There’s a reason why chocolate is loved by many. Not only do they taste sweet and great, but they are also proven to give happiness and satisfaction to people who eat them. Studies say chocolates cause the release of endorphins aka the happy hormones in the brain, hence, boosting people’s moods. This is why you can never go wrong with chocolates as gifts or souvenirs for your family and friends whenever you visit different places.
If you’re flying somewhere soon, you might be wondering what could be the best way to bring chocolates home in good condition. Here’s everything you need to know about the restrictions and best ways to safely transport your chocolates when you travel.
Can You Bring Chocolate On A Plane
Can I bring chocolate on a plane? The answer is yes! Generally, any chocolate is allowed in your carry-on or checked luggage but some rule applies to liquid chocolate. Here are some of what you need to keep in mind:
Solid Chocolate
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), solid food items such as chocolates can be transported in your carry-on or checked bags. This means chocolate bars, miniatures, bite-sized, and other chocolates of this form as long as they’re solid can be safely stored in your luggage. (Learn How Many Miles Round Is The Earth)
Best examples of solid chocolate would be Cadbury bars, Hershey’s Kisses, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Mars’ variety packs of candies, and the like.
Liquid Chocolate
While liquid chocolate is allowed, the same 3-1-1 TSA rule applies to them which is as follows:
- As stated on the TSA website, 3.4 oz (100 ml) or smaller-
sized containers that fit in 1 quart-sized resealable bag may go in carry-on and through checkpoint security. - Meanwhile, containers that are larger than 3.4 oz (100 ml) regardless of the amount inside must be in checked baggage.
This means liquid chocolates like syrups, spreads, sauces, and other forms should be placed inside a small size container that measures one quart if you plan to place it in your carry-on bag. But if your liquid chocolates are bigger than 3.4 oz or 100 ml, you can leave them in your checked baggage.
The best examples of liquid chocolate are Hershey’s chocolate syrup, Nutella spread, and the like.
If you don’t want to transfer liquid chocolate to a small container such as mini jars, you can simply opt to place them in your checked luggage rather than in your carry-on.
Will Chocolate Melt In Checked Luggage
Chocolates in general especially bars and boxed ones don’t melt easily. However, some chocolates such as miniatures and bite-sized ones tend to melt once placed in closed and tight spaces like checked luggage.
Apart from their form, some factors define whether your chocolates would melt in checked bags:
Place of origin and place of arrival
This one usually applies to international flights. If you will be coming from a cold country and will arrive in a city or town where the weather is hotter, there’s a possibility that the chocolate will melt in your checked bag. It’s best to take note of the weather of the place you’ll be flying to keep your chocolate in the best condition before storing it.
Do they have nuts?
Chocolate bars with nuts tend to be more prone to melting and making a mess since the oil can start to melt when stored.
Will you be placing it in a trunk?
If you will be transporting from your hotel to the airport via private car or taxi, there’s a chance that your luggage will be kept in the trunk. Since trunks are closed spaces with no proper ventilation, your chocolate will likely melt while in transit.
Ways to Prevent Chocolate From Melting
Depending on the condition, it can be quite inevitable for chocolates to melt in checked bags. But it doesn’t mean you can’t prevent it to happen.
Here are some of the preventive measures you can do to avoid chocolates from melting:
Keep it refrigerated
Once you bought the chocolates, place them immediately in the refrigerator or freezer especially if you won’t be flying out yet. The cold temperature will help keep the chocolate in good condition. (Read Best Time To Visit The Great Barrier Reef)
Wrap it in aluminum foil
Yes, the aluminum foil helps chocolate bars stay in good condition. Before placing them in your carry-on bags or checked luggage, make sure you wrap them in aluminum foil. It will not only help prevent the chocolate from melting, but it will also prevent it to absorb any unwanted flavors that might mix with your chocolates.
Place it in sealed airtight bags
Another way to store your chocolate is to place them in sealed airtight bags. The seal will help keep your chocolate from any moisture in the air.
Keep it away from direct sunlight or hot areas
Do not expose your chocolates to direct sunlight. If you will not place it n your luggage yet, do not leave it in an area where sunlight would hit such as by the window or beside any hot surface. Once placed in your luggage, make sure your bags are also far from any heat source.
Bring chocolate carry-on luggage
The best way you can do to keep your chocolate in good condition is to carry it with you. Remember, once your checked bag is already on the counter, you already have no control over it. By keeping your chocolates in your carry-on, you’ll be sure that you can watch over your chocolate without worrying whether they’ll melt or be smashed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions left unanswered, these pieces of information might help about bringing chocolate in your luggage:
How much chocolate can I bring on the plane?
There is no limit to how much chocolate can you bring. The only limit is for liquid chocolates which you may refer to the 3-1-1 TSA rule mentioned above.
Can you bring chocolate cake on the plane?
Yes, chocolate cake is allowed in hand luggage.
How about cocoa powder?
According to TSA, powder-based substances such as cocoa in hand luggage will require additional screening at the checkpoint if it exceeds 350mL or 12 oz. For your convenience, just store them in your checked bag.
Is chocolate peanut butter allowed?
Yes. Like Nutella and other spreads, chocolate peanut butter is allowed but the liquid rule applies to it.
Are there any restrictions at customs for chocolates?
Chocolates are generally allowed in many countries. However, various countries might require additional checking if they find any suspicious substance in your items. The final decision on whether chocolate is allowed lies with airport security.
Our Takeaway
Whether it’s your first time traveling or simply prioritizing safety, bringing chocolates with you should never be a hassle. People from all over the world always pick chocolates as a gift or souvenir for their loved ones and never encounter any problems when doing so. So, no need to worry whether they will melt in your luggage or not; as long as you keep in mind the ways to keep them in the best condition, your chocolate bars will surely arrive safe and sound. (Read Can You Bring Salt On A Plane)
The next time you find yourself stressing out over bringing food such as chocolates in your luggage, remember that anyone would appreciate it no matter what. That’s the magic chocolate brings – it can put a smile on anyone’s face!
