This list is a resource for vegan travelers looking for Vegan Airplane Snack options while at the airport or on the plane.
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As more individuals embrace plant-based diets, the demand for vegan snack options has grown, including while traveling.
Navigating airports and airplanes as a vegan presents unique challenges. Airports often have limited vegan dining choices, with many restaurants and food courts primarily catering to a diet based more on meat and dairy.
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What Makes A Snack Vegan-Friendly?
A snack is considered vegan-friendly when it contains no animal-derived ingredients such as meat, dairy, eggs, honey, or gelatin. Additionally, vegan snacks do not include any additives or flavorings derived from animal sources. They are made entirely from plant-based ingredients.
Preparation Before Your Flight
TSA Guidelines
TSA says “solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
On flights, vegan options can be even more restrictive, many airlines only offering a few vegan snack options.
A little planning and preparation before our trips is essential to ensure we have access to delicious, nutritious and satisfying vegan snacks while flying.
TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.” It's essential to check airline policies on bringing food on board, as restrictions may vary.
Pro Tip:
- Freeze your insulated tote bag.
- Remember you can also bring refreezable ice packs. We always bring a few of the lunch size packs with us.
- Both insulated totes and refreezable ice packs can help to keep items cold until you’re ready to eat. Especially on long flights. They can also be used to bring vegan selections back from your travel too.
- TSA recommends that all carry-on food items be stored in a clear plastic bag.
- Pack portable utensils, wet wipes, and napkins.
Bring portable ice packs to keep perishable items like hummus and guacamole cold during travel. By preparing in advance and understanding regulations, you can avoid last-minute stress and ensure you have nutritious and enjoyable vegan snacks available throughout their journey.
Top Vegan Airport Snacks for Air Travel
The final decision rests with the TSA officers on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. The below list are foods TSA has said are allowable and foods we have personally bought with us while traveling.
Airport travel snacks could need additional screening so put in easily accessible bag and allow a few extra minutes to go through security.
- Fresh & Dried Fruits and Vegetables - whole or cut fruit. You can bring pretty much any solid fruit; options like grapes, apples or oranges through TSA if you’re departing from the contiguous U.S. states. We pick up dried fruit from Trader Joes. If you bring whole fruit wash these items before you get to the airport.
- Trail Mix, Granola and Cereal
- Dips & Dressings - pre-packaged avocado or hummus cups with pretzels or potato chips are great alternatives. Make sure you stay under the 3.4 oz TSA guidelines for liquids. We’ve run into trouble before with spreadable items in larger containers.
- Nuts & Seeds - we like to pick up pre-packaged nuts like cashews from Trader Joes or homemade mixes with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Or buy in bulk from Costco and split them into smaller portions for snacks.
- Vegan Deli Slices - vegan turkey slices
- Vegan Hard Boiled Eggs - like Wundereggs (store with ice packs)
- Vegan Jerky - we like Louisville Vegan jerky brand.
- Coffee/Tea - tea bags and portable coffee packs like Cafe Bustelo. You may take empty drink containers through the checkpoint and have them fill afterward.
- Peanut Butter - peanut butter and jelly sandwich sandwiches, peanut butter filled pretzels or peanut butter crackers. Make sure you stay under the 3.4 oz TSA guidelines for liquids. We’ve run into trouble before with spreadable items in large containers.
- Popcorn and Chips - see our list of vegan chips brands.
- Soups - per TSA website you can carry on in a container 3.4 oz which is pretty tiny, we haven’t tried this since it so small but you could carry sauces for sandwich or wrap.
- Bars - Protein and Breakfast bars.
- Candy and Chocolates - we have a full list of vegan milk chocolate brands you can take with you.
- Cheese & Crackers - for cheese, peanut butter or just to snack on. Put air in bag so they don't get crushed. We like plant-based cheese like Babybel. Keep cheese to 3.4 oz are less when carrying on the plane.
- Vegan Cookies and Baked Goods
Peanut butter is apart of the TSA 3.4oz liquid or less rules. TSA considers foods like yogurts and cooked oatmeal as “gels” and they will be confiscated at security.
Planning ahead for your vegan snacks is very important to stress free travel. By packing your own snacks you avoid relying on bad options or no vegan options at the airport or on the airplane. Planning allows for the inclusion of perishable items like hummus and guacamole, kept fresh with small ice packs.
Remember TSA always has the final decision on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. So pack your snacks in clear bags, under 3.4 oz and according to TSA guidelines.
Ultimately, our proactive planning has made our trips more enjoyable because we know we have great plant-based snack options and can enjoy a comfortable and satisfying travel experience.
Additional Resources
- TSA website “What Can I Bring”.
- Happy Cow vegan app.
- More tips for flying as a vegan.
Comment down below if there is anything we missed or should’ve included and tag us on Instagram #thevgnway and share your favorite vegan airplane snacks.
Although thevgnway.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, this list should be considered a guide. This blog provides general information, recipes, and discussions about plant-based, vegan and gluten-free related subjects.
The information and content provided on this blog, or linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Depending on your level of intolerance, allergy or Celiac disease items may be unacceptable for your diet. Call 911 for medical emergencies.
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