Avoid These 5 Foods and Drinks When Traveling Through Airports
Traveling can be an exhilarating experience, but airport dining can sometimes feel like a culinary minefield. To keep you feeling your best during your journey, let’s delve into five foods and drinks you should avoid at the airport.
The Risks Behind Airport Fare
Eating at airports may seem convenient, but you might unknowingly put your health at risk. As food safety expert Detwiler points out, many items can sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods, fostering potential bacterial growth. This is especially concerning when retrieving grab-and-go items from those convenience stores often found in terminals.
1. Prepackaged Salads and Sandwiches
Why they’re risky:
Ellen Shumaker, director of outreach for the Safe Plates program at North Carolina State University, advises against buying prepackaged salads unless you plan to consume them immediately. The cut leafy greens, tomatoes, and melons are prone to bacterial growth if exposed to room temperature for more than four hours.
Additionally, salads and sandwiches containing raw sprouts are a red flag. Due to their warm, humid growing conditions, they can harbor pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. For more information on safe sprout consumption, check out the FDA guidelines.
2. Fruit Cups
Why you need to steer clear:
Although they may appear refreshing, fruit cups can be breeding grounds for harmful bacteria, especially if they’ve been sitting out. With their delicate nature, cut fruits often lose their freshness and can lead to gastrointestinal distress. When in doubt, opt for whole fruits or buy them after clearing security.
3. Coffee and Caffeinated Beverages
The Hidden Dangers:
While a cup of coffee might seem like the perfect travel companion, airport coffee can often be brewed from stale grounds. This can result in a bitter taste and limited caffeine content. Not to mention, long lines often mean that this beloved beverage sits on hot plates for hours, which can compromise both flavor and safety.
4. Sugary Snacks
The Sweet Temptation:
Those enticing candy bars and sugary snacks may look appealing, but they can lead to an energy crash shortly after consumption. Instead of feeling energized, you might find yourself sluggish and tired during your flight. For a more sustained energy boost, consider nuts, granola bars, or dried fruits that are high in fiber and protein.
5. Alcoholic Beverages
The Travel Trap:
It’s tempting to unwind with a drink before your flight, but be cautious with airport alcohol. Not only can these beverages add to your dehydration, but excessive consumption can lead to a less-than-pleasant flying experience. If you choose to indulge, remember to drink water in between to stay hydrated.
Choose Wisely
While airport dining can often feel limited, there are smarter choices. Shaw, another food safety expert, recommends snacks that are sealed with a longer shelf life, like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit. To take control of your dietary choices while saving some money, consider bringing your own snacks from home.
By avoiding these five potential pitfalls in airport cuisine, you can protect your health and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience. Always remember: A little preparation can go a long way in ensuring your journey is as pleasant as possible! Safe travels!
