I was curious as to what is allowed as i can't find much information on the TSA website about food in baggage. When we come out I want to have a few snacks for my daughter  (4 so she's not an infant) as I'm not sure what to expect with the food (that will depend on airline possibly??) 

I found these at Target which are under the 3 oz. rule. They were 2.5 oz, this was a similar product.
http://www.target.com/p/ella-s-kitc...A-13450244

 So I would think these are acceptable? 

I have never tried to bring something like this through security, but I usually bring some fruit snacks, cookies, etc. We've always been served two "meals" and drinks. You can always go back to the galley area and ask for refills. I bought some disposable cups with lids and straws for my smaller kids, and we've never had a problem just holding that cup out for juice, etc. I think on American, they usually do a hot dinner, random cold sandwich at some point, and a mini pizza before we land.

You can always pack it in the quart-sized bag and throw it away if necessary.

Good luck!

In your luggage, these should be fine. We've packed baby food and peanut butter without a problem. In carry-ons, I have been able to pack water, hummus, and juice for our 3 year old. Nothing excessive, but when I was pregnant there was no way I was buying water for 36 hours on our trip over here. I think I brought 3 or 4 16.9oz bottles through security without any problem. The Ella snacks are reclosable - so if they need to open them to do the vapor test, you can close them again. Juice boxes are the only thing I have had an issue with - and it was only at one airport once. I flew a lot with our daughter - like 19 flights by the time she was 1. The only bad thing is that every airport is different.

Gee-whiz's idea to bring the take and toss cups is great. We have never had a problem going to the galley for refills.

The items you bring for the child do not need to go into the quart size zip loc. (but it couldn't hurt to try with the ella snacks since your daughter is older). I always put our items in one or two large gallon ziplocs that I can just pull out of the bag and hand over for inspection. Then you get to keep your quart size bag for other items.

If there are any food allergies or sugar issues, you can have a doctor write you a note. My daughter is allergic to milk and dairy so it helps to explain that she doesn't have a lot of options (except junk food).

Thanks everyone I was reading about a mom freezing grapes to take and carrot sticks but this was not for an international flight.

I think you'll be fine with the smaller sized Ella snack pouches. If there are any issues, pop them into a quart sized baggie. I was thinking about bringing applesauce cups but those are 3.9oz...I can probably pass them off as my babys food.
Would your daughter eat dried fruits or freeze dried fruits? The strawberry ones are yummy.

She loves dried or freeze dried fruit. I wanted to make sure she's happy since she eats pretty healthy but still has fiber needs. Of course she loves sushi too. She eats octopus raw on a regular basis.

I have brought those exact pouches in my carry on inflight.