Plane trip food

If you are taking a family trip this summer that includes air travel you should be prepared with an arsenal of snacks for the kids. Airport and airplane food is not always tasty or healthy and it definitely is not budget friendly. Read on for some quick tips on what to bring that will satisfy your hunger as well as TSA guidelines.

Plane Trip Food Guidelines

There are a few imperative qualities that you should consider before packing your airplane snack bag. The most important things to consider are the TSA rules and regulations for bringing food through security. The guidelines are always changing so be sure to check the TSA website before traveling.

Items banned by the TSA right now are: cranberry sauce, creamy dips or spreads (soft cheeses, peanut butter, ect.), gravy, jams, jellies, maple syrup, oils and vinegars, salad dressing, salsa, sauces, soups, wine, liquor, and beer. As a general rule, anything even slightly liquid should be avoided.

In general, snacks should also not be too messy, easy to eat, and compact enough to eat in a small space. The food should also not be smelly and not be something that may upset your stomach. Also, try to bring a good variety of items, because you never know what you may be craving. But you want to try to bring foods that are still healthy and will give you filling calories instead of items that are packed with salt and sugar.

Be sure to pack all your food in a clear zip-top bag
in case further inspection is needed.
 

Plane Trip Food Suggestions

• Granola bars
• String cheese/cheese cubes
• Crackers
• Dried fruit
• Jerky
• Mixed nuts
• Trail mix
• Cookies
• Candy
• Baby/chopped vegetables
• Chips/pretzels

Recipes

Homemade Trail Mix

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup dried raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup unsalted sunflower seeds, shelled
• 1 cup dry roasted almonds
• 1/2 cup M&Ms

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together and mix well to distribute evenly.

Honey Roasted Peanuts

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 cups unsalted peanuts
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
2. Combine butter and honey in a saucepot and heat until butter is melted. Mix in peanuts and stir until peanuts are coated.
3. Spread peanuts out on baking sheet and bake 5 to 7 minutes. After the first 2 minutes, sprinkle sugar over top and stir nuts. Bake an addition 3 to 5 minutes or until peanuts are golden brown. Be sure not to burn.

Plantain Chips

Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 cups vegetable oil
• 4 large ripe plantains
• Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large deep skillet until very hot, but not smoking, about 375 degrees F.
2. While oil is heating, slice off ends of plantains and peel off skin. Slice plantains into 1/4-inch thick slices then gently smash with the bottom of a pan to flatten out.
3. Place plantain slices in fryer and cook until golden, about 30 to 45 seconds. Remove plantains with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels. Season with salt.

more travel food & snack ideas

• Healthy road trip snacks
• Healthy hiking food
• Gourmet camping recipes