When it comes to the universe, many people immediately think of spaceships, satellites, and famous astronauts… but few consider what humans will eat while in space. In a microgravity environment, we cannot bring fresh food to cook and prepare like we do on Earth; instead, we must rely on specially formulated and preserved food.
To ensure the health and nutrition of astronauts, who may work in space for many years, NASA and various space agencies around the world have researched and diversified the menu for astronauts, helping them to live and work better while residing beyond Earth.
What do astronauts eat in space?
There are seven categories of space food:
- Dehydrated drinks
- Fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables
- Irradiated meat
- Low-moisture foods like dried plums, candies, fruit cakes, and baked goods
- Thermally processed foods such as tuna and chocolate pudding
- Rehydratable foods like mashed potatoes
- Natural foods like nuts, cookies, and granola
What foods are prohibited in space?
According to Reader’s Digest, foods not allowed in space include:
- Bread, due to crumbs that can float around and interfere with electronics and visibility
- Carbonated beverages, as they can cause “burping”
- Salt and pepper (small particles like granules are not permitted)
- Fresh milk and cream.
What do astronauts drink in space?
Astronauts primarily drink water, but some flavored beverages are also available. Coffee, tea, lemonade, apple juice, and orange juice are freeze-dried in vacuum-sealed pouches. An astronaut simply adds water to a drink pouch with a pressure valve and drinks through a straw.
An espresso coffee cup brewed directly in space was enjoyed by astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti on May 3, 2015, thanks to the invention of ISSpresso, a coffee machine designed for use in space. It was created through a collaboration between Argotec, Lavazza, and the Italian Space Agency.
Is alcohol allowed in space?
Alcohol is not permitted on the International Space Station for political, cultural, and logistical reasons. However, there have been a few instances in the past where alcohol was taken into space.
To learn more about the development of food for astronauts in space, please check out the infographic below!
