Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows snacks like chips, candy, fruit, and baked goods in both carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ Solid foods are always fine.
⚠️ Liquid or creamy snacks (yogurt, peanut butter, hummus, salsa, dips) must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule in carry-on (≤ 3.4 oz / 100 ml).
Details
- Carry-on (solid snacks):
- Chips, crackers, candy, cookies, granola bars, dried fruit, sandwiches, and baked goods are all allowed.
- No quantity limits for personal consumption.
- Creamy or liquid snacks:
- Peanut butter, Nutella, hummus, yogurt, salsa, and dips count as liquids.
- Allowed only if ≤ 3.4 oz in your quart bag.
- Checked luggage:
- All snacks are permitted, solid or liquid.
- Use sealed bags or containers to prevent leaks.
- International travel:
- Solid packaged snacks are usually fine.
- Customs may restrict fresh fruit, meat, dairy, or homemade food across borders.
TSA Snack Rules Summary
| Snack Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Solid snacks (chips, candy, bars) | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Creamy spreads (PB, hummus, dips ≤ 3.4 oz) | ✅ Allowed (quart bag) | ✅ Allowed |
| Creamy spreads > 3.4 oz | ❌ Not allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Fresh produce / meat / dairy | ✅ Allowed (domestic) | ✅ Allowed (domestic) |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ PB vs sandwich: Peanut butter inside a sandwich is fine, but a jar over 3.4 oz in carry-on will be confiscated.
- ✈️ International customs: Fresh fruit, veggies, meat, and dairy may be seized on arrival — even if TSA let you carry them on.
- ✈️ Powdered snacks: Protein powders > 12 oz may get extra screening.
- ✈️ Best practice: Stick to packaged snacks for fewer hassles.