with a fresh baguette from Paris, and TSA didn’t even blink. Just put it in a bag to keep it from getting squished!” – Lisa, food traveler
Breast Milk, Baby Food, and Infant Formula
If you’re flying with a baby, you can bring baby food, formula, and breast milk in your carry-on. These items will be screened separately, but they aren’t limited by the 3.4-ounce rule.
Fresh Eggs
Surprisingly, fresh eggs are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. They’re considered a solid by TSA, even though they have liquid inside. Just pack them carefully!
Cooked Food (Without Liquid or Sauce)
Cooked foods, including sandwiches, pasta dishes, and grilled meats, are fine as long as they don’t contain liquids. That means no soups, no gravy, and no dipping sauces over 3.4 ounces.
Pizza, Cakes, and Pies
Can you bring pizza on a plane? Yes! Pizzas, cakes, and pies are TSA-friendly, though fruit fillings might get extra screening.
Traveler Tip: “Took an entire deep-dish pizza through TSA once. No problem at all!” – Jake, traveler
What Needs to Be Checked (or Left Behind Altogether)
While many foods are fine in carry-on bags, others need to go in checked luggage or be left behind entirely.
Liquids Over 3.4 Ounces (Oil, Vinegar, Honey, Jam, Peanut Butter, Yogurt, Gravy)
Anything spreadable or liquid over 3.4 ounces needs to go in a checked bag. This includes:
✔️ Olive oil and specialty vinegars
✔️ Honey and syrups
✔️ Jams, jellies, and peanut butter
✔️ Yogurt, soup, and liquid gravy
Traveler Tip: “Always buy small, TSA-approved bottles of olive oil when traveling. Otherwise, pack them in my checked luggage.”
Canned Goods
Since TSA considers canned food a liquid, most cans won’t make it through security unless they’re 3.4 ounces or smaller. If you’re bringing home canned seafood, put it in your checked luggage.
Fresh Meat and Seafood (Must Be Frozen)
If you’re flying with fresh meat or seafood, it must be completely frozen at the time of screening. TSA allows ice packs, but they also have to be frozen solid—if they’re partially melted, they count as a liquid.
Alcohol (Over 70% Proof is Banned, Wine is Fine in Checked Bags)
✔️ Wine and liquor under 70% alcohol (like whiskey or tequila) can be checked, but you’re limited to 5 liters (1.3 gallons) per person.
❌ Liquor over 70% proof (like Everclear) is banned on planes, even in checked bags.
Keep in mind that the FAA prohibits passengers from consuming alcohol on airplanes unless it is provided by a crew member.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (International Rules Apply)
Domestically, solid fruits and vegetables are fine in carry-ons. But if you’re flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or internationally, you might not be allowed to bring certain produce into the U.S.
Traveler Tip: “Customs is super strict about fresh fruit. You have to throw away a bag of mangoes when landing in the U.S.”
Flying Internationally? Check the Rules First
TSA’s rules only apply to flights within the U.S. If you’re entering from another country, customs rules apply, and they’re often stricter. Check U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s website before bringing back food.
For international trips, always research your destination’s food import laws to avoid losing your items at the border.
If you’re wondering what food you can bring on a plane, the simple rule is: solids are usually fine, liquids and spreadables follow TSA’s 3-1-1 rule. Pack smart, check TSA guidelines before you fly, and when in doubt—put it in your checked bag.
Happy (and well-fed) travels!
