Gluten-Free Travel Food

People with wheat and gluten intolerances can't eat the kind of food they sell on planes, plus I'm too cheap to buy food at airports. This is what I'll be stuffing into my backpack:

1. Small container of yogurt. I'll eat this on the ferry as it won't pass security at the airport.

2. Baggie filled with carrot and celery sticks and misc. chopped veggies

3. tin box filled with a box of Mary's Gone Crackers (multigrain GF cracker) and some rice crackers

4. cheese cubes (goat cheese is tasty and lower fat)

5. Larabars: my favorites are the lemon, cherry and apple flavors

6. Some almonds and walnuts

7.Chocolate bars

8. I'll purchase a bottle of water at the airport, since I can't bring one in. I won't bring an empty bottle as the water from coolers is not that good.

This will create extra weight for me to haul around, but it's worth it knowing I will have healthy food to eat on my trip and even at my destinations. I just learned my sister will bake some gluten-free bread and brownies for me when I stay with her and with my Mom--isn't she awesome??

Do you carry GF food with you on your travels? What other things do you like to eat?

Comments: 22

shara gardner Nov 4, 2009, 4:32am EST

When I returned to Seattle from Victoria B.C., I carried a ziplock bag with lettuce, tomatoes, carrots and green onions. My salad was taken and I was detained and "investigated" using a search wand. The salad was searched, too. I didn't feel like eating it after that. I had to answer a lot of questions about my activities while in Victoria, and my food, as I also carried almonds and walnuts. I dislike airport water, so I carried an empty water bottle that has a filter build into it. That made the fountain water a better choice for me than water bottled in plastic. No one seemed interested in my water bottle even though it looks strange with the built-in filter. Good luck with your travel food. But just know, even if you put your good, pure natural food right out in front of security and declare it, they are bound to suspect it is something dangerous and detain you because preferring it over airport food is considered abnormal behavior.

Karen E. Nov 4, 2009, 10:55am EST

You see...dangerous salad behaviors must be checked.

Alison H. Nov 4, 2009, 11:36am EST

LOL. I have only been questioned and had my backpack searched once, and my yogurt confiscated (dangerous bacteria, you know, lol!). I would take salad, but then I wouldn't have room for all the other goodies. I forgot to mention that I take a piece of fruit along, also. Usually a small apple or orange.

Alison H. Nov 4, 2009, 11:38am EST

Crossing an international border, the food would raise red flags. They don't allow fresh produce.

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Kushal Poddar Nov 4, 2009, 8:11am EST

Great and useful advices. I am copy pasting this article.

sun on the guard’s gun

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d d. Nov 4, 2009, 8:40am EST

travel within the U.S. romaine lettuce sandwiches. romaine lettuce, slice of chicken, avacado, fold the lettuce in half. apples, nuts, trader joe salty banana chips, Utz gluten free potato chips, dried fruits (mangos, apples), beef jerkey from trader joe's (no msg). peeled hard boiled egg.

Alison H. Nov 4, 2009, 11:39am EST

Great choices! Thanks for sharing these. I also take dried fruit sometimes. Mango slices and figs.

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Kathryn E. Nov 4, 2009, 10:01am EST

good to know....

Featured in the Triple Name Club.

Alison H. Nov 4, 2009, 11:39am EST

Thank you, Kathryn.

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Karen E. Nov 4, 2009, 10:56am EST

You are so smart to take the foods that will be right for you. Your list sounds wonderful.

Alison H. Nov 4, 2009, 11:40am EST

Thanks, Karen.

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Elizabeth R. Nov 4, 2009, 10:14pm EST

Great post with wonderfully helpful information.

Alison H. Nov 14, 2009, 10:56pm EST

Thank you, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth R. Nov 14, 2009, 11:18pm EST

You are welcome, Alison.

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Digital Diva S. Nov 6, 2009, 6:45am EST

When I went to Cuba last year I forgot I had a banana in my carry on. It was found at customs and disposed of. I won't be carrying food again. I can see why you do and good for you. If you're not traveling international you should not have a problem.

Alison H. Nov 14, 2009, 10:56pm EST

Thanks for commenting, Diva. International travel does present problems.

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Shelly M. Nov 7, 2009, 9:53am EST

One of the more difficult aspects of having to eat gluten free is finding a way to eat while traveling. Good list, Alison, and yes, your sister is awesome.

Alison H. Nov 14, 2009, 10:57pm EST

Thanks for stopping by, Shelly.

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Marge H. Nov 16, 2009, 12:16pm EST

Glad you are back home safe and sound. I hope you had a pleasant trip.

Alison H. Nov 16, 2009, 8:10pm EST

Thank you, Marge! It was a wonderful getaway, pretty much stress-free.

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Selene N. Dec 3, 2009, 9:38am EST

How long can yogurt last outside of the refrigerator?

Alison H. Dec 3, 2009, 3:09pm EST

I've eaten it safely after it being in my backpack for a day, but I think it depends on the temperature. The general recommendation is two hours for dairy products that have been sitting out.

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Gluten-Free Travel Food

Comments: 22

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