Simple Airplane Snacks for Toddlers – TSA and International Travel Friendly!

This post is all about airplane snacks for toddlers. After plane trips with our toddlers in the US and abroad, snacks are a non-negotiable for keeping our boys energized and comfortable. Here is what we plan to take with us on our upcoming International trip to the UK and the EU, along with tips, tricks and what NOT to do below.

Key Takeaways on Picking Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

1. We focus on individually packaged, low-mess and sturdy snacks.
2. No fresh fruit or vegetables since restrictions vary, especially internationally to prevent the spread of invasive pests.
3. Prioritize allergen friendly options to care for other passengers who may have allergies.

7 Snacks We Are Packing to Europe

1. Chomps Chomplings: We buy these at Costco and our boys love these. A great savory snack on the go with 4g of protien from grass-fed and finished beef. Also, zero sugar and perfectly sized for toddlers versus the regular sized beef sticks.
2. Nature’s Bakery Fig Bars: These are calorie dense with real fruit and whole grains. Think of this as a substitute for a peanut butter and jelly, but without any nut allergens. I also love that they are sturdy and will withstand getting tossed around in a backpack for a few days without becoming a crumbly mess.
3. Solely Organic Fruit Jerky: This was another recent Costco purchase. One-ingredient fruit jerky, meaning no added sugars. The texture of these is great, and less gummy and sticky than a traditional fruit leather.
4. Clif Kids Z Bars: A great organic, whole grain choice that brings a sense of familiarity for our kids. We always try to pack a few extra bars that may not be eaten on the flight but can serve in a pinch if we need a quick bite at our hotel or apartment before grabbing breakfast. Bars are not as popular at international locations so good to have some to fall back on.
5. Zing Plant Based Bars: These tend to have nuts so we keep these packaged during the flight and utilize as a partial meal replacement for the boys or adults if hunger hits and we are sightseeing or waiting to be seated at a restaurant. They are also a good backup if you are in an airport and want to save money on airport food, or just don’t have great options.
6. Kirkland Signature Organic Fruit and Vegetable Pouches: These are another comfort item we bring for the boys and can sooth an upset stomach or serve as a small snack while you wait for the food to be served on the airline. Applesauce is subject to the same screenings as other liquids and gels by TSA, so just remember to keep them available to pull for screening. See a few notes below for TSA treatment of toddler food.
7. Annie’s Organic Fruit Snacks: While there are more than enough sweet items on this list, these fruit snacks are mostly a comfort item for our toddlers. We understand a red-eye flight and long travel day is a big ask for our toddlers, and want to have something extra special for them to look forward to at the end of the journey. My three-year-old has already been negotiating a pack of gummies if he falls asleep for a few hours on the flight, something I will happily oblige to if it means he is more rested and the other passengers are also able to get some rest.

Related Post: Travel-Friendly Tablet and Accessories for Toddlers

TSA’s Special Rules for Food when Traveling with Children

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows certain items in carry-on baggage for children and infants: Formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Remember to check the latest guidelines on the TSA website or their local government equivalent to see tips. I like to refer to this page on the TSA website here.

What I Do Not Recommend Based on Experience Flying with Toddlers

• Do not bring any special snack boxes or spinners on the flight. These take up a lot of room and when emptied are just dead space. You also will need to rinse or wash them at your destination which is not fun. We also didn’t find they entertained our boys too much and were a risk for spilling. Instead, we pack the individual items in a larger Ziplock to keep everything contained. The Ziplock can be refilled or repurposed later in the trip.
• Avoid crumbly, sticky or fragrant food options. It is not worth sitting in a mess for hours and passengers around you will be pleased. This includes small crackers and cheerios – if you must pack them, think about a good way to store and serve them.
• Do not overpack snacks – we plan to use our stash of US snacks up in a few days and then shop around for new items along the way. This will save you space and weight in your luggage.

In summary, being thoughtful about packing airplane snacks for your toddler goes a long way. The whole family will have a successful trip, all while being considerate of the flight crew and passengers around you.