There are a few reasons why airplane snacks are very important. First, they can help keep your toddler happy and entertained during the flight. Second, they serve as a distraction from the discomfort of flying and who doesn’t want to avoid tantrums? Thirdly, they give you something fun to do together while you’re stuck in your seats for hours on end on long flights. This post has the ultimate list of the best airplane snacks for toddlers and some helpful containers for storing them! 

Airplane snacks are a great way to keep your toddler happy, healthy, and entertained during a flight. They can also be a lifesaver if you’re traveling with little ones who need to eat every few hours. This post has the ultimate list of the best airplane snacks for toddlers and some helpful containers for storing them! 

FAQ about Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

What are the best toddler snacks for airplanes?

The best toddler snacks for airplanes are those that are easy to pack, don’t require refrigeration, can be enjoyed at room temperature, and won’t create a huge mess! Some great options include fruit pouches, crackers, string cheese, granola bars, and trail mix. This post will give you tons of great snack ideas! 

How many snacks should I bring for my toddler on an airplane?

It’s a good idea to bring several snacks for your toddler on an airplane, as it can be difficult to predict how hungry they will be during the flight. Plan on bringing at least 3-4 different snacks to offer throughout the flight and bring more than necessary!

Usually, a flight attendant will also have some snacks on hand to offer throughout the flight like pretzels.

Can I bring homemade snacks for my toddler on an airplane?

Yes, you can bring homemade snacks for your toddler on an airplane, but it’s important to make sure they are properly packaged and labeled. The TSA recommends using clear plastic bags or containers to pack homemade snacks, and labeling them with the contents and date of preparation.

Can you bring peanut butter on an airplane?

Yes, you can bring peanut butter on an airplane, but with some restrictions depending on whether it is in carry-on or checked luggage. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) [1], peanut butter is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, but in carry-on bags, it is subject to the 3-1-1 rule, meaning that it must be in a container that is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.

TSA also notes that travelers may be instructed to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

However, there is no limit for peanut butter in checked luggage. Dry peanut butter forms, such as protein bars or when spread on a sandwich, are also permitted but may have to be removed for screening at security checkpoints. It is important to note that some airlines may have their own restrictions on food items, so it is always a good idea to check with the airline before traveling.

Are there any snacks I should avoid giving my toddler on an airplane?

Yes, there are some snacks you should avoid giving your toddler on an airplane, as they can be messy or difficult to eat in cramped quarters. Some examples include sticky or gooey snacks, foods with strong odors, and snacks that require utensils or a lot of chewing. It’s also not a good time to experiment with new foods in case they make your child feel unwell.

How can I keep my toddler’s snacks fresh on an airplane?

To keep your toddler’s snacks fresh on an airplane, pack them in sealed containers or bags. You can also use a cooler bag with ice packs to keep perishable snacks like yogurt or cheese sticks cool. Avoid packing snacks that are prone to melting or spoiling quickly, like chocolate.

Can you bring milk on an airplane for toddlers?

According to TSA rules, supplies for children such as formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, ice packs, baby food, and toddler food including puree pouches are permitted onto airplanes. Milk falls under toddler drinks so it is allowed on the plane.

Always be sure to tell the TSA agent when going through security that you have liquids with you for a child. Be sure to read this TSA article about traveling with children for more specifics. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will help ease your anxiety about going through airport security with toddlers too!

Best Airplane Healthy Snacks for Toddlers

Here are a few healthier snack ideas for young kids to enjoy on a long flight:

Fruits

Fresh fruit is always a healthy choice for toddlers and can be an easy snack on the plane. Here are a few fruits that are travel friendly: 

• Apples
• Bananas
• Washed and cut grapes
• Oranges

When packing fresh fruits for air travel, it is important to consider the durability of the fruit. Fruits with tougher skin, such as apples and bananas, are more likely to survive being jostled around in your carry-on luggage. Be sure to wash all fruit prior to the trip.

It is also a good idea to pack fruits that are not too juicy or messy, so they do not spill or damage other items in your bag. Finally, it is important to keep in mind any customs regulations regarding the import of fresh fruits at your destination. Some countries have strict rules about what types of fresh fruits can be brought in due to concerns about pests and diseases.

Dried fruits like apricots or raisins can be a good option that lasts longer too.

Vegetables

 Here are some vegetables that are great to bring on an airplane:

• Carrots
• Celery
• Cucumber
• Bell pepper
• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower florets
• Baby carrots

When packing vegetables for air travel, it is important to consider the durability of the vegetable, just like fruits. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and cucumber are sturdy and can handle being tossed around in your carry-on.

You could also pack cherry tomatoes, snap peas, and broccoli/cauliflower florets in small plastic containers with lids. Radishes and baby carrots can be packed in small bags and they are easy to eat on the go. Just like with fruits, it is important to keep in mind any customs regulations regarding the import of fresh vegetables at your destination.

Pouches

Little kids love pouches! Many different types of fruit and vegetables come in pouches including applesauce!  Pouches come in individual portions and require no spoon for eating making them one of the best snacks for little kids on a plane.

If your child eats baby food, eating it from a pouch on an airplane is a great way to contain the mess! You can also purchase spoons that screw onto pouches for easy eating!

Granola Bars

Granola bars come in many different varieties and flavors. They are individually wrapped and can be a more filling snack for toddlers on a long flight! Just be aware if the granola bars that you are bringing contain peanut butter.

More Snack Ideas:

Here are a few more great toddler snacks:

• Cheese sticks or string cheese
• Babybel cheese
• Trail Mix
• Fruit leathers
• Yogurt
• Granola Bars
• Yogurt Tubes
• Baby puffs
• Cereal
• Pretzels
• Rice cakes
• Miniature muffins
• Cookies
• Crackers
• Peanut butter crackers
• Cheese crackers
• Pirates Booty
• Veggie Straws
• Animal cookies
• Goldfish
• Pretzel goldfish
• Chips
• Sweet snacks like candy or treats
• Fruit Snacks
• Dried Fruit
• Graham Crackers
• Lollipops (These can also be helpful for ear discomfort!)
• Raisins
• Yogurt covered raisins
• Gushers
• Fruit by the Foot

Tips for Packing Airplane Snacks for Toddlers

• Visit the grocery store prior to your trip to stock up on great options for snacks. It will be way cheaper than purchasing food at the airport.
• Bring snacks that are easy to eat and if possible pack them in multiple places. For example, if there will be two parents traveling make sure each parent has snacks that they can access easily in a small backpack or carry-on bag.
• Avoid messy snacks and be sure to pack wipes for cleaning hands or surfaces if needed. Pack a plastic bag to help contain the trash and mess.
• Make sure the snacks are age-appropriate for your toddler, so they don’t choke on something they shouldn’t be eating or get sick from eating something that’s too spicy, etc. This also isn’t a great time to experiment with new foods. It’s a good idea to stick to food that you know your toddler will eat and enjoy.
• Fun snack containers can be a lot of fun for toddlers but, can accidentally get spilled or dumped out. Be sure to pack backup snacks in case this happens! Even older kids would enjoy having special snack containers for a long trip.

Related Post: Best Parenting Books for Toddlers

Snack Containers for Travel

Here are a few of our favorite snack containers for traveling! These can be used by toddlers on an airplane or even in the car on a road trip.

These snack spinners are one of my favorite snack containers for little kids. Each compartment can be filled with a different snack and then the middle button can be pushed to spin to a new compartment.

You can also use a fishing tackle box to hold snacks too! Little kids will love eating snacks in one of these new snack containers on a long flight!

Water Bottles for Toddlers

With all of these snacks, your toddler may get thirsty too! I always recommend bringing an empty water bottle or sippy cup that you know your toddler can drink out of! This can be filled after going through security and used throughout the flight and trip.

The best water bottle for toddlers on an airplane is one that they can easily hold and drink from. The bottle should also be leak-proof, so you don’t have to worry about it spilling in your carry-on bag or on the floor of the plane. You also want to be sure that this water bottle can be easily washed and doesn’t have a lot of parts that need to be washed.

Here are a few water bottles that young kids can use:

I hope this post helped you plan for your long flight and pack the best airplane snacks for toddlers.