Best Airplane Snacks for Peanut and Nut allergies

Traveling with food allergies can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to air travel. As a parent of a teenager with food allergies: peanut, walnut, and pecan, I've learned that traveling, especially air travel, requires careful planning and preparation. I'd like to share some insights and tips on navigating airplane travel with food allergies, along with my go-to travel snacks and peanut-free snacks recommendations.

allergy friendly snacks on kitchen counter.

Jump to:

Airline Policies for meals and allergies
List of travel snacks
Traveling with food allergies Tips
Peanut Free Snacks
Allergy Friendly Recipes

Airline Policies for meals and allergies

Did you know that most airlines provide meals for a variety of diets? They offer vegetarian, vegan, and even some diets I've never heard of. They also accommodate religious meals like Halal, Kosher, and Hindu. However, surprisingly, there are NO options for peanut or nut allergies. This is mind-boggling, but that's a conversation for another time.

list of meals offered by american airlines — This is a screenshot taken from American Airlines displaying the meals they offer.

Here's an excerpt from American Airlines' nut allergy policy. Unfortunately, it demonstrates a concerning lack of accommodation for passengers with severe nut allergies. The policy places the burden entirely on allergic passengers, offering little in terms of proactive measures to ensure their safety and comfort during flights.

Given the lack of allergy-friendly options on flights, we're left with no choice but to pack our own meals. The last thing anyone wants is an allergic reaction mid-air, especially over the ocean. To minimize stress, we typically pack a homemade sandwich, such as this healthy egg salad or tuna salad, or a thermos filled with allergy-safe food like buckwheat and chicken. We also pack an assortment of peanut-free snacks for the flight.

It's crucial to plan not just for the flight itself, but also for potential delays or unexpected situations. This means including a variety of non-perishable, allergy-friendly foods in our travel kit.

List of travel snacks

Here are some of my top picks for non-perishable allergy-friendly airplane snacks:

an assortment of packaged travel snacks like tuna and jerky on a kitchen table

Tuna pouches: High in protein and satiating. What's awesome is that they come in pouches - no can opener needed, and no draining required. Perfect for travel! These Safe Catch tuna pouches also come in a variety of flavors.
Beef jerky: A great high-protein travel snack option. The Righteous Felon is a local company out of West Chester, PA, that makes pasture-raised beef jerky and made with clean ingredients. However, if these are hard to find, here is another grass-fed beef jerky option that you will find in almost any supermarket.
Dried fruit: Dried mango, apricots, or pineapples for a sweet and healthy treat.
Instant oatmeal: Easy to prepare by just adding hot water, which is usually available on the plane. This one is also gluten-free.
Cookies or crackers - Allergy-safe treats because everyone deserves a little indulgence. We like these Undercover dark chocolate quinoa crisps, which you can sometimes find at Costco.

These options provide a mix of protein, nutrients, and a little indulgence to keep you satisfied throughout your journey.

Disclaimer: Always check allergy labels before consuming foods. While these snacks are generally considered allergy-friendly, ingredients and manufacturing processes can change. It's crucial to verify that each product is safe for your specific allergies every time you purchase it.

Traveling with food allergies Tips

When traveling with food allergies, you can make the journey easier and less stressful by following these steps:

Preboard: Request to board early so you have ample time to settle in and clean your area. Wipe down and disinfect the surrounding space to reduce the risk of allergens.
Inform Flight Staff: Let the flight attendants know about your food allergy and show them where your EpiPens are stored.
Bring Disinfectant Wipes: Pack wipes to thoroughly clean chair handles, the folding tray/table, and any other surfaces that may come into contact with allergens.
Check EpiPen Expiration Dates: Carry multiple EpiPens and ensure they are not expired.
Pack Plastic Ware: Bring sealed or packaged plastic utensils if you need them for your homemade meal.

Healthy-ish Snacks!

Peanut Free Snacks

Bookmark this handy list of peanut-free snacks perfect for classrooms, kids' sports teams, or your next gathering. These tasty options ensure everyone can enjoy without worry.

Get the list →

My goal in sharing this information is twofold. First, I want to bring more awareness to what it's like living and traveling with food allergies. Second, I hope to encourage patience and empathy the next time you hear that "annoying" allergy announcement on your flight. Remember, behind that announcement is someone just trying to stay safe while traveling like everyone else.

Living with food allergies doesn't mean you can't enjoy travel. With a little preparation and the right snacks, you can have a safe and enjoyable journey. So next time you're packing snacks for a flight, consider these allergy-friendly options to ensure a worry-free travel experience. Happy and safe travels!