When you’re carrying your delectable mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving or a delicious dip for a tailgate, it’s essential to safeguard your food. Not only should it be kept secure and upright while traveling, but it also needs to stay warm. Coolers are typically used for keeping items cold, but they can effectively maintain the warmth of your dishes as well. The insulation that keeps beverages icy is also useful for retaining heat. Read on for three methods to transform your cooler into a warmer for your meals. Check out this video to learn how to utilize your cooler for keeping food hot.

Tips for Keeping Food Warm

Just like you would place ice or ice packs in a cooler, you can also use certain items to help retain warmth. Keep in mind, however, that these will increase the cooler’s weight, so consider using a rolling cooler if it becomes too heavy.

• Rice and beans.

Take an unused sock, fill it with rice and beans, and tie it off. Microwave it until hot, usually for a couple of minutes, then position it in the cooler alongside your food. Tip: To make filling the sock easier, place it in a tall cup and fold the top over the edge before pouring in the rice and beans.

• Hot water bottles

Plastic bottles or specially designed rubber heating pads can also help maintain warmth in a cooler. Fill them with very hot water and place them around your food.

• Unfired bricks wrapped in aluminum foil

A heavier option involves using unglazed bricks. Wrap these bricks in heavy-duty aluminum foil and heat them in the oven at 400ºF for 30-40 minutes. Then, place a damp cloth at the bottom of the cooler before carefully placing the heated bricks on top.

TSA Regulations on Food

<pIt’s feasible to take food on a flight, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has guidelines on what foods are transportable through security. In brief, the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule applies to all food carried through security and onto the aircraft. Here are some foods TSA permits as carry-on: 

• Turkey.
• Baked goods, like pies, cookies, and cakes.
• Macaroni and cheese.
• Stuffing.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables.

Additionally, some items that TSA recommends packing in checked luggage include:

• Gravy.
• Wine.
• Spreadable items, like jams, jellies, and peanut butter.
• Cranberry sauce.

If you purchase these items at the airport after passing through TSA security, you can bring them onto the plane.