Last Updated on October 26, 2021
The only dangerous thing about Nutella is that once you start eating it you can’t stop.
But can you pack Nutella in carry-on bags or does it need to go in checked luggage?
Let’s take a look.
TSA Nutella Rules
The Transportation Security Administration runs airport security and they are the folks that screen your bag for dangerous substances.
They don’t mention flying with Nutella on their website.
The question is, is Nutella considered a liquid? If the TSA treats Nutella as a liquid then there will be rules to follow about hand luggage.
I took to Twitter to find an answer.
This traveler was at the airport when she asked the TSA if she could bring Nutella on the plane:
The TSA replied with the sad news, “spreadable food items must be in containers that are 3.4 oz or less when packed in carry-on bags”.
That confirms it. The TSA considers Nutella to be a liquid. As far as hand luggage is concerned you can only pack it in travel-size containers. You must pack your Nutella or other chocolate spread in your quart-size toiletries bag.
I almost shed a tear when I saw the next photo.
So if you want to avoid leaving your Nutella behind at airport security you’ll need to plan ahead!
How To Take Nutella On A Plane
You can pack Nutella in checked bags, but checked luggage can be expensive.
You could fly with a smaller travel size Nutella like these ones.
You can take as many of those little single-serve Nutella packs as you can fit in your quart-size plastic Ziploc bag.
Who needs shampoo and shower gel anyway! Throw it all out and fill your toiletries bag with Nutella!
You could also get yourself some travel-size containers and fill them up with Nutella. You can bring as many as you can fit in your toiletries bag on the plane.
There is another way to bring larger quantities of Nutella on the plane, but it requires ninja-level packing skills to make it work.
If you freeze Nutella it becomes a solid and you can then take it through airport security. #tsahack
I double-checked with the TSA and they said it would be okay.
You do need to make sure your Nutella is frozen solid when you are at the checkpoint. That’s not easy to do but it’s not impossible. Packing it in ice packs might work, dry ice would be even better.
Of course, you don’t need to take the ice packs through with you. You can discard them at the checkpoint.
The TSA officer at the checkpoint would need to inspect your Nutella to make sure it’s frozen solid. It will be easier to do that if it’s not in a glass jar.
Also, I have another way to get Nutella past the security checkpoint.
While chocolate spreads like Nutella are restricted…
Cakes that are made using Nutella as frosting are not restricted.
Yes, you read that right!
If you just want that Nutella taste, make yourself a Nutella cake, pie, or heck even a Nutella sandwich.
As an ingredient in a solid food Nutella can fly! Hurrah! Give yourself a pat on the back for beating the system!
Still Unsure? Ask The TSA
The TSA answers questions about what can and can’t be brought on to planes on Twitter.
Maya tried to tell them that Nutella is a solid spread and not a liquified substance.
Nice try Maya!
The TSA replied, “Any item that you can pump, squeeze, spread, smear, spray or spill must follow our liquids rule in carry-on bags.”
Loni hit the nail on the head. It’s a tragedy!
Nobody wants to waste Nutella and be forced to throw it away at the security checkpoint.
The Verdict
Nutella is considered to be a liquid by the TSA. That means it must follow the liquid rules.
In hand luggage, you can only pack Nutella in containers that are 3.4 oz or less. All your containers must be packed in one quart-sized plastic baggie.
Large jars of Nutella or other brand chocolate spreads can be packed in checked baggage.
Where there is a will there is a way! There are techniques to fly with more Nutella if you are dedicated and creative!