If you are anything like me, you probably hate the idea of being stuck on a long flight with nothing but bland airplane meals. Packing your own snacks feels like a lifesaver, but then the doubt kicks in. Can you actually bring snacks through security? Will the airport staff take them away? And what about when you land in another country, will customs care about the snacks you packed?
I remember once stuffing a bag full of homemade cookies for a flight to Europe. Security at the United States airport let me through without a problem, but when I arrived in Germany a customs officer asked me about them. I had to explain that they were for personal use, and luckily he let me keep them. That little moment taught me that the rules are not always the same everywhere, and it pays to know them before you fly.
The good news is yes, you can bring snacks on an international flight, but the details matter. What counts as a snack, how it is packaged, and where you are traveling all make a difference. Let’s start with the TSA rules, since most travelers first pass through security in the United States.
TSA Rules for Snacks in Carry On
The Transportation Security Administration is actually quite relaxed about snacks. They allow most solid foods in your carry on bag without any trouble. The problem starts when a snack is considered a liquid, gel, or spread.
What You Can Bring
-
Packaged chips, cookies, crackers, candy, and granola bars
-
Trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, and jerky
-
Whole fruit such as apples or bananas (though you may not be able to bring it into another country)
-
Sandwiches or wraps, as long as they are solid and not dripping with sauces
What You Cannot Bring
-
Anything that counts as a liquid or spread if it is over 100 ml. This includes:
-
Yogurt
-
Hummus
-
Peanut butter or Nutella
-
Sauces or dips
-
-
Soups or stews are also not allowed in carry on unless the container is under 100 ml.
Screening at Security
Sometimes snacks will need to be placed in a separate bin at the scanner if they clutter up your bag. The TSA even suggests packing snacks in clear resealable bags so they can be checked quickly if needed.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Dry packaged snacks in resealable bags are the least likely to cause any trouble. If you are bringing homemade food, expect security officers to take a closer look.
International Rules for Snacks
Once you leave the United States, the rules around snacks can feel familiar but with some important differences. Most international airports follow the same basic security rules as the TSA, but the real challenge begins when you pass through customs in another country.
Security Rules Abroad
-
Europe and the United Kingdom: The same 100 ml liquid rule applies. Solid snacks like chips, crackers, chocolate, and granola bars are no problem. Liquids and spreads such as yogurt or hummus must stay under the 100 ml limit.
-
Canada and Australia: Their airport security agencies follow the same approach. Solid food is fine but liquids and semi liquids are restricted.
-
Asia and the Middle East: Again, the same liquid restrictions apply at most major airports. However, security officers in some countries can be stricter about inspecting food, especially if it looks homemade.
Customs Rules After Landing
What often confuses travelers is the difference between what you can bring through airport security and what you can actually bring into a country. Customs officers enforce agricultural and health laws to prevent pests and diseases from spreading.
-
Allowed: Most packaged snacks like chips, cookies, candy, and crackers.
-
Restricted or Banned: Fresh fruits, raw vegetables, meat, dairy, and homemade foods. For example, Australia and New Zealand have very strict rules and will confiscate almost any fresh food on arrival.
-
Gray Area: Items like protein bars, jerky, or dried fruit are usually allowed if sealed and labeled, but homemade versions may be questioned.
Real Life Example
I once packed an apple for a flight from New York to London. Security had no problem with it in the United States, but when I landed at Heathrow there were signs everywhere warning that fresh fruit had to be declared. I ate it before passing through customs just to be safe.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Always separate security rules from customs rules. Security only cares about what can be brought on board. Customs cares about what can enter the country.
Snacks in Checked Baggage
Packing snacks in checked luggage is usually easier than bringing them in your carry on, but there are still a few things to know.
What Works Well in Checked Bags
-
Sealed packaged snacks such as chips, cookies, crackers, nuts, and candy are usually safe to bring. They survive the trip without going stale and rarely attract attention from customs officers.
-
Dried foods like fruit, jerky, or granola travel well as long as they are in factory packaging.
What to Avoid in Checked Bags
-
Fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy can cause problems when you land. Even if you can pack them, customs in your destination country may confiscate them.
-
Messy or fragile foods may get crushed or leak. Sauces, dips, or spreads are also risky because they can burst under pressure.
How to Pack Snacks in Checked Luggage
-
Use resealable bags or containers to keep crumbs from spreading through your clothes.
-
Place fragile snacks in the middle of your suitcase between layers of clothing for extra padding.
-
Avoid carrying large quantities of any one item. A customs officer may think you are importing it rather than just carrying it for personal use.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Stick to small amounts of sealed packaged snacks in your checked bag. They are the least likely to cause issues at customs and the easiest to pack without damage.
Customs Rules: What You Can and Cannot Bring
This is where most travelers get confused. You might breeze through airport security with a backpack full of snacks, only to run into trouble at customs once you land. Security rules and customs rules are two very different things. Security is about safety on the plane, while customs is about protecting agriculture and health in a country.
What You Can Usually Bring Through Customs
-
Packaged snacks: Chips, cookies, candy, granola bars, crackers, and chocolate are almost always fine.
-
Sealed dry goods: Items like cereal, protein bars, or factory sealed nuts are normally accepted.
-
Baked goods: Cookies, muffins, and bread are often fine if they are packaged, but homemade versions may be questioned.
What Customs Often Restricts or Bans
-
Fresh fruit and vegetables: Many countries ban these to prevent pests and plant diseases.
-
Meat and dairy: Anything made from animal products, including jerky, cheese, or yogurt, is often restricted.
-
Homemade food: Customs officers may confiscate it since they cannot be sure of the ingredients.
Country Examples
-
Australia and New Zealand: Extremely strict. They will seize even a single apple or packet of beef jerky if not declared.
-
European Union: Allows most packaged snacks but bans meat, milk, and certain agricultural products from outside the EU.
-
United States: Permits many packaged snacks but restricts meat, fresh fruit, and dairy from overseas.
How to Avoid Problems
-
Always declare food items if required. Declaring usually does not mean you will lose everything, but failing to declare can lead to fines.
-
Stick to store bought, sealed, and labeled snacks for the least hassle.
-
Eat fresh items like fruit or sandwiches on the plane before landing so they do not get taken away.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Think of customs rules this way — anything sealed and processed is usually safe, anything fresh, raw, or homemade is a gamble.
Best Snacks to Pack for International Flights
The ideal travel snacks are simple, mess free, and easy to store. You want food that will keep you full, survive a long trip without spoiling, and pass through both security and customs with no issues.
Dry and Packaged Snacks
-
Granola bars: Compact, filling, and perfect for quick bites.
-
Trail mix or nuts: High in protein and energy, easy to portion into small resealable bags.
-
Crackers or pretzels: Crunchy and satisfying, with a long shelf life.
-
Cookies or biscuits: A sweet treat that can keep you going during long layovers.
Sweet Options
-
Chocolate bars: Easy to pack, though they may melt on hot days.
-
Hard candies: Great for keeping your mouth fresh and helpful for ear pressure during takeoff and landing.
-
Dried fruit: Naturally sweet and much easier to pass through customs compared to fresh fruit.
Travel Friendly Extras
-
Protein bars: Keep hunger away during long flights and fit easily in a carry on pocket.
-
Popcorn: A fun snack that can be packed in small bags, but avoid flavors with strong smells.
-
Rice cakes: Light and crunchy, though they can be messy if not sealed properly.
Why These Work Best
-
They are non perishable and will not spoil in your bag.
-
They are packaged and sealed, making them less likely to be confiscated.
-
They are easy to pack, with little risk of leaks or damage.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Always pack snacks in small portions instead of bringing one big bag. That way you can snack during the trip without pulling out too much at once, and if a customs officer asks you to declare, it looks clearly for personal use.
Snacks You Should Avoid
Not all snacks are travel friendly. Some will cause problems at security, some may be taken away at customs, and others are just inconvenient on a crowded plane.
Snacks That Cause Trouble at Security
-
Liquid or semi liquid snacks: Yogurt, hummus, peanut butter, Nutella, sauces, and dips. Unless they are under 100 ml, they will be flagged at the checkpoint.
-
Soups and stews: Even if you pack them in a container, they are treated as liquids and usually not allowed.
Snacks That May Be Seized at Customs
-
Fresh fruits and vegetables: High risk for pests and disease, often banned at international borders.
-
Meat and dairy: Items like beef jerky, cheese, and milk based snacks are often confiscated.
-
Homemade food: Customs officers prefer labeled packaged food since ingredients in homemade dishes cannot be verified.
Snacks That Do Not Work Well on Planes
-
Smelly foods: Tuna, boiled eggs, or strong cheeses can bother fellow passengers.
-
Messy foods: Saucy pasta, greasy burgers, or anything that drips.
-
Noisy wrappers: Constant crinkling from chip bags or candy wrappers can be annoying on a long flight.
Why It Is Best to Avoid These
-
Security officers might confiscate them, leaving you with nothing.
-
Customs can fine you if you try to sneak in restricted foods.
-
Other passengers may not appreciate messy or smelly snacks in a tight cabin.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: When in doubt, stick to dry, packaged snacks that are clearly for personal use. They are easier to carry and safer to bring across borders.
Duty Free Food and Snacks
Buying food at the airport after you have passed through security can feel like a smart move. Since you are already airside, the 100 ml liquid rule no longer applies in the same way. Duty free shops often sell chocolates, candy, and even gourmet snacks that can be taken directly onto your flight.
What You Can Buy at Duty Free
-
Chocolates and candy: These are some of the most popular duty free items and are always safe to bring onboard.
-
Packaged snacks: Cookies, crackers, and sometimes even specialty packaged foods are available.
-
Local treats: Duty free shops often sell packaged goods that represent the country, like Swiss chocolates or French biscuits.
Rules to Remember
-
Duty free food is allowed through security but may still face customs restrictions at your destination.
-
If you buy liquid or gel based items (like jams, sauces, or spreads) in duty free, they will usually be sealed in a tamper evident bag along with your receipt. Do not open this bag until you arrive at your final destination.
-
For connecting flights, keep duty free bags sealed. If you have to go through security again, an opened duty free item may not be allowed.
Customs Limits
Even though duty free items are allowed on the plane, customs officers at your destination may set limits. For example, bringing large amounts of alcohol filled chocolates or specialty meats might be considered an import rather than personal use.
💡 Traveler’s Tip: Buy small amounts of packaged snacks at duty free if you want something special for your trip. It is almost always safe for security, but keep customs in mind if you are entering a country with strict food import rules.
Product Suggestions for Carrying Snacks on a Plane
If you plan to pack snacks for your next international flight, the right gear can make a big difference. These products keep your snacks organized, fresh, and TSA compliant so you can avoid messes and sail through security.
1. Stasher Silicone Reusable Snack Bags
-
Why it’s great: These eco-friendly silicone bags are resealable and leak resistant, perfect for trail mix, cookies, or cut fruit. Unlike disposable plastic bags, they can be washed and reused for years.
-
Travel benefit: They are clear and flexible, so if security wants a quick look at your snacks you will have no trouble. They also prevent crumbs from scattering in your backpack.
2. Bento Box Style Snack Container by Bentgo
-
Why it’s great: This compact bento box has multiple compartments, which makes it perfect for portioning out nuts, crackers, or cheese cubes for your trip.
-
Travel benefit: Its sturdy design keeps snacks separate and avoids mixing flavors. The compact size fits neatly inside a carry on or personal item.
3. Collapsible Travel Food Container by Stojo
-
Why it’s great: A collapsible silicone container that expands when you need it and flattens down when you don’t. Ideal for bringing homemade snacks or saving leftovers.
-
Travel benefit: Saves space in your luggage, easy to clean, and approved for carry on use.
4. Healthy Snack Variety Pack
-
Why it’s great: A pre-packaged box of assorted healthy snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and popcorn. All items are individually wrapped and perfect for travel.
-
Travel benefit: Since they are sealed and labeled, customs officers rarely have an issue. Great for long flights or layovers when you do not want to buy overpriced airport food.
💡 Pro Tip: Combine resealable silicone snack bags with a compact bento box. Use the bento for dry foods you want to eat on the plane and the silicone bags for sealed extras to get you through customs without worry.
FAQs – Bringing Snacks on International Flights
1. Can I bring chips on an international flight?
Yes. Packaged chips are allowed in carry on and checked luggage. Just remember that bags can pop open slightly due to cabin pressure, so seal them in a zip bag.
2. Can I bring homemade sandwiches?
Yes, but only for the flight itself. Security usually allows solid sandwiches, but customs may not let you carry meat or dairy into another country. Eat it before you land.
3. Can I bring fruit on an international flight?
Yes for the plane, but usually no at customs. You can bring an apple or banana through security, but most countries will not let you bring fresh fruit past the border.
4. Can I bring candy?
Yes. Candy and chocolate are some of the easiest snacks to travel with. Packaged candy is rarely an issue with customs either.
5. Can I bring fast food through airport security?
Yes, but it is not always a good idea. Burgers, fries, or pizza can be carried through security but may get cold, messy, or smelly on the plane.
6. What about baby food and formula?
Baby food, formula, and breast milk are exceptions to the liquid rule. You can bring more than 100 ml if it is for a baby, though security may ask you to open or test it.
7. Can I bring peanut butter or Nutella?
Not in large amounts. They are considered spreads, which means they count as liquids. You can only bring containers under 100 ml in your carry on. Bigger jars must go in checked luggage.
8. Can I bring yogurt?
No, not in carry on unless under 100 ml. Yogurt is treated as a liquid. It is safer to pack it in checked baggage if you really want to bring it.
9. Can I bring protein bars?
Yes. Protein bars are solid and perfectly fine in both carry on and checked luggage. They are also great for long trips.
10. What snacks are best for kids on flights?
Individually wrapped items like crackers, small cookies, or fruit snacks are best. They keep kids occupied and avoid big messes. Avoid sticky foods or anything with a strong smell.
11. Can I bring gum?
Yes. Gum is allowed and actually useful during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure.
12. Can I bring alcohol filled chocolates?
Yes in small amounts. They are allowed through security, but some countries have restrictions on alcohol based products. A small box for personal use is fine.
13. Can I bring hot food?
Yes, but it cools quickly and may get messy. Soups and stews will not pass security because they are liquid, but solid hot food like fried chicken or a sandwich is usually fine.
14. Can I bring unopened packaged snacks from the US to Europe?
Yes. Most packaged snacks are fine as long as they are sealed and clearly labeled. The problem comes with fresh foods or meat products, which are restricted.
15. What if the country I am going to has restrictions?
Always check the customs website for your destination. For example, Australia and New Zealand are very strict, while many European countries are more relaxed.
16. Will snacks get taken away at security or customs?
At security, only liquid or gel snacks over 100 ml will be taken. At customs, fresh foods like fruit, vegetables, meat, and dairy may be confiscated.
17. Can I bring jerky on an international flight?
It depends on the destination. Jerky is usually fine at security but many countries restrict meat imports. For example, you cannot bring jerky into the EU or Australia.
18. Can I eat my snacks during the flight?
Yes, snacks are allowed to be eaten during flights. Just be considerate of what you bring. Avoid foods with strong smells or messy wrappers.
19. Can I bring water or juice in my carry on?
Not through security. Any drink over 100 ml will be taken. You can bring an empty bottle and fill it after security. Drinks from duty free are allowed if sealed.
20. Are there snacks that help with jet lag?
Yes. Protein bars, nuts, and fruit can help keep energy steady. Avoid sugary snacks or heavy greasy foods that make you feel sluggish during long flights.
Conclusion
Bringing snacks on an international flight is not only possible, it is a great way to save money and stay comfortable during long travel days. The key is knowing the difference between security rules and customs rules. Airport security mainly cares about whether your snacks are solid or liquid, while customs is focused on protecting the food and agriculture standards of the country you are entering.
Dry packaged snacks like granola bars, chips, crackers, and candy are the safest bets. They get through security without fuss and rarely cause problems at customs. On the other hand, fresh fruit, meat, dairy, and spreads like peanut butter can easily get confiscated. When in doubt, keep your snacks simple and sealed.
So yes, you can bring snacks on an international flight. Just pack smart, keep things organized in resealable bags or containers, and be mindful of what you can and cannot bring into your destination country. A little planning means you can enjoy your favorite snacks in the air without worrying about losing them at the airport.

Horace Dupuy is a seasoned traveler and luggage reviewer who has spent years flying with both major and regional airlines across the United States and abroad. His first-hand travel experience has taught him exactly what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to carry-on rules, baggage fees, and packing strategies.
At CarryOnSizes.com, Horace combines personal travel knowledge with in-depth research to provide accurate, up-to-date guides for travelers who want to fly stress-free. When he is not writing about luggage, you will probably find him exploring new destinations with only a compact backpack in tow.