Watch Out! These 13 Foods Are TSA Traps

Packing for a flight often involves some hard decisions on what stays home and what comes with you. However, when it comes to food, some choices can unexpectedly complicate your airport security experience. Certain snacks might seem harmless but could end up confiscated by TSA, leading to delays and frustration. Here’s a rundown of 13 common food items that are surprisingly on the TSA’s no-fly list, helping you navigate security like a pro.

Oatmeal

Think your pre-flight oats are safe? Think again! While technically solid, oatmeal with watery fruits or milk can trigger the TSA’s liquid scanners. Play it safe and pack your oatmeal dry, adding water after security.

Soup

Don’t let the airline food fool you! Creamy soups might get flagged as liquids, even if they seem solid in the container. Pack light and consider grabbing a post-security snack instead.

Gravy

This Thanksgiving favorite might not make it to your holiday destination. Similar to soup, gravy’s thickness can land it in the “liquid” category, leading to a teary goodbye at security.

Creamy Cheeses

Brie lovers, beware! Spreads like brie, ricotta, and camembert are a no-go due to their luxurious, creamy consistency. These cheeses exceed the dreaded 3.4oz liquid limit, so enjoy them before your trip or consider harder cheese options.

Chili

Spice up your trip… but not at security! This seemingly solid dish can be deemed a liquid if it’s too soupy. Pack your chili strategically, or enjoy a pre-flight bowl to avoid a spicy confiscation. Should you really be eating beans before a flight anyway?

Salsa

Fresh is good, but chunky might be risky. While fresh, chunky salsas might be okay, some salsa varieties can be surprisingly liquid and get flagged by security. Pack store-bought, sealed containers, or opt for dry snacks like chips and pretzels.

Tomato Sauce

Marinara lovers, pack with caution. Tomato sauces can be iffy depending on their consistency. If you’re unsure, pack them in checked bags to avoid a saucy security snafu.

Honey

Sweet treats might get stuck on the ground. This sticky spread is considered a liquid, so leave your honey bears for home and grab travel-sized portions or honey packets instead.

Hummus

This popular dip might not make it through security. Like many creamy foods, hummus can be confiscated if deemed too liquid. Opt for individual portion packs or commercially sealed containers to ensure your hummus makes it to your destination.

Butter

Sticks are good, but beware of the clarified kind. While sticks of butter are generally okay, clarified butter or ghee might be considered a liquid depending on its consistency. Check the TSA guidelines or pack these spreads in checked luggage to avoid any buttery mishaps.

Dressings

Ditch the dressing, or downsize your travel bottle. Salad dressings, similar to other condiments, can be confiscated if they exceed the 3.4oz limit or are deemed too liquid. Pack small, travel-sized bottles or skip the dressing altogether for a lighter, more secure travel experience.

Guacamole

This creamy avocado favorite might get the avocado toast treatment (at security). Due to its consistency, guacamole can fall victim to the TSA’s liquid restrictions. Pack small, commercially sealed containers or enjoy it before your flight to avoid a guac-tacular goodbye.

Peanut Butter

Pack your PB&J just not in a giant jar. This travel-friendly nut butter is a flying must-have for snacking, but only in containers up to 3.4oz. Larger jars will have to take a different route – check them in your luggage.

The Top 10 Mercury-Heavy Fish and What to Have Instead

Navigating the world of seafood can sometimes feel like sailing through murky waters, especially when it comes to mercury content. While fish is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, certain types pack a punch with high levels of mercury, posing health risks. We’re shining a light on those fish and offering up a net-full of safer alternatives so you can make informed choices to enjoy seafood that’s not only tasty but also good for your health.

See them here: The Top 10 Mercury-Heavy Fish and What to Have Instead

The Best Fast Food Sides That Go Beyond Fries

Let’s face it, when we think fast food, it’s the burgers and fries that usually steal the show. But what about the unsung heroes of the menu, those side dishes that can turn a quick meal into something special? From the crispy, golden perfection of onion rings to the fluffy, buttery bliss of biscuits, there’s a whole world of flavor waiting to be explored. We’re diving into some of the most delicious and underrated fast food sides out there.

See Them Here: The Best Fast Food Sides That Go Beyond Fries

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