Can You Bring Protein Powder On A Plane?

Protein shakes are an essential for many people when traveling because it is their source of food. However, do we really know what the regulations are about it because it can be consumed?

It can get a little bit tricky when it comes to bringing a certain amount of powders on board because of drug issues and trying to smuggle it through protein shake powder. 

This guide will cover everything you need to know about taking your protein powder on a flight and where you are able to store it during the flight. 

Is Protein Powder Allowed?

Yes, you are allowed to pack your protein powder in either your checked-in luggage or your carry-on luggage. However, there are always weight restrictions with any time consumed.

For this particular item, if it exceeds 12 ounces, it will need to be put in a separate bag for x-ray screening. 

You need to make sure this is all sorted out before you fly because it will only cause a hold up and if there are any problems, it can also waste your money if it gets confiscated and thrown away.

It might be easier for many people to put it in their checked luggage to avoid any types of delays through screening as your case is screened anyway when it is checked in. 

More Screening 

You might find that your protein powder could be double screened in certain airports to make sure that it is actually protein powder.

This can also happen after it has been through the customs scanner as well and it can add additional time waiting for this to be done. 

If they are wary about the type of protein you have brought in, they could also take some for testing as well which could delay your departure. 

How Long Can This Take? 

It all depends on the situation because there has to be a supervisor present when the testing of the product is taking place. If the supervisor is busy, you could be waiting much longer to get this all sorted out. 

This could not only delay your time getting food before the flight but it can go on for quite a while and you could be cutting it close to making your flight time.

If you arrive quite late and something like this happens, you could end up missing your flight as a result. 

Any Ways Of Avoiding Extra Screening? 

There are several ways you can package your protein powder which could potentially avoid extra screening. There are also ways that it can look suspicious and is more likely to be checked.

For example, if you are duct taping blocks of protein powder together at the bottom of your bed, this would probably be looked at twice.

• If you were to keep it in the packaging it originally came in, it will look less suspicious and more like you’ve just picked it up to travel with. 
• You can buy the smaller protein powder products so they are traveling size and more efficient. 
• Using a ziploc bag is also a good way to pack your protein because you can put a label on it to tell them exactly what it is. Most people probably think this looks suspicious but it doesn’t tend to go into additional screening as much. 

Can It Be Counted As Food? 

For most people who have quite a few protein shakes, it can sometimes be viewed as a ‘bonus’ item by some airlines because it can count as food.

This is more likely to happen if you have your protein in a shaker because people recognize this more. 

Protein Powder In Your Checked-Luggage

If you’re looking to pack your protein powder in your checked-luggage, it is a good idea to double wrap this to make sure it doesn’t go everywhere if the bag puts pressure on it. 

It is also a good idea to put larger amounts of protein powder into your checked-baggage because it will be much easier than in the carry-on luggage and won’t take up as much of your time. 

Conclusion 

Overall, you need to make sure you are looking at the regulations and guidelines and determining how much you need to take for your trip.

There is the brilliant option of having small bags which daily amount in to separate them and have them in the carry-on luggage.

You could have just taken more in your checked luggage and save the hassle of testing and additional testing. 

Hopefully this article has helped you find out a bit more about the restrictions surrounding protein powder and what the steps you need to be taking before trying to go through customs.

You also need to think about how you are packaging your protein powder because you do not want to be wasting your time waiting around for your powder to be tested.

You want to be comfortably in the waiting lounges, grabbing some food and maybe even doing a bit of shopping! 

For any more information you can visit the TSA guidelines for any more official information or changes. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Protein Powder Allowed In Checked Luggage?

No, you do not have to have your protein powder in your hold luggage, you can also have it in your carry-on luggage.

However, it must not exceed 350ml and must be in a separate bag for when it is taken through the X-ray screening to see if any other powder is in there. 

Can You Bring Protein Shakes Through Airport Security?

If you’re looking to take a protein shake through security you will find yourself pouring it away before customs. This is because the protein shake is a liquid and comes under the liquid regulations. 

Therefore, make sure you’ve drank it all and have an empty shake bottle before trying to get through security.