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Liquid Limits

Can I take hummus on a plane? The spreadable food rule explained

Hummus is spreadable, which means TSA, UK and EU security all count it as a liquid. In cabin baggage you're capped at a 100ml pot (or 2L at a CT-scanner airport). In checked luggage you can take as much as you like.

Last updated · Reviewed against current airport security guidance

Short answer

Hummus is spreadable, which means TSA, UK and EU security all count it as a liquid. In cabin baggage you're capped at a 100ml pot (or 2L at a CT-scanner airport). In checked luggage you can take as much as you like.

General guidance

Rule basis: General airport security guidance — rules can vary between airports and change over time. Confirm with your departure airport before you fly.

What to do: Pack to 100ml per container in a single 1-litre clear bag unless you've confirmed a larger allowance at both your departure airports.

Liquid Limits is a travel planning tool, not an official aviation source. Always confirm with the airport before you travel.

At a glance

Security

Will this pass the checkpoint?

Check rules

Rules vary by airport — some still enforce 100ml, others now allow 2L containers in CT scanners.

Source: Airport operator pages
Airline

Can this travel in cabin or checked baggage?

Cabin OK

Most airlines defer to airport security on liquids in the cabin.

Border

Can you bring this into the destination country?

Usually OK

Liquids themselves are rarely a customs issue — but contents (alcohol, dairy, CBD) might be.

Three separate rule systems · Any one can stop your item

Quick answer

Yes — but only in a container 100ml or smaller in your cabin bag, inside your 1-litre liquids bag. Any size is fine in checked luggage.

Cabin vs checked

TypeCabinChecked
Single-serve pot (≤100ml)Yes, in 1L bagYes
Standard 200g supermarket tubNoYes
Family-size tubNoYes
Dried hummus mix (powder)YesYes

Customs & international

Hummus is fine for most domestic and intra-EU travel. Heading into the US, Australia, NZ or the UK from abroad, declare any home-made or unsealed food on the customs form. Sealed shop-bought tubs are usually waved through.

Packing tips

  • Decant into a 100ml travel pot if you really need it on board
  • Freeze it solid in checked baggage so it doesn't leak
  • Bag it twice — hummus oil will ruin clothes
  • Buy it after security if you can

FAQs

Why is hummus a liquid?

Security defines anything spreadable, smearable or pourable as a liquid. Hummus fits all three.

What about hummus and crackers snack packs?

The hummus pot still has to be ≤100ml. The crackers don't count.

Can I take hummus through TSA?

Yes, under the 3-1-1 rule — 100ml/3.4oz per container, all inside one quart-size bag.

Check your trip

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