Eat This, Not That: TSA-Friendly Snacks to Pack for Your Next Flight

I’m on the go again — and I’m not flying without snacks. Let’s be honest: the options on most flights these days are far from ideal. If you've ever flipped over the packaging of those "healthy" airline snacks, you know the ingredient lists can be downright scary.

That’s why I always prep my own travel snacks. They’re healthier, tastier, and (bonus!) TSA-approved. Just pop them in your carry-on, and you’ll be cruising at 30,000 feet with zero snack regret.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a one-time getaway, these three snack recipes are your ticket to better in-flight eating.

NUT & SESAME BRITTLE

Sweet, salty, and satisfyingly crunchy.

This upgraded version of peanut brittle packs a flavorful punch with mixed nuts, seeds, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s the perfect energy booster without the crash.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups granulated sugar

  • ¾ cup white corn syrup

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 2 ½ cups mixed nuts (cashews, pecans, peanuts, macadamia)

  • 3 tbsp sunflower seeds

  • 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

  • 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds

  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • ¾ tsp baking soda

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a large saucepan, bring sugar, corn syrup, and ¾ cup water to a boil, stirring until dissolved.

  2. Boil without stirring (use a pastry brush dipped in water to clean sides) until it reaches 235°F.

  3. Stir in butter and salt, and continue boiling until the mix hits 300°F.

  4. Remove from heat, stir in nuts, seeds, vanilla, and baking soda.

  5. Pour onto parchment-lined baking sheet, spread thin with greased spatula.

  6. Cool completely, then break into pieces.

  7. Store in an airtight container.

MICROWAVE COCONUT BRITTLE

Fast, flavorful, and fuss-free.

No stove? No problem. This brittle comes together in minutes with a microwave — perfect when you're short on time but still want a homemade snack.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup flaked coconut

  • 1 cup sugar

  • ½ cup corn syrup

  • 4 oz slivered almonds

  • 4 oz white sesame seeds

  • 4 oz black sesame seeds

  • 4 oz chia seeds

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp baking soda

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Spread coconut on a buttered baking sheet.

  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine sugar and corn syrup. Microwave 3 minutes.

  3. Stir in almonds, microwave 4 more minutes.

  4. Add butter and vanilla, microwave 1 minute.

  5. Stir in baking soda and seeds until foamy.

  6. Pour over coconut, let cool for 1 hour.

  7. Break into pieces and store airtight.

DIY TRAIL MIX

No oven, no stress — just toss and go.

Trail mix is the ultimate travel snack, and you can tailor it to your taste. Here’s one of my favorite combinations, but feel free to make it your own.

INGREDIENTS

  • 6 oz dark chocolate–covered blueberries

  • 6 oz dark chocolate–covered cranberries

  • 6 oz unsweetened coconut flakes

  • 6 oz cashews

  • 6 oz peanuts

INSTRUCTIONS

Just toss everything together in a bowl and store in a zip-top bag or container. Done!

Suzanne MooreComment