Food that you can take on a plane – and the answers may surprise you

The rules around travelling with food can be a little confusing. We’re pretty clear on the rules for water and liquids (though, of course, guidance is regularly changing) – but where does food come into that?

There are many reasons you might want to travel with food in your hand luggage, be it dietary essentials for a particular condition, snacks for the flight or even foods you’ve purchased at your destination that are coming with you. Either way, it’s worth knowing the specific foods that are allowed for plane travel, so you don’t find yourself stuck at airport security.

What kind of food can I take on a plane?

As a general rule – solid, dry foods are your best bet for air travel (in your hand luggage, at least). Any foods that could be considered a liquid (soups, sauces and spreads – hummus, peanut butter or soft cheese, for example) would have to come in at under 100ml in order to adhere to security standards – though of course, these rules can vary from airport to airport. If you want to learn more about the rules for travelling with food (both in your hand and checked luggage), check out our detailed guide here.

It’s also worth noting that you could buy your liquid foods in duty-free or elsewhere in the airport following security and take it onto the plane with you, though this is also at the airline’s discretion. If there is someone on your flight with a severe allergy, you may also be told that you cannot bring certain foods, for example nuts, onto the plane with you.

Below is a list of commonly-questioned foods that you are allowed to take in your hand luggage on a flight – though if you’re querying something specific, always check with the airport and airline you are travelling with.

Foods allowed in your hand luggage for plane travel

Baby food, baby milk and baby formula

According to the UK government, if you are travelling with a baby, you are permitted to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to how much you can take, but you’re advised to check with your airport before you travel – remember, many airports require you to have your baby with you in order to travel with formula and baby food in your hand luggage, too.

When it comes to the specifics, toddler food pouches also count as baby food and would be considered essentials for your journey – the same rules apply.

Breast milk

You are permitted to travel with breast milk in your hand luggage in containers of up to 2000ml, though be aware that frozen breast milk cannot be taken in hand luggage – it can go in your checked bags, however.

Ice packs and gel packs

Many travelling parents need to carry ice or gel packs in order to keep baby milk cold, which is also permitted. It’s always worth telling the person at security when you arrive for your screening, so they can remove them from the X-ray machines if needed.

Fresh fruit

Solid fruits such as apples and bananas are allowed in both your hand luggage and checked bags. It’s worth noting, however, that mashed or liquid fruits may be subject to liquid rules. Many countries also have fruit and vegetable rules depending on the country you’re bringing them from, so always check your travel route and the relevant government for guidance. You can see the UK’s guidelines here.