If you are traveling to the USA from abroad in order to start a new life in the States, you may think of bringing some home comforts with you in the form of food and drink. It can be hard to live without certain treats and sweets, but does that mean you can bring them with you to the US? Here we discuss the foods and spices you can bring with you on the plane to America, and those that are best left at home.
The following types of foods are generally permitted to enter the United States: Prepared sauces like ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise that don’t contain meat; olive oils and other vegetable oils; cereals and processed crackers, cookies and bread; chocolate and candies; certain cheeses and dairy products; canned goods (not containing meat); dried or frozen fish or seafood; dried fruit; milk for babies; juices; tea and coffee (but not coca tea); honey; noodles and rice; flour; mushrooms; nuts; and baked goods.
Most dried spices are admissible apart from citrus leaves including lemongrass and lime leaves, plus vegetable and fruit seeds. You can bring in certain fresh fruit and vegetables depending on the type of food and the country you are coming from.
You cannot bring in any meat, egg, and poultry products or any product made from these ingredients. And raw egg as an ingredient is generally not permitted. If you are unsure whether you can bring a food item into the country you can check online, and if in doubt – leave it at home. At best you get your item confiscated, at worst you could get a fine. Explore the new foods you will experience when you are abroad and try not to rely on the ones you are used to – many countries offer special food guides for your diet or food preference abroad.
