Fans visiting the US for the World Cup have shown a growing enthusiasm for ranch dressing, a popular American condiment invented in California in the 1950s composed of mayonnaise, buttermilk, and herbs [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued reminders that ranch dressing counts as a liquid under airport security rules. Travelers may carry containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage, but larger containers must be packed in checked baggage [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7].
On June 16, the TSA posted a warning on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) telling visitors they should pack ranch dressing in their checked bags to avoid confiscation. Their humorous warning read, "Days since the last airport ranch incident: 0," while jokingly advising travelers not to chug ranch dressing outside security [3, 4, 5, 7]. The TSA stressed, "If you're visiting for a very large sporting event and you happen to discover RANCH while you're here... please pack it in your CHECKED BAG on the way home" and reminded domestic travelers to keep sauces under 3.4 ounces in carry-ons [1, 4].
Ranch dressing’s popularity during the World Cup has caught the attention of brands like Hidden Valley, which posted a social media endorsement saying, "I approve of this" [3]. Kraft announced it is developing TSA-compliant ranch dressing packets for travelers to carry ranch legally and more conveniently. Kraft said, "Some visitors leave with souvenirs. Others leave with America’s favourite dressing. Introducing Kraft TSA Compliant Ranch, a travel-friendly way to bring the taste of America home" [4, 5, 8].
International visitors have expressed eagerness to bring ranch back home, prompting TSA to repeat its liquid rule reminders during the event [3, 6, 7]. Discussions on social media and industry also suggested potential opportunities such as airport pop-up ranch stores and powdered ranch packets for easier transport [7, 8].
Reports about TSA’s advisory and traveler enthusiasm emerged on June 19, with further coverage on June 20 highlighting Kraft’s new packets and media focus on the ranch craze [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8]. Travelers attending the ongoing World Cup are advised to pack any ranch dressing larger than 3.4 ounces in their checked baggage to comply with TSA liquid restrictions.
