Yes, you can take protein powder on a plane in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs lists protein powder as an organic powder, and organic powders have no quantity limit in carry-on, even on international flights. You may be asked to take powders out of your bag for screening. The limits that catch people out are on liquids and gels (100 mL per container on international flights) and on inorganic powders such as salt (350 mL or 350 g in total).
Carry-on rules at a glance
| Item | Domestic flights | International flights |
|---|---|---|
| Protein powder and other food powders | No quantity limit | No quantity limit. Present separately for screening |
| Inorganic powders (for example salt) | No quantity limit | Containers of 350 mL or 350 g or less, and no more than 350 mL or 350 g in total per person |
| Liquids and gels (ready-to-drink shakes, energy drinks, liquid supplements) | No quantity limit | Containers of 100 mL or 100 g or less |
One catch: if your domestic flight leaves from an international terminal, the international rules apply. Your boarding pass will tell you. Checked baggage is not covered by these limits.
Protein powder
There is no limit on how much you can carry, but a full 5 lb tub takes up a lot of bag. For a short trip, portion what you need into a smaller labelled container or zip bags, or pack single-serve sachets. For longer trips, leave it sealed in the original tub in your checked bag. Keeping the original label helps if anyone asks what it is.
Pre-workout, creatine and electrolytes
Home Affairs splits powders into organic (made from living things, such as food) and inorganic (such as salt and sand). Screening officers make the call at the checkpoint. Mineral-heavy powders such as some electrolyte mixes may be treated as inorganic, which means the 350 g total limit could apply on international flights. If you are not sure how a powder will be treated, pack it in checked baggage or carry 350 g or less in a container that holds no more than 350 g. You cannot tip powder out at the checkpoint to get under the limit, because it is measured on container size.
Ready-to-drink shakes, energy drinks and liquids
On international flights each liquid or gel container must be 100 mL or 100 g or less, even if it is only partly full. A mixed shake in a 700 mL shaker will not get through. Carry the powder dry and add water after security. On most domestic flights there is no liquid limit.
Capsules and tablets
Dry tablets and capsules are fine. Home Affairs lists gel-filled tablets, such as fish oil, as gels, so the 100 mL or 100 g container rule applies to them in international carry-on. Medicines are treated differently: you may be asked to show them along with proof they are needed, such as a doctor's letter.
Flying overseas? Check the other end too
- Every country has its own rules. The limits above are Australia's. A transit airport or your destination may be stricter on powders, food or certain ingredients.
- Customs and biosecurity are separate from security screening. Declare food products if the arrival card asks.
- Keep supplements in original labelled packaging so ingredients can be checked.
- Ask your airline if you are still unsure about an item.
Packing checklist
- Powders together in one easy-to-reach pouch, ready to put in a tray.
- Empty shaker in carry-on, filled after security.
- Single-serve sachets or pre-portioned serves for the first day or two.
- Big tubs, liquids and anything you are unsure about in checked baggage.
- If you compete in a tested sport, stick with the batch-tested products you already use rather than buying unknown brands overseas. See supplements for drug-tested athletes.
Stocking up before a trip? Browse protein powder, hydration and electrolytes and shakers, or use click and collect from your nearest store. Our gym bag checklist covers the rest.
Sources: Department of Home Affairs, TravelSECURE: What you can and can't bring; Travelling with powders, liquids, aerosols and gels. Rules can change, so check the Home Affairs site and your airline before you fly. This article is general information.
