Can You Pack Food in Your Suitcase for Europe? What You Need to Know.
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One question we get asked a lot is, "Can you take food in your suitcase when you are going to Europe?".
The answer is yes, but there are a few rules to keep in mind.
As someone with a Gluten intolerance who travels often, I find it helpful to pack a few essentials, especially if I’m unsure about what will be available at my destination.
Dietary restrictions aside, certain foods abroad can sometimes be tricky to find, and their not always affordable when you do find them.
Whether you’re looking to avoid overpriced meals, have a fussy eater in your group or have dietary requirements, packing a few food staples can be a smart move, especially when you’re arriving late or staying in more remote areas.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what food you can (and can’t) take into Europe, or how to pack it, this post has all the details.
What You Can Bring (and What I Usually Take)
You’re allowed to bring dry, packaged, plant-based food into the EU from the UK — no special medical reason required.
I Usually Take Things Like:
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Gluten-free flour or baking mixes
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A couple of packs of gluten-free pasta or bread
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My go-to cereal or cereal bars
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Dried snacks like oatcakes, rice cakes, popcorn, or snack bars
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Nuts or trail mix (as long as they’re dairy- and meat-free)
These are all fine to bring, even after Brexit, as long as they don’t contain meat or dairy, because that’s where the EU draws the line.
Can You Take Food in Your Hand Luggage?
Yep – I do this all the time. You’re allowed to pack solid, dry food items like pasta, bread, cereal, and snacks in your hand luggage when flying from the UK to Europe. There’s no rule saying it has to go in your checked bag, and I’ve never had an issue bringing things like oatcakes, gluten-free rolls, or sealed snack bars in my cabin bag.
The only thing to watch out for is anything classed as a liquid or gel – things like yoghurt, dips, or even soft cheese. Those fall under the usual 100ml liquid rules and need to fit in your clear plastic bag. So as long as you're sticking to dry, shelf-stable stuff, you're totally fine to carry it on the plane with you.
What You Can’t Bring (No Matter How Tempting)
The big no-gos are anything with meat or dairy in them — and that includes sandwiches, cheese, yoghurt, or even a pasta salad with chicken.
So if you’ve got that pre-flight snack from Pret or some leftover lasagna, just finish it before you land — it’s not worth the hassle.
Why I Do This (And Why You Might Too)
For me, it’s not just about convenience — it's a health thing. I’m gluten intolerant, and while some countries are amazing for GF options, others… not so much. Taking my own food gives me peace of mind, especially for breakfast or if I’m arriving late and the shops are closed.
But even if you don’t have dietary restrictions, it’s still worth thinking about. Food abroad — especially in tourist areas or airports — can be expensive, and bringing a few basics with you can save a lot of money (and stress). Plus, if you’ve got picky eaters in the family or just want to avoid hunting down specific items in a different language, it makes things easier.
A Quick Note on Medical Exemptions
If you do have a medical condition and need to bring something that wouldn't normally be allowed, like a prescription formula or a supplement that contains dairy, there’s a small allowance for that. You’re allowed up to 2kg, and ideally, you should have it in its original packaging with a note or label explaining what it is.
But for regular dry food that’s dairy- and meat-free, you don’t need to have coeliac disease or carry a doctor’s note — anyone can bring it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re heading to Europe from the UK, don’t be afraid to pack your favourite dry foods. Whether it’s out of necessity (like me) or just to save some cash and know you’ve got what you like, you’re totally within your rights to bring it.
No meat, no dairy - but dry, packaged, plant-based foods? Absolutely fine.
So go ahead and pop that pasta or cereal in your suitcase. You’ll thank yourself later.
