If you want to bring chocolate on your next flight as a tasty treat or as a gift, you’re probably wondering what the rules are.
According to TSA regulations, you can bring chocolate on a plane, whether that be milk, white, dark or any other type of chocolate, in both your carry on and checked bags, but there are restrictions if you want to bring liquid/spreadable chocolate.
If the chocolate you want to bring on a plane is solid, it can be packed in both your carry on and checked bags without any restrictions.
Liquid/Spreadable Chocolate
Liquid and spreadable chocolate is allowed to be packed in both your carry and checked bags, though if packed in your carry on bags, it must not exceed 3.4oz/100ml.
This is due to the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule that prohibits passengers from bringing any liquids (as well as gels and aerosols) in their carry on if they exceed 3.4oz/100ml.
This means that standard bottles and jars of chocolate syrup and Nutella are not allowed in your carry on unless they are in containers less than 3.4oz/100ml.
You Can Bring Chocolate on International Flights
If you’re flying internationally, you can bring chocolate on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags, though the same restrictions will apply – i.e. liquid and spreadable chocolate must not exceed 3.4oz/100ml if packed in your carry on.
It’s also important to note that some types/brands of chocolate have been banned in certain countries, so you will want to avoid bringing that chocolate into those countries.
For example, in Sweden, M&Ms are banned due to a legal dispute concerning branding.
Even in the U.S., Kinder Eggs are banned due to a concern over young children choking on the toys inside the chocolate eggs.
Some countries also have restrictions on how much chocolate you can bring into the country, with Australia, for example, only allowing travelers to bring up to 10 kg of commercially prepared and packaged chocolate.
How to Bring Chocolate on a Plane Without Melting
Chocolate generally won’t melt very easily, especially as airports are air-conditioned and cargo holds are maintained at low temperatures.
But if you’re worried about your chocolate melting on your next flight, you should:
Store the chocolate in an airtight container
Use dry or frozen ice packs
Avoid placing any chocolate in the overhead bins
You Can Bring As Much Chocolate As You Want
When flying domestically within the U.S., there are no restrictions on how much chocolate you can bring on a plane.
But when flying internationally, there may be restrictions depending on the country you are flying to.
For example, Australia only allow travelers to bring up to 10 kg of commercially prepared and packaged chocolate.
As long as you are flying with a reasonable amount of chocolate, you are unlikely to run into any issues.
You Can Bring Cocoa Powder Too
You are allowed to pack cocoa powder in both your carry on and checked bags, but if you pack more than 12oz/350ml of cocoa powder in your checked bags, it will need to be placed in a separate bin for screening as you go through airport security.
Can You Bring Chocolate Cake on a Plane?
According to TSA regulations, you can bring a whole chocolate cake or slices on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
Can You Bring Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups on a Plane?
Chocolate peanut butter cups can be packed in both your carry on and checked bags without any restrictions.
Can You Bring Peanut Butter on a Plane?
Due to TSA regulations, you can bring peanut butter on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags, but if packed in your carry on, peanut butter must be in a container that is no larger than 3.4oz/100ml.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
