Hummus
Hummus is treated as a liquid/gel — 3.4 oz or less per container in carry-on, unlimited in checked bags.
Carry-on
Allowed with conditions
Checked
Allowed
Carry-on details
Allowed with conditions — and a common surprise confiscation. TSA treats hummus as a spreadable, gel-like food, the same as it treats a dip or spread. In carry-on, each container must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less and fit in your quart liquids bag. A standard tub of hummus is well over that limit and gets tossed at the checkpoint more often than almost any other food — travelers frequently don't realize it counts as a liquid until it's confiscated.
Checked-bag details
Allowed. No size restriction in checked baggage.
Quantity limit
3.4 oz (per container)
Special instructions
A sandwich or wrap containing hummus is generally treated as a solid food, not a liquid, as long as it isn't overly wet — it's the standalone tub or container of hummus that triggers the 3.4 oz limit.
Related rules
FAQ
- Why does TSA confiscate hummus so often?
- Hummus is spreadable and gel-like, so TSA classifies it as a liquid under the 3-1-1 rule. Most travelers bring a standard-size tub, which is well over the 3.4 oz carry-on limit, so it gets pulled at the checkpoint far more often than other foods.
- Can I bring a small container of hummus in carry-on?
- Yes, if it's 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less and fits in your quart-size liquids bag with your other liquids. Larger tubs need to go in checked baggage instead.
- Does a hummus sandwich count as a liquid?
- Generally no — TSA treats sandwiches and wraps as solid food even if they contain hummus, as long as they aren't overly soggy. It's a standalone container of hummus that's treated as a liquid.
Related items
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-31
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.