Last Updated: September 13, 2023
Can You Bring Chocolate on a Plane? (A Detailed Guide)
Wondering if you can bring chocolate on a plane? Don’t worry! It’s perfectly acceptable to bring all types of chocolate on a plane, but you need to mind the amount depending on the type of chocolate.
All you need to know is how and where to store it. This article tells you how much of every type of chocolate you’re allowed on a plane. It lists different travel regulations in this regard, as well as guides you as to how to store your chocolate correctly.
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Can You Bring Chocolate on A Plane?
According to the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), passengers on domestic and international flights from and to the US are allowed to bring chocolate on the plane.
The thing is how much. That depends on the type of chocolate and the luggage. For instance:
Solid Chocolate (Chocolate Bars)
That category includes store-bought chocolate bars as well as handmade chocolates that don’t have any liquid filling.
- Hand Luggage: You can bring any amount of solid chocolate bars in your hand luggage without exceeding the allowed weight limit.
- Checked Baggage: TSA allows you to bring any amount of solid chocolate in your checked baggage too. You just need to store it properly to prevent it from melting during the trip.
Liquid Chocolate
That’s simply any type of chocolate that’s not solid enough to form a bar. It can be chocolate gel, paste, or spread.
- Hand Luggage: You’re only allowed an amount less than or equal to 3.4 oz. This follows the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule. It entails that each passenger can get one 3.4oz container that fits into a one-quart-sized bag.
- Checked Baggage: Here you can have as much liquid chocolate as you wish. Simply, don’t exceed your weight limit.
Can You Bring Chocolate on International Flights?
Yes, you can bring chocolate on international flights whether to or from the USA. However, some restrictions may apply according to your country of destination.
For instance, the US allows the entrance of any type of chocolate into its territories, but you must tell the security officer beforehand. In other words, declare all food items, including chocolate, in your luggage to the officer. That’s much better than having them find it by chance.
However, don’t bother to do that with a chocolate bar or two. That’s basically for large quantities that may look strange to the officer. Most countries allow chocolate. Yet, some may have some restrictions regarding some chocolate products. For instance, Sweden bans M&Ms because the package resembles that of a local product.
How Much Chocolate Can You Bring on A Plane?
If you want to snack on the plane, you can bring as many chocolate bars as you wish. However, you’re only limited to one container of 3.4 oz of liquid chocolate in your carry-on.
It’s simple; you can bring as much solid chocolate as your hand luggage can take. However, you can only bring a limited amount of liquid chocolate in any shape or form.
That comes as part of a larger ban on liquid on flights due to political and security reasons. However, it might be changing in the next few years with the spread of more advanced technology at airports.
Do Chocolates Undergo Security Screening at the Airport?
Yes, like most other items, chocolates undergo security screening at airports. Sometimes, the officers ask you to remove the chocolate from the bag. That helps them screen your bag more clearly. It also allows them to ensure the size and type of your chocolate.
In such cases, store-bought chocolates are always safer and easier to process. That doesn’t mean that hand-made chocolate or chocolate treats aren’t allowed; you can still have them on a plane.
Can You Bring Chocolate That’s Been Opened on a Flight?
Yes, there’s no problem in bringing chocolate out of its original wrapping on a plane. However, this chocolate may need some special treatment.
You don’t want to spoil the other items in your bag with chocolate. All you should do is place your opened chocolate in a resealable bag or a container with a secure lid. We recommend that you separate your bars into numerous resealable bags to avoid spoiling them if they melt during your trip.
Can You Bring Chocolates with Liquid Fillings on a Plane?
Interestingly, solid chocolates with liquid fillings are considered liquid chocolate. That means that the 3-1-1 rule applies here too.
We recommend that you place any liquid-filled chocolate as well as any form of liquid chocolate in your checked luggage. That way, airlines set no limit to the amount you bring. The catch is to store it properly to prevent it from melting.
Can You Bring Chocolates That Contain Nuts or Other Ingredients?
Yes, you can bring any type of chocolate with solid filling on a plane. The thing is how much of it.
The good news is that when it comes to solid chocolate bars with nuts or other solid filling, you’re free to bring as much weight as you’re allowed on a plane. As long as the chocolate and the filling aren’t liquid, it’s acceptable to fill your entire carry-on with them.
How to Carry Chocolates in Flight Without Melting?
Even the best chocolate in the world still melts on long trips. To prevent your chocolate from melting, you should follow some safety precautions:
Choose Your Chocolate Wisely
The more cocoa in your chocolate, the more it remains intact without melting. For instance, dark chocolate takes a longer time to melt than milk or white chocolate.
Therefore, you should choose chocolate with more than 70% cocoa content if you’re going on a long trip.
Store Correctly
Storing your chocolate for long flights can be tricky. Fortunately, you still have several options. For instance, some people recommend freezing your chocolate. Then, you can put the frozen chocolate into Ziplock bags. That way, you preserve your chocolate intact for a long time.
Other people recommend keeping the chocolate inside airtight containers or boxes without freezing them. Chocolate remains well preserved at room temperature, so there’s no need to freeze them.
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About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
