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Popular pantry staple could get you stopped at airport security under little-known TSA rule

08 Sep 2026 By foxnews

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Travelers may want to take a second look at what they're packing for their next flight after the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reminded passengers that one common food item is subject to its liquids rule.

The TSA recently took to X to remind travelers that, yes, peanut butter is considered a liquid when going through airport security.

"Peanut butter is a liquid... we said what we said... this time with receipts," the agency wrote.

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The TSA included a screenshot of a Google AI Overview explaining why peanut butter can be classified a liquid.

Under TSA rules, liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or fewer and fit inside a quart-sized bag, according to the TSA website.

Larger quantities can be packed in checked luggage.

Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel industry expert and author of the blog "View From the Wing," told Fox News Digital the consistency of peanut butter is what puts it under the liquids rule.

"You can't bring peanut butter, [as] the TSA considers that to be a liquid because it conforms to the shape of its container rather than retaining its shape on its own," Leff said.

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That doesn't mean travelers have to stop bringing food through security altogether.

"There are more things you can bring through security than you might even realize," Leff said.

He suggested travelers consider eating before heading to the airport or try packing foods that are allowed through security, particularly because airport dining can be expensive and options may be limited.

"Wherever you go that's not the airport is going to have better food at the same price," Leff said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the TSA for comment.

The TSA's classification has sparked debate among travelers online, with some questioning whether the popular spread should really count as a liquid.

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"I would invite TSA to drink a pint of peanut butter, then," one Reddit user joked.

"So make your sandwich first," another commenter said, offering a simple workaround for travelers hoping to bring the spread along.

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Fox News Digital previously reported on another TSA reminder that sparked debate among travelers after the agency weighed in on an unusual airport practice.

In July, the TSA suggested travelers could bring hammocks to airports during long layovers, writing on social media, "Nobody said you couldn't bring a hammock to the airport."

The agency advised travelers to check with individual airports before setting up a hammock because rules about where they can be used vary by airport.

The suggestion divided travelers online.

Some said hammocks are disruptive in crowded terminals, while others embraced the idea as a way to get comfortable during long waits.