Healthy (TSA Approved) Carry-On Snack Alternatives
Many of us think in today’s atmosphere of high security that all food items are prohibited through airport security. You’ll be surprised to see what you can actually bring on board with you these days. There are plenty of healthy snacks you can pack in your carry-on bag that are TSA approved which will help combat some of the negative effects of long haul flights.
Air travel can be particularly rough on the body. The farther you fly, the rougher the affects. Jet lag, bloat, dry skin, the list goes on. But all of that pales in comparison to the excitement of new adventures. The worst thing you can do is arrive more bloated and jet lagged than necessary.
Below are some of my favorite healthy snacks for travel (and home). They have loads of great health benefits while you travel but also the added bonus of saving you money at the airport. Raise your hand if you’ve ever paid $5 for a bag of Cheez-Its on your way to the gate. Exorbitant and loaded with sodium and who knows what else. What’s worse is you’ll probably end up hungry again in an hour.
Do yourself a favor and consider packing some of these healthy carry-on snack alternatives for your next trip.
Healthy Carry-On Snacks Alternatives That Are TSA Approved
PACK THIS : Your Favorite Nuts
NOT THAT : Trail Mix
Walnuts, raw almonds, pistachios and even peanuts, in moderation, make really healthy travel snacks that fill you up for longer. Be cautious of trail mixes sold in convenience stores and airports.
Many trail mixes are loaded with cheap chocolates and salt. They may sound healthy but be sure to read the label before you buy them. Better yet, just pick your favorite nuts, pack them in a small Ziploc bag and toss them in your carry-on.
PACK THIS : Hummus/Pretzels
NOT THAT : Cheez-Its or Potato Chips
Many people don’t realize that TSA approves ‘creamy dips and spreads’ in your carry-on or hand luggage up to 3.4 oz or 100 ml. Those little hummus to-go packets are great healthy alternatives to a bag of chips or crackers which, again, are often loaded with sodium.
Too much sodium or salt intake can lead to bloat. We all know that bloat is inherent with air travel. Why make it worse? Check the nutrition facts. Keep in mind that a healthy daily sodium level is around 1200-1500 mg.
PACK THIS : Bring on the sandwiches
NOT THAT : Avoid Fast Food Airport alternatives
Wrapped foods get a pass in the TSA line. Bring your favorite sandwich along to eat while boarding. Avoid ‘wiches with anything that needs refrigeration (skip the spoiled mayo), a lot of condiments (hello, soggy bread) or anything that has the potential to spend more time in your teeth than your tummy (we’re looking at you, everything bagel). We vote for the classic PB&J with some sliced banana for an extra vitamin boost.
PACK THIS : Fresh Fruits
NOT THAT : Fruit Gummies
Another carry-on snack that many people aren’t sure whether or not they can get through the TSA checkpoint. Well, good news. In the US, ‘fresh whole fruits’ are TSA approved carry-on items.
No matter how clever the marketing is on the fruit gummy packaging, the amount of ‘real fruit’ will never compare to the nutrition gained from the real thing. Throw a few little clementines in your bag, or a bag of washed grapes. It’s amazing how refreshing fruit tastes when you’re on a stuffy airplane. You’ll be glad you brought it. Just make sure you choose a hearty fruit that won’t smash easily and doesn’t need constant refrigeration.
PACK THIS : A Reusable Water Bottle
NOT THAT : Bottle Water
You definitely cannot take a full water bottle through airport security. However, you can take your empty reusable water bottle. Swell and Camelbak are two popular options. We like Camelbak because of the in-bottle filter options and the spout. Swell is well known for keeping drinks cold, or hot, for extended periods of time. But you can use any empty water bottle.
Whatever your preference, you’re not only saving tons of money by filling up your bottle post-security but you are also reducing plastic waste which is never a bad thing! Traveling can be exciting and busy and we often forget to drink as much water as we should which is never a good thing while traveling.
TSA Approved Carry-On and Checked Food Items
For the most up-to-date TSA Food regulations, visit the TSA website.