A woman allegedly got in trouble for trying to sneak banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery onto her flight back to D.C. How much trouble, you ask? She said she got kicked out of the airport.
In a video with more than 50,000 views on TikTok, Rosie (@myrosielif3) explained how she learned that “anything softer than peanut butter is considered a liquid.” At least to TSA standards. Her video shows a security agent escorting her out of the airport due to her “sneaking” the delicious treat in.
Another commenter added something that a TSA agent shared with her: “A TSA agent told me if it can’t hold its shape it’s a liquid! Made it easier for me in the future.. tried to bring in chia pudding.”
Others were surprised that she couldn’t just get through security. One wrote, “Omg I literally took a seafood boil 5 days ago.”
TSA rules: Liquids not allowed
It is true that anything that’s a “liquid” is not allowed on a plane, as per TSA rules. But it’s tricky to know what is or isn’t liquid if you’re bringing on a “semi-liquid” item like pudding. TSA has banned pudding cups from coming onto airplanes before, along with hummus, cream cheese, yogurt and any spreads. That’s because those items can’t exactly hold their shape and therefore exceed the liquid carry-on limit.
As Men’s Journal notes, “Spreadable and scoopable snacks like hummus and peanut butter are high on the list of problematic items. Even if paired with pretzels in a handy travel pack, those creamy containers often exceed the carry-on limit.”
Was she really kicked out over pudding from Magnolia Bakery?
In a message to The Mary Sue, Rosie explained that her TikTok was meant as a joke. “My friend and I decided to go to New York City for the day through Newark Airport,” she explained. “Per TSA regulations, banana pudding counts as a liquid. You can’t bring more than 3.4 ounces, and we were carrying two 12-ounce tubs.”
She clarified that TSA did not deny them boarding. “They simply asked if we wanted to throw it away or go back out to eat it and then come back through security,” Rosie said. “Luckily, we had a bit of time, so we decided to go back out. That’s what you see in the video, us being escorted out.”
Rosie added that the dessert was a special treat. “I love that banana pudding, and it’s my go-to every time I’m in town. I just wanted to bring some back home to prolong my joy. Unfortunately, Magnolia Bakery hasn’t reached out to me yet, but I’m still holding out hope they see how dedicated I am to their pudding.”
Is Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding worth getting kicked off a plane?
Maybe? People across the country know Magnolia Bakery for its banana pudding bar, cakes, cookies, brownies and sweets of all kinds. The company’s banana pudding is “world famous” and “unparalleled,” according to its website. Some people have complained via Yelp that the “banana pudding recipe has changed a lot over the years,” but it still remains a tried-and-true, relatively consistent brand from New York City that people flock to.
The sweets shop, which has been open for more than 25 years, has locations across the U.S., even on the Pacific Coast. It’s possible to find a nearby location that can cater to you or deliver. That makes it tricky to say that it’s worth not getting on a flight back home.
@myrosielif3 @Magnolia Bakery I love you! Come to DC #bananapudding #magnoliabakery #tsa ♬ why are so many people using this – lucycrops
Rosie tagged Magnolia in her post, asking, “@Magnolia Bakery I love you! Come to D.C.” There isn’t currently a location in the D.C. area, with the nearest locations in New York City. D.C. apparently used to have a Magnolia Bakery in Union Station, but it closed in 2020. Since then, the D.C hasn’t had Magnolia Bakery’s pudding or seen the light of its store.
The Mary Sue has reached out to TSA’s press affairs email for more information on their policies.
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