
If you're travelling through Stansted Airport, you may be wondering if you can bring your own food through security. The good news is that you absolutely can bring your own food, as long as it meets certain requirements. Solid, dry foods that are properly sealed in leak-proof containers are generally allowed. This includes items such as cakes, biscuits, crisps, fruit, and bread. However, it's important to note that sauces, soups, jams, honey, and other liquid foods are subject to the same restrictions as other liquids and must be in containers of less than 100ml. Baby food and infant formula are exempt from the liquid restrictions, but you may be asked to taste these items during security checks. Additionally, remember that security personnel may ask you to place all food items in a separate bin for closer inspection, which can add time to your journey through checkpoints.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Liquids | Only allowed in containers of less than 100ml and in a clear and resealable bag that is no larger than 20cm by 20cm. Liquids include foams, gels, pastes, creams, cosmetics, perfumes, mousses, lotions, and drinks. |
| Baby Food | Exempt from the 100ml liquid limit. Passengers may be asked to taste the food. |
| Solid Food | Allowed in hand luggage. Examples include cakes, biscuits, crisps, fruit, and bread. |
| Medicines | Allowed in liquid form if essential and sufficient for the flight, e.g. a diabetic kit. Passengers may be asked to authenticate the medicine. |
| Cigarettes | Allowed in hand luggage, but lighters and matches are prohibited. |
| Gifts and Christmas Presents | Not exempt from security checks and may need to be unwrapped. |
| Electrical Items | Need to be screened separately. |
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What You'll Learn

Liquids, gels and pastes are allowed if under 100ml
Liquids, gels, and pastes are allowed through security at Stansted Airport if they are under 100ml. This includes food items that fall under these categories, such as sauces, jams, honey, and baby food. These items must be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm, and each traveller is permitted only one such bag. The bag must be removed from your hand luggage and placed in the tray provided for screening.
It is important to note that Stansted Airport considers certain foods, such as peanut butter, Marmite, yoghurt, and fish in oil, as pastes or liquids. Therefore, these items must also adhere to the 100ml limit and be placed in the designated clear bag.
Solid foods, such as cakes, biscuits, crisps, fruits, and breads, are permitted in hand luggage and will need to be placed in a bag for X-ray checks. It is recommended that travellers pack food items in their checked bags to avoid any confusion or disappointment.
While liquids under 100ml are generally permitted, there are exemptions for essential medical purposes. Medication in liquid form, larger than 100ml, is allowed through security with valid proof, such as a doctor's letter, prescription, or medicine prescription label. Additionally, cooling gel packs for baby food or essential medication are permitted with proper documentation.
It is always advisable to check the latest guidelines and restrictions on the Stansted Airport website before travelling, as security requirements may change.
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Solid foods are allowed in hand luggage
Passengers are advised to only pack food items in checked bags to avoid confusion or disappointment. It is also worth noting that security personnel may ask to place all food items in a separate bin from luggage for closer inspection, which may cause delays. Therefore, it is recommended to allow extra time when passing through security.
Solid, dry foods that are properly sealed in leak-proof containers are generally permitted. Snacks in their original packaging, such as packs of peanuts and protein bars, are often allowed as they are sealed, properly labelled, and easily identifiable. Bread, cakes (including wedding cakes), biscuits, crisps, fruit, and other baked goods can also be taken through security. It is important to note that while chips (both potato and tortilla) are usually allowed, items with a stronger odour, such as a burger and chips, may not be the best choice for hand luggage unless one does not mind their luggage smelling like the meal.
Additionally, passengers travelling with small children should be aware that different rules apply for baby food and drinks. Baby food, liquid food, jars, or pots of baby food are not subject to the 100ml limit, but passengers may be asked to taste these items. Wet wipes, powdered food, and infant car seats can also be brought on the plane, and a baby bag is allowed in addition to the standard hand luggage allowance.
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Baby food and milk are exempt from the 100ml rule
When travelling with an infant, you can bring baby food, baby milk, and sterilised water for the journey, even if it exceeds 100ml. This exemption from the 100ml rule applies to food and milk for babies under 36 months old. You are allowed to carry enough baby food and milk for your journey, but only as much as you need for the trip.
Breast milk is also allowed in hand luggage, even if you are not travelling with a baby. Individual containers of breast milk must not hold more than 2000ml. Each container will be screened at security, and staff may need to open the containers for screening.
Liquid baby food and milk are allowed through security at Stansted Airport, but the accompanying passenger may be asked to taste these items. All liquid containers must be stored in a clear, resealable bag no larger than 20cm by 20cm.
Solid foods, such as cakes, biscuits, crisps, fruit, and bread, are also permitted in hand luggage and must be placed in a bag for x-ray checks.
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Food bought at the airport can be taken on the plane
Food and drinks bought at Stansted Airport can be taken on the plane, but there are some rules to follow. Solid foods such as cakes, biscuits, crisps, fruit, and bread are permitted to be taken through security within hand luggage but must be placed in a bag for X-ray checks. Liquids, gels, and pastes are subject to the 100ml rule, meaning they need to be in containers of less than 100ml, placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm. This includes foods such as sauces, soups, jams, and honey. Baby food and children's liquid medicines are exempt from the 100ml rule, but you can only carry what is needed for the flight. It is recommended to pack liquids in your hold luggage if possible to avoid confusion or disappointment.
It is important to note that food and drinks bought at the airport, including those purchased from duty-free shops, can be taken on the plane. These items are allowed as long as they comply with the liquid restrictions and are not on the list of prohibited items. It is always a good idea to check with the specific airport and airline for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their policies on food and drinks. Additionally, some foods may be subject to additional screening or may not be allowed through the checkpoint if they trigger security concerns.
When passing through security with food, it is important to have your passport, boarding pass, and bag of liquids ready for inspection. Large electrical items, like laptops, will need to go through the X-ray machine separately, and you may be asked to remove your coat and shoes. Your bags may be searched, and you may even be body searched, but this is nothing to worry about. These searches may be random or triggered by electrical equipment in your bag showing up on the X-ray.
In summary, food bought at the airport can be taken on the plane as long as it complies with the liquid restrictions and is not a prohibited item. Solid foods are generally allowed, while liquids, gels, and pastes must follow the 100ml rule. Baby food and medicines are exempt from this rule, but only carry what is needed. Always check with the airport and airline for the most accurate information, and be prepared for security checks to ensure a smooth journey through the airport.
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Packaged snacks are usually fine
If you're travelling through Stansted Airport and want to take food through security, it's important to know the rules. The good news is that solid foods are generally allowed in hand luggage. This includes packaged snacks, which are typically fine to bring through security.
Packaged snacks are often sealed, properly labelled, and easy to identify, making them convenient options to bring on your travels. You can usually bring items such as packs of peanuts, protein bars, cookies, bread, and other baked goods. If you're craving something savoury, crisps and chips (including potato chips, tortilla chips, and even organic kale chips) are also usually allowed.
It's important to note that while these packaged snacks are generally permitted, they may be subject to additional checks. Security personnel may ask you to place food items in a separate bin from your luggage to allow for closer inspection. This can add some time to your journey, so it's always good to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
While solid foods are allowed, it's important to remember that sauces, soups, jam, honey, and other similar items are considered liquids and must follow the liquid restrictions. Each liquid container must hold no more than 100ml and must be in a clear and resealable bag.
So, if you're packing snacks for your flight, opt for packaged options and avoid bringing items that contain liquids, sauces, or pastes. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your favourite snacks during your flight without any worries.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring solid food in your hand luggage. However, sauces, soups, jams, honey and other liquid foods are considered liquids and must adhere to the 100ml limit.
All types of pastes and creamy foods are considered liquids, including butter, peanut butter, chocolate spread, pâté, hummus, and even cheesecake.
Yes, baby food and drinks are exempt from the 100ml limit. However, you are only allowed to carry what is needed for your journey, and you may be asked to taste these items.
Yes, any food, drinks, toiletries, and non-prescription medicines purchased in the departures lounge can be taken onto the plane.











































