had no trouble taking food in last couple of years at the etihad, booze and bottles seemed to be the thing they wanted to stop in the past

I usually take in Capri-Sun drinks and have had no issues. Last year they would only allow me to take a certain number in and no food at all. However I found out you could leave, go over to Asda buy food and take it back in no problem.

Will they let you go to asda, buy a crate and bring that in?

It is clearly stated in the Magic Weekend information that food and drink isn't allowed in the Etihad except for medical purposes. Then you have to take some form of medical evidence to cover you.

People with diabetes, food allergies such as coeliac disease should be OK.

You'll be fine if you don't walk up with a couple of Tesco bags rammed with food and a crate of lager under your arm.

Asda will not let you buy alcohol especially if your in colours! Also we got searched coming in the gate close to asda whereas the other entrances didn't appear to have such searches.