7 Best Supplements To Travel With In Your Carry-On
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We’ve reviewed and traveled with clean supplements for years — these are our picks for travel-friendly supplements to support your body while you’re on the go.
Traveling to wonderful places near and far is a source of great joy for many of us, and the process of traveling can often wreak havoc on our daily wellbeing. Jet lag, dehydration, stress, digestive issues, dehydration, a disrupted immune system… all of these can rear their heads along the way. That’s why it’s so important to take extra care of our health while traveling, including by packing a few well-chosen supplements to give ourselves the best chance of feeling ready for adventure — and of not getting sick by the time we get home. Our top tip: Privilege TSA-friendly travel supplements so that you can easily reach for them in your carry-on when you need them.
Why travel with supplements?
Air travel can be particularly disruptive to our health. The stress involved in getting ourselves (and our families) through TSA and onto the plane, coupled with the discomfort of actually sitting on the plane — with its tight spaces, low-humidity air, and dearth of fresh food — and jet lag from traveling across time zones, can take a real toll on how we feel during and after travel. Traveling by plane can lead to dehydration, disrupted sleep cycles, digestive problems, muscle stiffness, and more, all of which may contribute to inflammation or reduced immunity. Targeted supplements for travel can help alleviate some of these symptoms, as can sticking to your regular routine as much as you can. Drinking lots of water and stretching your legs while flying can also help.
How to pack and store supplements in your carry-on:
When packing any item in your carry-on, it’s important to check the TSA guidelines if you’re unsure whether it’s allowed. In the case of supplements, they are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, but the form they come in can change things. The rules are sometimes different for prescription medications, but when it comes to supplements in pill form, you shouldn’t encounter any issues bringing them through security — whether or not they’re in their original packaging. With liquid supplements (including gels and pastes), the rule is the same as for any other liquid: They need to be under 3.4 ounces (100ml), and you will typically need to pack them in a separate clear bag for security screening. Powders are more of a gray area, but if you simply travel with them in their original packaging, they should easily clear security, though you might get pulled aside for some testing so leave extra time.
If you’re taking more than one type of supplement with you, the most practical thing to do is to decant the ones you need into a dedicated pill organizer, or buy ones that come in travel-sized pouches or resealable packets, so you’re not carrying a half-dozen glass bottles in your handbag.
Why are third-party tested supplements important?
Supplements are not regulated by the FDA before they go to market, meaning that brands can sell products that haven’t been tested for safety and efficacy. That’s why it’s crucial to use discernment when choosing the supplements you take, including looking for third-party testing by organizations such as ConsumerLab, US Pharmacopeia, and NSF International, checking the brand’s website for information on ingredient sourcing, and avoiding unnecessary fillers where possible.
Our criteria:
Our editors have traveled extensively with clean supplements and have tested dozens of brands over the years. For this list, we’ve chosen our favorite travel-friendly supplements made with safe, effective, and responsibly sourced ingredients that can help keep your body balanced on the road, in the air, or on a train. We often revisit this guide to add new picks when they meet the criteria below:
- SAFE & EFFECTIVE | We’ve chosen supplements that have transparent ingredient lists, are third-party tested, and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or unnecessary additives. All options are free from common allergens when possible, and are clearly labeled for safety and compliance.
- SUSTAINABLE/ECO-FRIENDLY | We’ve prioritized supplements from brands that use responsibly sourced ingredients, sustainable farming or harvesting practices, and eco-friendly packaging. Bonus points for recyclable, compostable, or refillable containers.
- TRAVEL-FRIENDLY | We’ve selected products that are portable, TSA-compliant, and easy to take on the go — think single-serve packets, capsules, or small tins — so you can keep them in your carry-on without extra hassle.
To support your health beyond your travel plans, we recommend reading our guides on the best probiotics for gut health, the best natural sleep aids, and the best immune support supplements. And for a smoother journey all around, check out our 99 travel hacks and sustainable luggage guide.
1. Seed DS-01 Daily Synbiotic
Best For | Digestion
Functional ingredients | 24 probiotic strains, prebiotic
Price | $50 with subscription
Seed isn’t in the business of offering every supplement under the sun just for the sake of it: The brand carries just three products, all within the probiotics and prebiotics space, and you can bet they put their all into each formula. They develop each one based on existing research and their own research in partnership with academic institutions, rigorously testing their products for safety and efficacy. Meanwhile, their SeedLabs division spearheads environmental research projects in order to provide actionable solutions for combating climate change. Of course, their products follow those ethics: They’re packaged in recycled and biodegradable materials. Their signature product, DS-01 Daily Synbiotic, contains pre- and probiotic strains to support not only gut health but also heart, skin, and whole-body health. It has become iconic in wellness circles for how effective it is in promoting regular bowel movements and preventing bloating — both of which can be issues during a long flight. While a 30-day supply of DS-01 comes in a (refillable) glass jar, the welcome pack includes a travel vial so you can bring just the right amount of capsules on your trip. All you need to do is take two capsules daily with water, preferably on an empty stomach. Try taking Seed for at least a week before you fly to allow your body to get used to it.
Customer Review | “I have used the DS-01 Daily Synbiotic for the last year and WOW it’s been a game changer. Keeps me regular, helps with bloating and for sure supports my immune system. Best thing for your body!!” — Julia (Read more reviews.)
2. ARMRA Travel Sticks
Best For | Immune support
Functional ingredients | Proprietary ARMRA Colostrum™ Concentrate
Price | $50
ARMRA is on a mission to boost immunity and cellular health in its customers through one simple ingredient: bovine colostrum, the milk produced by cows in the first few days after giving birth. The brand was founded by Sarah Rahal, MD, a double board-certified pediatric neurologist, who found out about the scientifically proven benefits of colostrum after both a personal health crisis and observing a spike in chronic diseases in her patients. ARMRA Colostrum comes either in a jar or in travel stick form, perfect for carry-on luggage. You can choose between Unflavored, Blood Orange, Vine Watermelon, and Peach Persimmon flavors, and you just mix a single-serve stick of powder into water, beverages, yogurt, or any cold food. Colostrum has incredible benefits for immunity, gut health, energy, metabolism, skin and hair health, performance and recovery, and mood and focus, making it a great choice of travel companion. This product works by rebuilding and strengthening mucosal barriers in the body, which serve to protect our sinuses, lungs, and gut, and which are damaged by environmental toxins. In this way, colostrum gets at the root of many common health issues that are on the rise in this day and age.
Customer Review | “Not only does it make me feel better mentally and in a better mood, it is the secret weapon against getting sick. I have had multiple people around me sick for days. I just double up on my colostrum and I do not get sick. I’ve even started getting symptoms of a cold, feeling weary, stuffy head etc. and after 12 hours or so I’m perfectly fine. I am a customer for life.” — Curtis (Read more reviews.)
3. IM8: Daily Ultimate Essentials Single-Serve Sachets
Best For | All-in-one
Functional ingredients | Essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, superfoods, greens, pre-pro-post-biotics, and clinical dosages of CoQ10 and MSM
Price | $89 with subscription
Co-founded by David Beckham, IM8’s two supplement offerings — Ultimate Essentials and Ultimate Longevity — are developed by leaders in the fields of academia, medicine, and space science. IM8’s goal is to simplify high-performing, science-backed nutrition, all in one third-party-tested, non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free package. The brand’s Daily Ultimate Essentials is designed to replace 16 individual supplements, boasting a whopping 92 functional ingredients in one serving. This supplement comes in powder form, either in a jar or in the more popular and travel-friendly single-serve sachets, to be mixed with water for a tasty berry-flavored drink. The powder can also be mixed into juices, smoothies, and other beverages if you prefer. Formulated with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, superfoods, greens, pre-, pro- and post-biotics, CoQ10, and MSM, this supplement supports heightened energy, gut health, sleep quality, immunity, and mental clarity, making it a perfect choice for combating that post-flight grogginess. Other benefits include hair, skin, and nail support, heart health, hydration, and cell renewal. Plus, the formulation is extra bioavailable, so you’re really getting your money’s worth here. Speaking of which, though this supplement is on the high end of things, it’s more than worth it if you’re planning to take it instead of a complicated regimen made up of many different supplements.
Customer Review | “I’m always on the go, and by 2 p.m., I used to crash hard. Since starting IM8, I don’t feel that slump anymore. It’s like having an extra gear to get me through the day!” — Jessica (Read more reviews.)
4. Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin C
Best For | Bioavailable vitamin C
Functional ingredients | Vitamin C (from Ascorbic Acid (80%) and Sodium Ascorbate (20%)), Potassium (from Potassium Bicarbonate), Biotin, Phosphatidylcholine
Price | $56 with subscription
Cymbiotika is committed to transparency and effectiveness in all its supplement offerings, utilizing advanced liposomal delivery systems to increase each product’s bioavailability. This means that the nutrients in Cymbiotika products can reach their destination in your body without being digested first. The brand is also committed to sourcing the highest quality ingredients and to nurturing relationships with the farmers and suppliers who provide them. All of their products come in handy little pouches that you can drink from directly, making them all incredibly travel-friendly, but we’re especially fond of their Liposomal Vitamin C. This liquid supplement is citrus and vanilla-flavored and contains just five ingredients, including vitamin C for boosting immune function and collagen production, phosphatidylcholine for brain health, and biotin for eye, skin, hair, liver, and nervous system health. It’s third-party tested, made in the USA, GMP certified, keto, plant-based, and free from gluten, artificial flavors, preservatives, GMOs, and soy. If you don’t want to drink the little pouch on its own, you can also mix this supplement into a glass of water or another beverage. It’s best taken in between meals. Just don’t forget to pack it in a clear bag for TSA, since it comes in liquid form.
Customer Review |“I brought a handful of these vitamin C packets with me on my European summer two week vacation and about half way into the trip my body started to take the hit of travel, time change, and new foods but I had one of these every day and jumped back into action within one day!” — Fueled (Read more reviews.)
5. Perelel Cellular Hydration Powder
Best For | Hydration
Functional ingredients | Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Chloride, Potassium, Sodium, Hydrolyzed Bovine Collagen Peptides, Sunflower Lecithin, Hyaluronic Acid
Price | $23
Perelel’s range of supplements is made by doctors to support women and their hormones at every stage of life, with a medical team made up of fertility specialists, OB/GYNs, pediatricians, doulas, dietitians, and women’s health specialists. Perelel was founded by two women who couldn’t find prenatal vitamins they trusted while they were pregnant, and wanted to create a product that women could trust. While the brand is probably best known for its prenatal vitamins, the Cellular Hydration Powder is designed for daily use at any stage — though it’s also safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. The regular product comes in a 28-day supply tub, but you can also purchase a 7-day supply of single-serving travel sachets, which are great for the plane. When mixed into water, each serving delivers a potent electrolyte blend that will help fight air travel-induced dehydration, plus hyaluronic acid and collagen for a glowing complexion. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that this supplement tastes like mango lemonade and is sweetened with monk fruit extract. Cellular Hydration Powder is made in the USA and third-party tested for safety and quality.
Customer Review |“The absolute BEST hydration powder. I have had acne my whole life, I’m now 30, and as soon as I started drinking this once a day my skin began to clear up. My skin has never looked better, and even old scars have faded. I drank this towards the end of my pregnancy in search of a good hydration powder as it is HOT in Florida and I was always thirsty, this one is by far the best I have tried. I also would feel weak with low blood pressure and this helped me get the electrolytes I needed. Wish it was more affordable so I could drink it more often, but still worth it!” — Sydney (Read more reviews.)
6. Mindbodygreen Magnesium+ Rest and Recovery
Best For | Sleep quality
Functional ingredients | Elemental Magnesium, Tart Cherry Concentrate Powder
Price | From $27 with a subscription
Mindbodygreen, i.e. the editorial platform dedicated to whole-person wellness, has developed a range of supplements in collaboration with leading experts in the fields of peri/menopause and functional nutrition. These supplements are designed to support muscle health, daily wellbeing, gut health, beauty, brain health, sleep, and metabolic health. Their Magnesium+ Rest and Recovery supplement is formulated with magnesium, which is known to help settle the nervous system, promote deep sleep, decrease muscle tension, and tart cherry powder, which helps to improve sleep quality as well as support exercise recovery and performance, and reduce muscle soreness. These benefits can definitely help to make a long-haul flight more comfortable. Both types of magnesium used in this product (magnesium bisglycinate and magnesium malate) are easily absorbable and are unlikely to cause stomach discomfort like other types sometimes can, which is obviously the last thing you need when you’re stuck on a plane. Magnesium+ Rest and Recovery comes in single-serve sachets of powder to be mixed into water, so you can just pack as many as you need for your trip into a dedicated pouch. This supplement tastes like mixed berry and is vegan, third-party-tested, non-GMO, and free of soy, gluten, and dairy.
Customer Review |“Since taking Magnesium+Rest & Recovery my sleep has been sound. I no longer awaken throughout the night. It’s been a game-changer for me.” — Kitty (Read more reviews.)
7. Momentous Creatine
Best For | Energy
Functional ingredients | Creapure® creatine monohydrate
Price | $30 with a subscription
Momentous works with elite athletes and their coaches, leading academics and researchers, and government bodies, to create supplements that are made from high-quality, traceable ingredients and deliver high performance. Exhibit A: The brand’s Creatine offering is made using just one ingredient, pure Creapure® creatine monohydrate, single-sourced from Germany. Each serving provides 5 grams of creatine, which supports muscle growth, endurance and exercise recovery, but also enhances cellular energy and brain function. Creatine may also help with healthy aging and metabolic health, by supporting mitochondrial health and helping to prevent muscle loss. There’s a reason Momentous is so proud of using Creapure® in particular: It’s the purest form of creatine monohydrate on the market, and has been tested for safety and efficacy, so you can feel good about taking it. Momentous Creatine typically comes in a 90-serving jar, but you can also grab a 15-pack of single-serve travel pouches, with a choice of Lemon or Unflavored. To take it, just mix it in a glass of water and drink. This product is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Customer Review |“These are so handy when I travel. No more trying to figure out what is the best way to take my creatine with me. So glad this is an option.” — James (Read more reviews.)
Iris Goldsztajn (she/her) is a freelance writer and editor based in London, UK. Her work has been featured in British Vogue, Marie Claire, Refinery29, SELF, Bustle and many more. Iris can typically be found on her way to a fitness class or with her nose in a good book.
