Did you know that solid food items, such as sandwiches, apples and granola bars, are permitted in both your carry-on and checked baggage when travelling within Canada? If your destination is outside of Canada, any food not consumed, including food in checked baggage, will be subject to the regulations of the country you are visiting.
Some food items may be subject to restrictions. This includes liquids and any foods that are mashed, puréed or mixed in a sauce (e.g. mashed potatoes, smoothies, chilli or stews). In order for a food to be considered a solid, it must be solid at room temperature. Additionally, certain powders and granular materials (e.g. baking powder, baking soda, salt, etc.) in your carry-on are limited to a total quantity of 350 ml or less.
If you plan to prep your food on the go, keep in mind that small kitchen appliances with blades 6 cm or less (e.g. personal/hand-held blenders, coffee grinders, cheese slicers) are permitted in carry-on baggage.
Examples of solid food items you can take on the plane
Packaged foods
- Granola bars
- Crackers
- Bread
- Hard candies
- Chips
- Cookies
- Chocolate bars
- Nuts
Non-packaged foods
- Fresh fruit (apples, bananas, oranges, etc.)
- Meat
- Cheese slices or cubes
- Vegetables
- Muffins
- Sandwiches
Miscellaneous
- Supplements
You can check our What Can I Bring? list for other examples of food and drink that you can bring on the plane.
Did you know?
The X-ray machines will not harm food or medication. It is safe to consume food or medication that has been scanned.
What happens if you bring a non-permitted item to a pre-board security screening checkpoint?
If your item does not pass pre-board screening for carry-on baggage, you may:
- Leave it with a friend or family member who is not travelling and still at the airport;
- Ask your airline representative to re-book you on a later flight, allowing you time to make other arrangements; or
- Ship the item via mail, cargo or courier. Please keep in mind that shipping options vary at airports.
Planning to bring food products from Canada into another country?
Contact the appropriate foreign office accredited to Canada or the customs authority of the country of your destination.
Planning to bring food from a foreign country into Canada?
Check with your airline or Canada Border Services Agency’s website as some restrictions may apply.