10 Foods You Can Safely Pack When Traveling Abroad

Some travelers are not fond of airline meals and snacks. It is possible to bring food with you when traveling abroad as long as it passes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards. Please note that taking beverages or food with liquids with you can be tricky since there are rules and regulations for them, and authorities might confiscate them in an airline check.

Also, to avoid conflict during the transit, do not forget to practice sensibility to fellow passengers by considering the smell of the food. Here are the ten foods you can safely pack as you make your way overseas:

Protein Bars and Granola

Protein bars and granola are among the long lists of healthy food you can bring with you on your travel abroad. They are usually made of rice puffs, honey, rolled oats, nuts, and seeds, baked together until golden brown making it dry. Both goods do not require refrigeration, and they last around 6 to 8 months until expiry making them fitting for long-distance trips. 

However, if you are that health-conscious, choose protein and granola bars that do not include lots of sugar and preservatives. Be sure to recognize the healthier ones from those which contain unhealthy additives.

Oatmeal

Another healthy option that is safe to travel to is oatmeal. Aside from being a dry good, oatmeal is longer to digest. Therefore it is best when you have long-distance trips to prevent you from getting hungry all the time. It is preferred to bring a pre-packed instant oatmeal bowl with you to eat whenever you want to. 

You need boiling water, and you are good to go. Most of the instant oats need 1 to 5 minutes to cook. Make sure to reseal it properly after opening the pack for your oatmeal to have its 2 to 3 years shelf life.

Spices

Spices are allowed on international flights since they are considered dry goods. However, make sure that you store them in an airtight container. Every country has different rules concerning spices; therefore, before taking your herbs with you on a flight, make sure to do research. It is preferable to preserve the original packaging of the spice or label them one by one for safety purposes. Spices can last up long inside your luggage, provided that you keep them at room temperature. 

Chocolate and candy

If you have a sweet tooth to alleviate during the trip, worry not! Chocolates and candies have no limit in airlines. You can take as much as you wish in your carry luggage. In case that they are not in their original package anymore, make sure that they are in a resealable bag or canister with a secured lid.

However, there are exceptions to the rule. Airlines prohibit liquid chocolates like chocolate syrup and chocolate sauce in flights due to the 3-1-1 rule. While chocolate bars, chocolate chips, chocolate truffles, and boxed chocolates are allowed.

Spam

If you are thinking of how Spam can pass the airline checks since it is a canned good, here’s why. Did you know that your Spam is now available in 24 individual pack sachets? What’s good about this sachet is that it only contains 2.5 ounces of liquid. Therefore it will pass in the 3.4 ounces restriction in airports. 

Spam has an indefinite shelf-life though the flavor fades over time. It is still safe to eat regardless of how long you keep it. To maintain its flavor, make sure that the bug-out bags are in a temperature not exceeding 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It would greatly help if you do some research so you know how to store Spam properly on your international travel. 

Coffee and Tea Bags

Long-distance travels can cause fatigue and exhaustion due to turbulence and prolonged sitting. Coffee can give you a kick of caffeine for energy, while tea, like chamomile, can provide relaxation to your body. Coffee and tea are safe to travel as long as they are in powder and leaf form. Just ask for hot water from the airline crew whenever you want to make one.

Dehydrated meals

Dehydrated meals are not usually that palatable to eat. However, there are also several healthy and tasty ones in the market. You have to find them by reading the labels well to see whether a dehydrated meal contains quality ingredients. It is fit for backpacker travels because it is stored in a compact and sealed container.

You can choose whether your dehydrated meal is for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It usually contains meat, vegetables, grain, and fruits. You can cook your meal using boiling water and by letting it sit for a while.

Dried Goods 

Dried goods can’t go wrong, they are 100% safe during travels, plus they last longer than other moist food since the drying process removes the water, which causes the growth of bacteria. Some of these dried goods are pasta, lentils, beans, legumes, biscuits, nuts, and dried fruits. 

Dried fruits like berries can help ease your jet lags when crossing time zones. And nuts like almonds have higher protein content which can keep you feeling full for a more extended period. Biscuits and crackers are best for children and adults alike for snacks during the hungry moments inside the plane.

Nut Butter

Bringing the whole peanut butter jar may not pass the airport baggage protocols. The good thing about nut butter is that it is available in packets and dehydrated variants. Nut butter like almond butter and peanut butter are high in fat, protein, and calories that will keep you energized during an extensive voyage. 

Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Relish Packets

There is no restriction when it comes to condiments in packets. You are welcome to hold as much as you want! Airport security allows squeezable sachets of ketchup, mayo, mustard, barbecue sauce, and relish. 

Instant Noodles

It is impossible to bring your special ramen noodle on the airplane since it has broth and liquid that much is not allowed on board. Bring your favorite cup of noodles instead to satisfy your craving. Ask for a cup of boiling water from the attendant, pour, wait for 3 minutes to cook, and enjoy your instant noodles. 

Jerky

It is risky to bring real meat since it might spoil and spread a pungent smell throughout the flight. Jerky can serve as a replacement for meat, but it is dry, making it lightweight and can last longer without refrigeration. You can still enjoy a source of protein regardless of the unavailability of real meat. Jerkies in the market are available in chicken, beef, salmon, and turkey. 

Airports prohibit foods like canned goods and bottle liquids due to the 3-1-1 rule. Liquids, gels, and aerosols containing more than 3.4 ounces of liquid belong to the inadmissible list. Placing them inside carry-on bags is not allowed; instead, they prefer to pack them inside a checked bag and ship them separately to your destination.

In a nutshell, to ensure safety and to avoid food spills and contamination during your flight, you can use airtight containers or consider mylar bags for food storage. It can prevent oxygen and moisture, which are the reason for food spoilage from sipping in. Contaminated or spoiled food can be of great danger to your health, especially when molds start to grow.