Fresh and packed food on a plane
Check screening and entry rules separately
At a US airport, TSA permits many solid foods in carry-on and checked bags. A sauce, brine or melted cooling pack can change how the same package is screened. Passing security also does not establish that food may enter your destination. Check the airport where you depart, your airline's baggage conditions and the food import rules for the route.
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Whole fresh fruit and fresh vegetables are solid foods, but dressing or juice packed with them follows the liquids rule. TSA also notes that most fresh produce cannot travel from Hawaii, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands to the US mainland. If you enter the US from another country, USDA APHIS says almost all fresh fruit and vegetables are prohibited. Check the exact origin and destination before packing produce.
Meat, seafood and cooling
For fresh meat or seafood, keep the food sealed and check for free liquid in the package. At a US checkpoint, ice and ice packs in a carry-on cooler must be fully frozen, with no meltwater at the bottom. The same concern applies to frozen food that may thaw on the way to the airport. Dry ice has separate packaging and airline conditions; see the TSA food and ice entries before using it.
Cans, dairy and food crossing a border
Canned food may need extra screening, and TSA recommends packing it in checked baggage. A firm cheese is different from a spreadable one; Greek yogurt follows the carry-on liquids limit at a US checkpoint. Cured meat such as prosciutto raises a separate import question. When entering the US, CBP requires travelers to declare fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products. Check the destination's rules even when TSA permits the food through security.
Dry foods and breakfast
Keep cereal, coffee beans and dried fruit in packages that will not spill inside your bag. Protect eggs from breakage. Before an international flight, check the destination's food import rules as well as airport screening rules.
Ready-to-eat snacks
Check a sandwich, bread or chocolate separately from any sauce or drink packed with it. The food and snacks pages cover more individual examples. The fitness packing guide covers protein powder and vitamins.