9 Snacks Approved By TSA
We all know that feeling when traveling. You are hungry but aren’t hungry enough for a full meal at one of the restaurants and don’t want to fork over several dollars for some small and unfulfilling snack from an airport convenience store. While lounges are typically our go-to when this sensation kicks in, not all airports may have a lounge, or maybe your wait time until your flight isn’t long enough to make your way into the lounge. Luckily, TSA has taken steps to help travelers understand what food items can be taken through security and not be confiscated.
The Rules
The TSA Website has a section titled “What Can I Bring”, which outlines various items from food to alcohol, that is allowed through security. As a general rule of thumb: “Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.” While this is great news, and now you are free to bring along snacks for your journey do remember that a TSA agent may still instruct a traveler to separate out these items and they may still be subject to additional screening.
Approved Snacks
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great option as it is easy to transport and consists of multiple sources of protein and good fats that will help keep you feeling full and fueled up for long haul flights. Our favorite brand tends to be the Planter’s nut and chocolate mix.
Protein Bars/ Breakfast Bars
Protein bars are similar to trail mix in that they are very easy to transport and offer a large amount of good stuff to keep you feeling full and satisfied longer than other snacks like chips or popcorn. Generally, you want to choose a bar that is high in protein content (>10g) and fiber while also staying as low as you can in sugar content. Look for bars that list natural ingredients on the label, anything you can’t pronounce is usually a filler or artificial sweetener and should be avoided.
Candy / Gum
Nothing beats a good old fashioned candy bar or gum to help you pop your ears on the descent portion of a flight. If you are looking for a more filling option, pick a bar with nuts in it, as those will include protein and healthy fats to help keep you feeling more full after eating them.
Cheese & Crackers
These are another great item for longer haul flights as they are more substantial than other items on our list and will help keep you feeling full during longer flights. Crackers should be no problem, but when picking a cheese just be aware that the creamier ones may be classified as a liquid and subject to the quantity limits of 3.4 oz/100ml.
Cookies
Although cookies probably aren’t the most nutritious of snacks on the list, they can still be a good option for a quick snack on a shorter haul flight and given that they are typically either in packages or resealable bags they are easy to transport in carry on luggage.
Sandwiches
Sandwiches are a great option for longer flights as there are so many options you can bring along. In addition to being easy to pack, you can either make your own at home or pick one up pre-made before heading to the airport.
Chips/Popcorn
Like most other items on the list, chips and popcorn are a great option if you bring individual serve bags that can be easily carried and eaten during a flight. Again, these aren’t the most filling or nutritious options on the list but there are plenty of healthy options in the category to satisfy smaller cravings during shorter flights.
Have a question about an item? The TSA website suggests that you, “ simply snap a picture or send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter. We look forward to answering your questions, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET weekdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays.”