New 3.4‑ounce enforcement targets creamy cheeses, hummus, and other spreadables that travelers often pack for flights.
The Transportation Security Administration has quietly tightened its liquid‑and‑gel rules, singling out seven everyday snacks that many passengers toss into a backpack without a second thought. Anyone caught with more than 3.4 ounces of these foods in a carry‑on risks delays, confiscation, and—let’s be honest—starting vacation on a hungry note.
Under the updated guidance, dips, spreads, and soft foods now face the same scrutiny as shampoo. Flyers who depend on peanut butter packets or a tub of yogurt for cheap in‑flight fuel will need to rethink their game plan or check a bag.
What the sudden TSA snack ban means for travelers heading to the airport this summer
Why the clampdown now? Security officers say larger tubs of spreadable foods trigger alarms and slow X‑ray inspections. In practice, that means lines back up and flights risk delay.
Travelers connecting through tight hubs—looking at you, Atlanta and Chicago—could feel the pinch first. Remember, the rule applies on domestic legs too, not just the international segment.
Which popular spreads and dips are most likely to get confiscated at the checkpoint
Before you zip up that lunchbox, scan the list below. A quick double‑check can save you an awkward bag search:
| Food item (over 3.4 oz) | Why TSA flags it | Smart workaround |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy cheeses (Brie, Camembert) | Counts as a spreadable gel | Slice firm cheese blocks instead |
| Honey | Classified as a liquid | Pack single‑serve straws under limit |
| Hummus | Too thick to be “solid” | Buy individual 2‑oz cups |
| Peanut butter | Same rule as lotions | Spread on bread before travel |
| Salsa | Liquid content exceeds limit | Seal a jar in checked luggage |
| Pudding | Gel consistency | Opt for snack cups ≤3 oz |
| Yogurt | Considered a gel | Freeze tubes; eat before they thaw |
Surprised to see something as innocent as pudding on the naughty list? You’re not alone. Friends waiting at gate B12 might be wondering the same thing.
Tips to keep your security line smooth and your snack stash intact all flight long
First, measure everything. A kitchen scale or clear 3‑ounce containers can spare you a trash‑bin goodbye. Second, pre‑spread or pre‑slice foods so they count as solids. Third, stash questionable items in a quart‑size liquids bag; if officers can see quantities and texture, inspections move faster.
Finally, consider mailing a small “care package” to your destination—flat‑rate boxes beat checked‑bag fees when you’re hauling specialty honey from home.
Measure, repackage, or check those creamy favorites before you fly
The TSA isn’t banning snacking, just anything creamy, spreadable, or gel‑like that tops the 3.4‑ounce threshold. So load up on crackers and firm cheese sticks, sip water after security, and breeze to your gate. After all, who wants their Brie to go missing at the X‑ray belt?