Can I bring cheese, jam, honey or sauces in my cabin bag?
The short answer
GOV.UK lists jam, honey and syrups as liquids, so the 100ml limit applies at most UK airports. TSA lists solid cheese as allowed in carry-on and creamy cheese only at 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less.
UK rules
The GOV.UK liquids page says most airports do not allow containers over 100ml through security, even if only partly full, and some airports allow up to 2 litres. It lists liquid or semi-liquid foods such as soup, jam, honey and syrups as liquids, along with any other items of similar consistency. It does not name cheese, yoghurt or sauces, so semi-liquid versions may fall under the rule and you should check with your airport.
Where a transparent bag is required, containers go in one resealable bag holding no more than 1 litre, about 20cm x 20cm, one bag per person. Exemptions of up to 2 litres at all UK airports apply for essential medical purposes, special dietary requirements, and baby food or baby milk.
US rules
TSA's food list says solid cheese is allowed in carry-on, and creamy cheese is allowed only if 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. It says liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on and should go in checked bags if possible. The TSA 3-1-1 page says liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes must fit in a quart-sized bag, each in a container of 3.4 ounces or less.
The TSA official pages do not name jam, honey, yoghurt or sauces, so check with TSA directly.
Practical points
The GOV.UK hand luggage page says food and powders can obstruct x-ray images so bags may be checked by hand, and that frozen items, including ice packs, are generally not allowed in hand luggage, with exceptions for medicines and baby food and milk. Airports differ and rules change, so check the official page and your airport before you travel. EU airports are not covered by the official pages.
Sources: GOV.UK: Hand luggage restrictions, liquids, GOV.UK: Hand luggage restrictions, TSA: What can I bring, food, TSA: 3-1-1 liquids rule. Read 5 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so check the official page before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is jam a liquid for airport security?
GOV.UK lists jam, honey and syrups as liquids, so the 100ml limit applies at most UK airports.
Can I take solid cheese?
TSA lists solid cheese as allowed in carry-on. GOV.UK does not name cheese, so check your airport.
What about creamy cheese or spreads?
TSA allows creamy cheese in carry-on only at 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. GOV.UK does not name it but says items of similar consistency may be covered.
Is there an exemption for baby food?
Yes. GOV.UK lists baby food or baby milk, essential medical purposes and special dietary requirements as 2 litre exemptions at all UK airports.
Can food be frozen?
GOV.UK says frozen items are generally not allowed in hand luggage, with exceptions for medicines and baby food and milk.