Spreads and liquid foods on a plane
At a US checkpoint, a spreadable food follows the liquids and gels rule even when you plan to eat it with a spoon. An ordinary carry-on jar or bottle must be 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller and fit in your one quart-size liquids bag. The container's capacity matters: using half of a large jar does not make the jar small enough. TSA lists these foods and their baggage rules.
Jars and spreads
Honey, jam, hummus, and creamy dip belong in the liquids bag when packed in carry-on. Fruit pieces in jam do not turn it into a dry snack. If honeycomb releases liquid honey, assess the sticky contents too. A larger ordinary tub or jar can travel in checked baggage when packed against leaks and breakage.
Pourable foods and prepared meals
Maple syrup and salad dressing remain liquids in a small bottle, even if the dressing separates into layers. Prepared soup still has broth when it contains noodles or vegetables. Dry soup mix and unmixed dressing seasoning are different products; check their own form before packing. See liquids and containers for the general US screening rule.
Connecting flights and food import
Food bought after security may face another checkpoint on a connecting itinerary. Check that airport's rules before relying on a large jar or bottle for the next flight. Border rules are separate from screening: if you enter the United States with food, CBP requires you to declare agricultural products. Check the destination's import rules on other international routes as well.