You have packed your bags, charged your phone, and stocked up on travel essentials. Then you remember the brightly coloured, crunchy bag of freeze dried Skittles you bought for the trip and wonder, can you actually take them on a plane? The answer, happily, is yes. Freeze dried Skittles are solid, non liquid sweets, which means they are perfectly fine to bring on board most UK and international flights. However, there are a few things worth knowing before you fly to make sure your journey through airport security is as smooth as your in flight snacking.
Freeze Dried Skittles Count as Solid Food
The good news for sweet lovers is that freeze dried Skittles are classed as solid food. Airport security restrictions focus mainly on liquids, gels and pastes, so items like sweets, crisps, cereal bars and chocolate are allowed in both carry on and checked luggage. Because freeze dried Skittles are crisp, dry and contain no moisture, they meet the definition of a dry solid food. You can pack them in your cabin bag or your suitcase without any problems.
Carrying Freeze Dried Skittles in Hand Luggage
If you want to keep your Skittles handy for the flight, you can bring them in your hand luggage. The best way to do this is to leave them in their original sealed packaging, especially if they are commercially made. Airport security officers may occasionally inspect food items, so having them clearly labelled makes things easier. You can also transfer them into a transparent snack bag or resealable container as long as they are visible and not mixed with liquids or gels.
It is worth noting that while solid sweets are allowed, any snacks with liquid or gel like components, such as chocolate dips or soft fillings, must follow the standard 100ml liquid rule. Since freeze dried Skittles contain no such ingredients, they can be freely carried on board.
Packing Them in Checked Luggage
If you are carrying a larger quantity, perhaps as gifts or souvenirs, you can pack them in your checked luggage. Freeze dried Skittles are lightweight and not fragile, but because they are crisp, they can crack under pressure if packed tightly between heavier items. To protect them, wrap the packet in soft clothing or place it inside a small container. This will keep them intact and crunchy even after a long flight.
What About International Flights?
For most destinations, packaged sweets like freeze dried Skittles are permitted through customs. The key rule is that they must be factory sealed and clearly identifiable as confectionery. Homemade or repackaged items can sometimes cause issues during inspection. When travelling outside the UK, it is worth checking the customs regulations of your destination country, especially if you are heading somewhere with strict food import laws such as Australia or New Zealand.
In the vast majority of cases, dried sweets are classified as processed goods and are allowed for personal consumption. Still, if you are carrying a large number of packets, customs officers may ask questions about your intent, so it is best to keep quantities small and for personal use.
The Science of Flying with Freeze Dried Skittles
One of the most common questions travellers ask is whether the pressure changes in the cabin will cause freeze dried sweets to pop or burst. Luckily, that will not happen. The air pressure inside an aircraft cabin is controlled and far higher than in the freeze dryer where the sweets were made. The puffed structure of freeze dried Skittles is stable enough to handle air travel. They may become slightly more brittle in very dry air, but they will not explode or deflate.
Best Ways to Store Them on the Plane
If you are flying long haul, the dry air in the cabin can make freeze dried sweets even crispier. To keep them fresh and crunchy, seal them in an airtight bag after opening. This prevents them from absorbing moisture if you are in a humid environment after landing. You can also pop them into a resealable pouch to share with other passengers, though be warned, their loud crunch and intense fruity scent might attract attention from nearby snackers.
Why They Make Perfect Travel Snacks
Freeze dried Skittles are ideal for travelling because they are light, non sticky and mess free. Unlike chocolate or soft sweets, they will not melt in warm climates or coat your hands in sugar. They are easy to portion out and fun to share, making them perfect for keeping children occupied during flights. They also provide a little burst of sweetness without the need for refrigeration, so they are great to have on hand during long airport waits or as a pick me up after a meal.
Extra Tips for Smooth Travels
Although most airports allow solid snacks, some security agents may ask you to place food items in a separate tray for scanning. This is standard procedure and helps the machines get a clearer image. Always be polite and cooperative if asked to do so. Avoid packing loose sweets that could spill or look suspicious on an x ray. Keeping your freeze dried Skittles in their bag makes things quicker and easier.
If you are travelling with children, remind them to wait until after take off before opening the bag. The air pressure difference can cause small crumbs to fly if opened too soon, and the loud crunch might raise a few eyebrows during the safety briefing. Once you are cruising comfortably, however, you can enjoy them guilt free.
Conclusion
Yes, you can absolutely take freeze dried Skittles on a plane. They are classed as solid food and are therefore permitted in both hand luggage and checked bags. Keep them sealed in their packaging, pack them carefully to prevent crushing, and check the rules of your destination country if you are flying abroad. They travel well, stay crunchy, and make a delightful mid flight treat for passengers of all ages.
Next time you are at the airport, tuck a bag into your carry on and enjoy the satisfying crunch at thirty thousand feet. It might just become your new favourite travel ritual.
