How-to guide
How to Pack Moroccan Food and Spices to Take Home
Spices, olive oil, argan oil, olives and preserved lemons are some of the most rewarding things to bring home from Morocco, but they also need proper packing to survive a flight without spilling, leaking or being confiscated at security. A little preparation the night before departure avoids a ruined suitcase or a lost purchase at the airport.
About 30-45 minutes before departure
Step by step
- 1
Separate liquids from solids
Group argan oil, olive oil, olives in brine and any other liquid or wet items together and pack them centrally in your checked bag, cushioned by clothing on all sides, well away from anything that would be ruined if they leaked.
- 2
Double-bag anything liquid
Wrap bottles of oil individually in a plastic bag, then place that inside a second bag or a sealed container, so a single failed seal doesn't spread across your whole suitcase. Tape lids if they feel at all loose.
- 3
Keep liquids out of hand luggage
Airport security limits liquids in carry-on to small volumes per container within a single bag, so any meaningfully sized bottle of oil needs to travel in checked luggage, not your hand bag.
- 4
Wrap dry spices tightly
Ask shops for sealed bags or containers for ground spices, and if they're only in a thin plastic twist, transfer them to a zip-top bag or small screw-top container yourself before packing, to avoid the plastic splitting under luggage weight.
- 5
Cushion glass jars generously
Preserved lemons, jars of harissa, or any glass-packaged item should be wrapped in several layers of clothing and placed in the centre of your suitcase, surrounded by soft items on every side, not near the rigid edges.
- 6
Check destination customs rules
Most dried spices travel without issue into the UK, EU and US, but rules on fresh produce, meat and dairy are stricter — check your destination country's specific food import rules before packing anything perishable.
- 7
Declare food items if required
Some countries require food items to be declared on arrival even if they're permitted; check your destination's customs card requirements so you don't accidentally omit something that should be declared.
- 8
Weigh your bag before leaving the riad
Spices, oils and ceramics add up in weight quickly. Weigh your packed bag before checkout if you can, so you have time to shift items to hand luggage or ship separately rather than facing a surprise excess baggage fee at the airport.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Packing liquids like argan or olive oil in hand luggage, where they'll be confiscated at the security check.
- Not double-bagging oils and olives, risking a leak that ruins clothing packed nearby.
- Assuming all food items are permitted at every destination without checking specific customs rules.
- Packing glass jars near the suitcase's rigid edges or wheels, where they're more likely to crack.
- Leaving packing until the morning of departure, with no time left to reorganise if the bag is overweight.
Tips from the kitchen
- Dried spices, ras el hanout, and dry-cured olives travel far more safely than wet brined items or oils.
- A hard-shell suitcase offers better protection for glass jars and ceramics than a soft duffel bag.
- Ask your riad if they have spare packing material or newspaper for fragile souvenir items before you leave.
- If buying a lot of oil or liquid items, consider whether a shipping service is offered by the shop rather than carrying it all yourself.
- Keep a small list of what you've packed and where, so unpacking and finding items again at home is straightforward.
Questions
Can I bring spices home from Morocco in my luggage?
Yes, most dried spices travel without any issue in checked luggage for destinations like the UK, EU and US. Keep them well sealed in double bags to avoid spillage, and check your specific destination's customs rules for any exceptions.
Can I pack argan oil or olive oil in my carry-on bag?
No, meaningful quantities of any liquid, including oils, need to go in checked luggage due to airport security limits on liquids in carry-on bags. Pack bottles centrally, cushioned by clothing, and double-bagged in case of leaks.
How do I stop olive oil or argan oil leaking in my suitcase?
Double-bag each bottle individually, tape the lid if it feels loose, and place it centrally in your suitcase surrounded by clothing on all sides. This contains any leak to a small, manageable area rather than spreading through the bag.
Do I need to declare Moroccan food items at customs?
Rules vary by destination country, and some require declaring food items even when they're permitted. Check your destination's specific customs requirements before travelling so you can declare correctly on arrival.
Learn it hands-on in Marrakech
Reading is one thing; doing it beside a local host is another. Book a Marrakech cooking class, or explore the medina on a guided food tour.