TSA Greenlights Pizza, Donuts, and Even Lobsters for Your Next Flight

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has dished out a tasty reminder for travelers about which foods can board flights, ensuring your snacks don’t get grounded. From pizza to donuts, your carry-on can be a culinary carry-all, as long as the items are solid and not liquid or gel-based.

Donuts, pizza, and chocolate get the green light for both carry-on and checked bags. Whether it’s a sprinkled donut or a slice of pepperoni, the TSA says, "Pack it, and snack it." Cakes, pies, cookies, and even solid cheeses are also good to go, so your in-flight picnic can be as gourmet as you please. The catch? Keep these items separate in your bag to avoid cluttering the X-ray machine’s view.

Surprisingly, live lobsters can hitch a ride, provided they’re in a clear, spill-proof container. A TSA officer will give your crustacean a quick once-over at the checkpoint, but you’ll need to check with your airline first. Tamales? No restrictions—pack as many as your heart desires. However, creamy cheeses, hummus, or ice cream must be under 3.4 ounces to make it through security.

Fresh fruits and vegetables face stricter rules for flights from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands to the mainland, due to concerns about invasive plant pests. So, leave those tropical mangoes behind unless you want to risk a customs crackdown.

With the TSA’s list of 60 approved food items, travelers have plenty of options to keep hunger at bay. Just don’t try sneaking that oversized jar of gravy through—it won’t fly.