What food can you bring through airport security? Complete guide to TSA rules for carry-on and checked food items.
General Rules for Food
Solid foods are generally allowed in carry-on and checked bags
Spreadable foods (peanut butter, hummus, yogurt) count as liquids under the 3-1-1 rule
Baby food, formula, and breast milk are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule
Food purchased after security has no restrictions
You can bring food through airport security. Solid foods — sandwiches, fruit, snacks, baked goods, cheese, and packaged meals — travel freely in carry-on bags. Spreadable and pourable foods such as peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, soup, and dips count as liquids and must follow the 3-1-1 rule.
How food is screened at the checkpoint
Decide solid or spreadable first — The dividing line is whether you could pour or spread it. If yes, it is a liquid and needs a container of 3.4 oz or less in your carry-on.
Put food in a bin, not deep in your bag — Dense items like a block of cheese, a jar, or a wrapped cake read as opaque on X-ray. Placing them in a separate bin usually prevents a bag search.
Freeze ice packs completely solid — Gel packs and frozen water are allowed if they are frozen solid at the checkpoint. Any slush or melt makes them a liquid subject to 3-1-1.
Declare baby and medical food — Formula, breast milk, toddler juice, and medically required nutrition drinks are exempt from size limits. Tell the officer before screening begins.
Check your destination, not just TSA — TSA screening is separate from agriculture rules. Fresh fruit, meat, and produce may be restricted flying into Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or another country.
Food packing checklist
No restrictions in carry-on
Sandwiches, wraps, and burritos
Whole fruit, vegetables, and salads without dressing
Chips, crackers, nuts, granola bars, cookies, and candy