Inshorts
Dry food, packaged snacks, chocolates, and sweets are allowed only if they are commercially packaged.
Homemade food is allowed only if it is dry and non-liquid.
Prasad is allowed, but avoid ghee-heavy or liquid items.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat are completely prohibited. Most raw fruits and vegetables, and some raw plant products, require a phytosanitary certificate for import into India.
Customs in India may check food items if they seem unclear.
Pack all food properly to avoid delays during screening.
1. Foods You Can Carry from UK to India
Most dry, sealed, and shelf-stable food items are allowed. Pre-packaged food for retail sale must have labels with specific information in English or Hindi, and the net weight should be clearly indicated on the packaging. Dry snacks like nuts, biscuits, and chips are generally allowed in carry-on luggage, but for convenience and compliance, some items are better placed in check-in luggage.
Baby food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities for infants, but must be declared at security and may be subject to additional screening. Cooked food, especially wet or perishable items, is generally not allowed in carry-on luggage and may also be restricted in checked baggage, so always check airline and customs policies before packing.
These guidelines apply to international flights to India, including direct flights from the UK to Goa and flights to Delhi. Most airlines and other airline operators have similar rules, but travelers should check specific airline policies for any variations, especially when connecting with domestic flights within India.
Packaged & Branded Food
Chocolates
Biscuits
Crisps
Tea packets
Instant noodles
Protein bars
Coffee and cocoa packets
Indian Snacks (Dry only)
Dry namkeen
Bhujia
Chakli or Murukku
Khakhra
Mathri
Dry Homemade Food
Dry thepla
Dry cakes
Non-sticky sweets
Plain parathas without stuffing
Sweets Allowed on Flights to India
Soan papdi
Kaju katli
Dry besan ladoo
Packaged sweets with long shelf life
These items align with common guidelines for taking food from UK to India and carrying sweets allowed on flights to India.
2. Foods You Cannot Carry
When travelling from the UK to India, dry packaged snacks and sweets are allowed, but fresh, homemade, or liquid foods are usually strictly prohibited and considered prohibited items by customs and airport security rules for food India. Proper packing and declaring food helps avoid delays and penalties at customs.
In addition to food restrictions, dangerous goods such as flammable liquid, chemical weapons, tear gas, pellet guns, smoke generating canisters, and other devices that could pose a safety risk are strictly prohibited in both checked luggage and cabin baggage. These items are not allowed in either carry on baggage or checked luggage, in accordance with airline and security regulations.
Fresh Items
Fruits
Vegetables
Fresh herbs
Fresh flowers
Dairy and Meat Products
Milk and yogurt
Cheese
Butter
Meat, fish, or eggs
Liquid or Semi-Liquid Food
Curries
Soups
Chutneys
Pickles in oil
Dals and gravies
Anything That Melts or Leaks Easily
Security avoids items that can spill or contaminate luggage. These restrictions fall under UK to India baggage food rules and India customs regulations for food. You should separate food from clothes in your luggage to avoid contamination. To prevent leaks or spills, pack any items that might melt or leak inside a clear, resealable plastic bag or security tamper evident bag.
3. Carrying Prasad on Flights to India
Prasad is permitted on flights from UK to India as long as it is dry and properly packed, ensuring it complies with customs and security regulations. For best results, make sure the prasad is securely packed to prevent spillage and meet airline requirements. If the prasad is commercially packaged, keep it in its original packaging for easier inspection.
Allowed Prasad
Dry ladoos
Dry fruit prasad
Misri
Bundi (non-sticky)
Not Allowed
Ghee-heavy sweets
Halwa
Peda that melts easily
Liquid prasad like charanamrit
Tips: Pack in airtight containers or boxes. If it is from a temple, keep the label or packaging. Carrying prasad through airport security is easier when items are clearly labeled and sealed.
4. Packing Tips for Food and Sweets
Travelling from the UK to India often involves bringing food items, whether as snacks, sweets, or prasad for family and friends. However, navigating the rules around what food you can bring can be confusing due to customs regulations and airport security restrictions. This guide will help you understand what food items are allowed, what is prohibited, and how to pack them properly for a smooth journey.
Use airtight containers or ziplock bags.
Use a clear, resealable plastic bag or security tamper evident bag for liquids or items that might leak to comply with airport security regulations.
Double-wrap items that crumble easily.
Keep fragile sweets in your cabin bag.
Place heavier food items in your check-in baggage.
Avoid carrying large quantities.
Declare unusual items if required.
It’s best to keep food in hold luggage to avoid security issues, as food can obstruct X-ray images.
You should pack travel-friendly foods to avoid inconvenience at security checks.
5. Customs Checks After Landing in India
Indian customs is usually relaxed with dry food items. However, customs officers may inspect both your hand luggage and checked baggage for food items. Your bag may be scanned or checked if:
There are liquids inside
The packaging is unclear
Items appear suspicious
Travelers should check with their aircraft operator for specific rules regarding valuables and restricted items, including items such as cash boxes, cash bags, and attache cases.
If you are connecting with another airline, make sure to check their food policies as well. Cash bags and cash boxes may be subject to additional scrutiny or restrictions at customs.
Dry, packaged items rarely face issues.
6. Extra Tips for Travellers
Check expiry dates before packing.
Avoid strong-smelling food in cabin luggage.
Keep receipts for packaged sweets.
Do not carry unlabelled powders.
Respectfully pack prasad in clean wrapping.
Pack and declare items responsibly to ensure the safety and comfort of other passengers.
FAQs
Can I take homemade food from UK to India?
Yes, carrying homemade food to India is allowed only if it is dry and non-oily. Homemade foods that are moist or contain liquids are generally prohibited due to customs and homemade food restrictions India.
Are sweets allowed on flights to India?
Dry sweets are allowed. Avoid creamy or liquid-based ones, as they may be restricted by airport security or customs officials.
Can I carry prasad to India?
Yes, but it must be dry and tightly packed. Ensure the prasad is properly sealed to prevent any spillage or contamination during transit.
Are pickles allowed?
Only dry pickles. Liquid or oily pickles may be stopped or confiscated by security or customs.
Will Indian customs stop me for carrying food?
Not if it is dry, sealed, and clearly identifiable. Always declare any food items if you are unsure to avoid delays or penalties.
Can I keep food in cabin luggage?
Yes. Dry snacks, chocolates, and sweets are allowed in hand baggage. However, liquids and semi-liquids are subject to strict restrictions in cabin bags.
What food items are allowed on international flights to India?
Most dry, commercially packaged, non-perishable food items are allowed on international flights to India. Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products, raw meat, and homemade cooked food are generally prohibited.
This comprehensive guide aims to make your experience of taking food from UK to India hassle-free and compliant with India customs rules for snacks, UK to India baggage food rules, and airline regulations. Additionally, it covers important information on UK-India baggage allowance to help you pack smartly and avoid any surprises at the airport. Safe travels!
