Is Peanut Butter a Liquid? Here’s What the TSA Says

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98

Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158

Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 5 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 6 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 92

Notice: Undefined offset: 4 in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 98

Notice: Undefined index: pass_through_args in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 158

Notice: Undefined index: wrapper in /nas/content/live/stagingstmllc/wp-content/plugins/smartertravel-shared/includes/ads/includes/api.php on line 159

If you’ve ever tried to drink peanut butter (on its own, not in a smoothie), you might laugh at someone classifying the sticky substance as a liquid. You won’t be laughing if you try to bring a jar full of Skippy on your next flight—the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officially ruled that peanut butter is a liquid and subject to the 3-1-1 rule if it’s in your carry-on. 

Although peanut butter has always been considered a liquid by the TSA, the classification recently came to light after a traveler had his peanut butter confiscated by the TSA and sent out a Tweet expressing his confusion. 

I tried to take peanut butter through airport security.

TSA: Sorry, no liquids, gels, or aerosols.

Me: I want you to tell me which of those things you think peanut butter is.

— Patrick Neve (@catholicpat) March 15, 2023

The TSA responded with a punny post of its own, taking to Instagram to declare: “You may not be nuts about it, but TSA considers your PB a liquid. In carry-on, it needs to be 3.4oz or less.”

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

To help passengers remember what is considered a liquid, the TSA offers this advice: “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it,” it’s subject to the liquids rule. Crunchy, smooth, no-stir, or natural—all types of peanut butter are liquids in the eyes of airport security.

Peanut butter (and other liquids) are allowed onboard in small quantities, so if you have a premade peanut butter sandwich, you’ll be fine. If you want to bring some peanut butter for later, you can buy it in mini pouches or individual cups that adhere to the liquids rule. Or, put the peanut butter in your checked bag, where you can bring as much Jif as your heart desires. 

If you’re unsure about bringing something on a plane, the TSA has a helpful search tool on their website. Simply enter what you want to pack and the TSA will show you official rules around bringing the item in both carry-on and checked bags. 

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

You Might Also Like:

• 6 Things You Should Never Do When Crossing a Border
• 6 Inflight Beauty Treatments You Can Do Without Looking Too Weird
• This New Tool Will Tell You Exactly When to Book Your Flight for the Best Price
• Hawaii Passport Requirements: Do I Need a Passport to Go to Hawaii?
• Could Pilot Strikes Ruin Your Summer Travel Plans?