RANCH-Y BEHAVIOUR: TSA warns travellers to check their ranch

A passenger's attempt to bring four bottles of ranch dressing through airport security sparked viral TSA post

Published Jun 19, 2026  •  Last updated 2 hours ago  •  2 minute read

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OTTAWA — If you’re looking for something to dip your chicken wings in after heading home from the World Cup, pack it in your checked baggage.

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An attempt by a passenger to pass through airport security with four bottles of ranch sauce — and apparently a taser — in their carry-on luggage was the subject of a viral Instagram post earlier this week, warning passengers to find better ways to transport America’s most popular salad dressing.

“The world is slowly discovering ranch pairs perfectly with pizza, chicken wings, fries, onion rings, quesadillas, crackers, chips, vegetables, and the list just keeps growing,” wrote the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in its social media post, which by Friday had garnered more than 235,000 likes.

“Are you kicking around the idea of flying home with your favorite dip? If you’re traveling within the U.S., make sure to keep your carry-on sauces to 3.4 oz or less and place any larger containers in your checked bags.”

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No information was provided on which airport the incident occurred at or when it happened.

The post included a slideshow from the TSA, including: “If you’re visiting for a very large sporting event & you happen to discover RANCH while you’re here… pls pack it in your CHECKED BAG on the way home,” followed by, “okay please avoid chugging your ranch outside security the airlines will check it for you,” and a third post reading, “days since the last airport ranch incident: 0,” followed by, “yeah soooo your carry-on wasn’t actually made for *checks notes* 4 bottles of ranch and a taser.”

The post attracted thousands of comments, including “I approve this message,” from the corporate Instagram account for Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing — one of dozens of brands that tried to join in on the fun.

“Good thing my ranch packets are TSA approved,” wrote the account for American fast-food chain Jack in the Box, while Heinz asked whether the rules also apply to ketchup.

American cuisine winning fans worldwide

Ranch dressing — which has topped several polls as America’s favourite salad dressing — has become a viral hit among tourists arriving in the U.S. for the World Cup, with many taking to social media to rave about American food.

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American barbecue has become another online sensation, with the hosts of UK-based podcast The England Pod raving on X about the saucy, greasy fare.

“We landed in Dallas about an hour ago, and we’re already here,” co-host Ali Maxwell said, describing the wide assortment of Texas barbecue the pair were about to eat.

“Social media is littered at the moment with Europeans in America ordering American food being like ‘OMG that was the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my whole life,’ ” he said in front of a table full of empty plates.

“That was absolutely unbelievable.”

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