If you’re packing for a trip and completely unsure of what you can and cannot bring in your carry on bag, listen up. Getting to the airport and having to throw your stuff away so you can get through security can be stressful and frustrating. So, find out what food and drinks you can’t safely take on a plane and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
What foods can I bring through security?
Before we get into what you cannot bring, here are some foods you can bring if you package and travel with them correctly. If you are coming home from a trip to a place with the best cheeses or meats, you can bring those home. Just make sure to have the store vacuum seal them. You can also bring home spices if they are labeled and unopened, any dry goods (like pasta, bread, coffee, or beans), and even butter (as long as it’s in its solid form).
Keep in mind that while TSA sets these rules, it is ultimately up to the individual agent to decide whether or not you can bring your item. As long as anything that resembles a liquid is below 3.4 ounces you’re good to go. When in doubt, put it in your checked bag. You can also send a picture to AskTSA on Facebook or X if you want to be safe or if you want to bring something not listed on their website.
#SpoonTip: More information can be found on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website.
What foods and drinks am I not allowed to bring through security?
The general rule is if it’s a liquid and over 3.4 ounces, check it in your checked bag or ship it home. When in doubt, have the item shipped. There’s nothing worse than spending some serious money on some delicious souvenirs just to have them taken away when landing back home. But here are some other foods you can’t bring through airport security.
1. Alcoholic Beverages
You can bring alcoholic beverages in both carry on and checked bags, but there’s a catch. In a checked bag, you are limited to five liters per passenger, and it must be in the unopened retailer packaging. If you’re putting it in your carry on, the bottle needs to be 3.4 ounces or smaller. If the alcohol is more than 140 proof (70% alcohol), sadly you can’t bring it in a carry on or checked bag at all.
2. Bottled Water
You probably know about this one, but you have to chuck that bottle of water you brought before you get in the security line. The only way it’ll pass is if it’s less than 3.4 ounces. One exception to this is if you are traveling with a baby and the water is clearly for them. No limit is set there, except for “within reasonable quantities.”
3. Canned Food
You technically can bring canned food through security, but be prepared for extra screening (looking at you, tinned fish girlys). Due to how it looks through the x-ray machine, they will most likely have to double check your bag. TSA suggests either leaving it at home or shipping it to your destination if you can’t put it in a checked bag.
4. Any Liquids Or Liquid-y Foods
Like water, you aren’t allowed to bring any liquids, like coffee, as long as they are less than 3.4 ounces. This also applies to liquid foods such as creamy cheeses, dips/spreads, gravy, honey, jams, hummus, maple syrup, oil and vinegar, peanut butter, wet pet food, salad dressing, sauces, salsa, soup, yogurt, or chocolate in a non-solid form. If they go over the limit, put it in your checked bag, unless you want an agent to throw out your delicious snacks.
5. Fresh Fruit Or Vegetables
Depending on where you are traveling to, you are allowed to bring fruits and vegetables in your carry on or checked bag. However, if you’re traveling from Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico, you can’t bring any fruits or veggies with you in order to reduce the risk of carrying plant pests. Unfortunately, that delicious golden pineapple you bought in Hawaii will have to stay there.
6. Frozen Food
When traveling with frozen food in your carry on bag, you’ll need a cooler with ice. However, the ice must be completely frozen. If it’s partially melted, you will not be permitted to bring it with you. This rule also applies to ice cream. To avoid melted ice, you can use up to five pounds of dry ice that is properly packaged and marked.
7. Fresh Seafood Or Meat
This may seem obvious, but if you do want to bring any fresh animal product home, it must be properly sealed and frozen (see #6 for more details on that). Without those, your expensive cut of meat will get taken away.
This article was previously updated on April 24, 2025.