Can You Take Hot Sauce On a Plane? TSA Rules 2024

Photo of author
Posted by Gargie K
Last Updated

If you’re a fan of spicy food, you might be wondering if you can take your favorite hot sauce on a plane.

The good news is that you can bring hot sauce with you on a plane, but only small containers of 3.4 fl oz / 100 ml are allowed on hand luggage, while you can pack larger bottles in a checked bag without any restrictions.

Here’s everything you need to know about traveling with hot sauce.

TL;DR 

  • Liquid sauce needs to follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
  • If your sauce is creamy or spreadable, it must comply with the 3-1-1 liquid.
  • Frozen sauce is allowed in carry-on bags. The containers can be more than 3.4oz each as long as the item is completely frozen solid at the time of screening.

Bringing Hot Sauce In Carry-On (TSA Liquids Rule)

The first thing you need to know is that salsa and hot sauce is considered a liquid by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

So it falls under the 3-1-1 liquids rule. This means that you can only bring hot sauce in containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or smaller, and you have to fit all your liquids in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. 

You can only bring one quart sized bag of liquids per passenger, and you have to take it out of your carry-on and place it in a bin for screening at the security checkpoint.

So, if you want to bring a Frank’s RedHot hot sauce for example you can’t bring a 12 fl oz / 350 ml bottle in carry-on.

Here is a screenshot from the TSA website.

Here is also an answer from the TSA customer service on X.

Caitlyn (@caitlynmaguire) has to put this 5 ounces bottle of hot sauce in her checked bag.

You can either buy travel-sized bottles of it, or you can transfer some of your Frank’s RedHot hot sauce into smaller containers that are leak-proof and labeled. 

You can also buy a full size hot sauce at the airport after you pass security, but you might not find the brand or flavor you like.

However, you should be aware that airport prices may be higher than regular stores, and you may not find the variety or quality of hot sauce you’re looking for.

Bringing Hot Sauce In Your Checked Baggage

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of the 3-1-1 liquids rule, or if you want to bring more than 3.4 ounces of hot sauce, you can always pack it in your checked baggage.

There are no limits on the amount or size of liquids you can bring in your checked baggage, as long as they are not flammable, explosive, or corrosive. 

You should still take some precautions to prevent spillage, breakage, or leakage of your hot sauce.

Packing Hot Sauce For Travel

Here are some easy rules to follow when you’re packing hot sauce for your next trip.

Here are some easy rules to follow when you’re packing hot sauce for your next trip.

  1. Choose god Bottles or Jars:
    Pick strong bottles or jars made of glass, plastic, or metal. Don’t use weak containers that might break easily.
  2. Place the hot sauce in the middle of the suitcase
    If you’re putting hot sauce in your checked bag, place the bottles in the middle of your suitcase. Surround them with soft things like clothes and towels.
  3. Close the Lids Tight:
    Make sure the lids of your bottles are closed. You can also use tape, plastic wrap, or foil to seal them and stop any leaks.
  4. Wrap the bottles :
    Wrap each bottle or jar in a plastic bag, a ziplock bag, or a freezer bag. This gives them extra protection and keeps any spills contained.

Read also: Can You Bring Instant Noodles On a Plane?

Take Hot Sauce On International Flights 

Regardless if you’re flying with the U.S or internationally, the same rules apply.

So, if you pack hot sauce in your carry-on, the bottle must not exceed 3.4 fl oz / 100ml.

The bottle must also be placed in a clear, resealable bag if you pack it in your carry-on.

If you’re traveling internationally, you can buy hot sauce at a duty-free shop and bring it on board as long as it’s in a secure, tamper-evident bag with the original receipt.

However, you should also check the rules of your destination country, as some countries may have restrictions on importing food items.

Last Few Words

It is totally ok to bring hot sauce on a plane and through TSA security. However, you need to be aware about the size of your bottles and how you are transporting them.

You also need to be aware of the limitations on quantity for both hot sauce and any food you bring along with it.

Hope this helps 

Happy travels 

Bringing Other Food Products

  • You can bring pizza on a plane in both your carry-on and checked bags. 
  • You can take onion on a plane  in both your carry-on bags and checked bags.
  • You are allowed to bring peanut butter but, the 3-1-1 rule applies.
  • You can take Tamales on a plane in carry-on and checked bags without any restrictions.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.

Resources

  • https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/salsa-and-sauces
  • https://twitter.com/search