Taking Indian Sweets On The Flight

[PaulGarner]

I have been in India for 2 weeks now and have gorged on the sweets the most. I would really love to take some back home in Toronto, but don't know whether the flight would allow taking sweets. I don't intend to carry them in my hand luggage but instead, pack them in the suitcases which would be checked in.
Do you think I would be able to do this?
Need some honest feedback as I don't want to purchase the sweets and then have to take them out and bin them at the airport.

 

[Aidan]

Normally, it should be fine. However, the best thing you can do to be sure is to ask your airline and see if they allow sweets or not.

 

[Delilah]

I don't see why taking sweets on your flight should be a problem if they are packed well and placed in your check-in baggage. But I still think asking the airline is a good idea.

 

[JoJo]

Did you bring snacks with you on the way over? I always put a snack bar or two in my carry on bag when I travel. Surely you would be allowed to do the same on the way back. How many sweets are you planning on taking?

 

[Ritika Sharma]

I am not sure but i think there is no problem in carrying sweets with you in flight.

 

[amelia88]

I've often brought various candy back from international locations. I assume most countries are the same in that they may search your bags but as long as you declare it on your customs form, you're usually safe. If I buy packaged sweets I always write that they are packaged - I think oftentimes they just worry if they're loose items with no ingredient list or things like that - I imagine that just rings some alarm bells for customs officials.

 

[jnorth88]

From my own travel experience, I think you should be fine. But how much are we talking about? Are you filling up a whole suitcase? I did something like that with a coconut candy I bought in Vietnam. I had about forty pounds of it, and the customs agent looked at me a little oddly, but let it through. Ultimately, they could stop you and confiscate it, but they could do that if you just packed dirty clothes. The TSA, Customs, and any other inspectors are very hit and miss, and far from consistent. I would not worry too much.

 

[xTinx]

As long as you don't bring more than what's needed, taking home sweets should be fine. If your customs officials aren't so stuck-up, then you just might need to be careful with your purchases.

 

[amelia88]

From my own travel experience, I think you should be fine. But how much are we talking about? Are you filling up a whole suitcase? I did something like that with a coconut candy I bought in Vietnam. I had about forty pounds of it, and the customs agent looked at me a little oddly, but let it through. Ultimately, they could stop you and confiscate it, but they could do that if you just packed dirty clothes. The TSA, Customs, and any other inspectors are very hit and miss, and far from consistent. I would not worry too much.

That must have been some good coconut candy!

I know what you mean though about the inconsistency of customs officials...I've had times where I've been searched (to the point of having to pull stuff out of my suitcase and them rummaging!) and other times where they have just waved me on through without so much as a second glance. It really depends on the person it seems!

 

[Elizabetonth]

I brought back Indian sweets for my cousin's wedding on a flight from Delhi to London, and it was fine. Not an eyebrow was raised. I can't say for sure that it would be the same going to Toronto, but I don't think you'll have a problem. Two weeks on, though, have you already flown back? Did you take sweets in the end?!

 

[Geena]

This is totally fine. I've brought back many and know many friends who have and not once have I had or heard of any problems at all. You're going to be completely fine too, I'm absolutely sure.

Pack it well, though. Best if you can find a small carton box to put them in so they wouldn't crush.

I used a shoe box and it worked like a star.

 

[rajesh]

I have been in India for 2 weeks now and have gorged on the sweets the most. I would really love to take some back home in Toronto, but don't know whether the flight would allow taking sweets. I don't intend to carry them in my hand luggage but instead, pack them in the suitcases which would be checked in.
Do you think I would be able to do this?
Need some honest feedback as I don't want to purchase the sweets and then have to take them out and bin them at the airport.

I am glad that you like the sweets of our country. If you want to carry the sweets to your home, you can definitely take them in your flight. No one will stop you. They will allow you to take sweets in the flight. Make sure to carry them in an 'airtight container'.

 

[djordjem87]

It shouldn't be a problem but I would pack them in several separate boxes or cases. Just reading about sweets in India I get the sweet tooth so I understand you perfectly. It may look like contraband if you take a large amount so this is why I said several smaller cases . I actually do not think so but I had a bit of a problem when I went to Malta several years ago. I have some friends there and they 'ordered' some Serbian food from me. They looked at me strangely on the customs but in the end they let me in and I also brought some things from Malta back to Serbia.

 

[jnorth88]

It is such a mixed bag on what they will let you take or not take. I know people who have flown and passed through customs with seed potatoes, which is a big no-no. Sometimes, you can take these things, but sometimes they will say no to bags of chips and bottles of unopened water.

 

[OursIsTheFury]

Pretty sure it's a given that you can take souvenirs with you when you go home. Just make sure it's not a ridiculous amount though, as even airport security have their limits. Maybe a small bag will do? But from my experience if you are nice enough to security they are pretty lenient when it comes to their rules, as long as you maintain the safety of the passengers and aren't acting suspicious. They are people too, and they just want everyone to get home safely.

 

[Admin]

If you’re planning to carry Indian sweets on a flight, whether for personal indulgence or as a gift for friends and family abroad, you’re not alone! Many travelers love taking a taste of India with them, but there are a few important things to keep in mind regarding customs regulations, packaging, and airline policies.

Can You Carry Indian Sweets on a Flight?​

Yes, you can take Indian sweets on both domestic and international flights, but the rules vary depending on the type of sweets and the destination country.

Carrying Indian Sweets in Hand Luggage vs. Checked Baggage​

Type of Sweet	Cabin Luggage	Checked Baggage	Notes
Dry Sweets (Laddu, Kaju Katli, Barfi, Mysore Pak)	Allowed	Allowed	Best choice for travel as they don’t spill or leak.
Syrupy Sweets (Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, Jalebi)	Not Allowed (Liquid restrictions apply)	Allowed (Properly sealed)	Store in leak-proof packaging to avoid spillage.
Dairy-Based Sweets (Rabri, Rasmalai, Mishti Doi)	Not Allowed (Perishable & liquid)	Not Recommended	Can get spoiled during long flights. Some countries don’t allow dairy imports.

Country-Specific Customs Rules​

Before carrying sweets internationally, check the customs regulations of your destination country:

• USA: Dry sweets are allowed, but dairy-based items may be confiscated.
• UK: Most dry sweets are fine, but items containing dairy require declaration.
• Australia & New Zealand: Strict food import laws; check regulations before packing dairy or nut-based sweets.
• Canada: Generally allows dry sweets, but avoid dairy products.
• Singapore & UAE: Dry sweets are fine, but liquid-based ones need proper declaration.

How to Pack Indian Sweets for a Flight?​

1. Use Airtight Containers – Prevents breakage and leakage.
2. Vacuum-Seal for Freshness – Helps sweets last longer.
3. Label Clearly – Mention ingredients in case of customs checks.
4. Avoid Overpacking – Follow baggage weight limits to avoid extra charges.

What Not to Carry?​

• Homemade liquid sweets (like Rabri or Shrikhand) may not pass airport security.
• Loose packaging – Always use factory-sealed or airtight containers.
• Excessive amounts – Some countries have weight limits for food imports.

Pro Tip: Best Sweets to Carry​

For a hassle-free experience, opt for Kaju Katli, Soan Papdi, or Dry Fruits Laddu, as they are non-messy, long-lasting, and easy to pack!
Have you ever carried Indian sweets on a flight? Share your experience and tips below!