15 Foods Astronauts Eat Every Day When They’re in Space
Astronauts need a balanced diet to stay healthy and strong while they’re in space, and that’s no easy task. Since cooking is almost impossible in zero gravity, their food must be prepared in a way that’s easy to store, eat, and packed with essential nutrients.
Many foods eaten in space are freeze-dried, dehydrated, or come in vacuum-sealed pouches, which preserve them and keep them fresh.
These meals and snacks provide astronauts with energy, protein, vitamins, and even a taste of home, making their long missions a bit more comfortable. Let’s look at some of the popular foods that astronauts rely on every day to stay fueled on their space journeys.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a favorite among astronauts because it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. In space, it comes in easy-to-squeeze tubes, making it mess-free and convenient.
Peanut butter pairs well with other space foods like crackers or tortillas, providing variety in meals. Its creamy texture is comforting for astronauts missing home. This nutrient-dense spread is a staple on almost every mission.
Tortillas
Tortillas are chosen over bread in space because they don’t create crumbs that can float around in zero gravity. They are also long-lasting and easy to store. Astronauts use tortillas for making wraps with ingredients like peanut butter, meats, and cheeses.
These wraps provide a quick and satisfying meal, giving astronauts a sense of normalcy. Tortillas have become a go-to for space meals over the years.
Freeze-Dried Fruits
Freeze-dried fruits like strawberries, apples, and bananas are popular in space for their lightweight and high nutrition. The freeze-drying process locks in vitamins and minerals, so astronauts still get the benefits of fresh fruit.
They’re easy to eat and don’t spoil, which makes them ideal for long missions. These fruits also add some much-needed variety and natural sweetness. Many astronauts enjoy them as snacks throughout the day.
Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is a convenient source of protein that stays fresh for a long time, making it perfect for space travel. It’s easy to pack and doesn’t need refrigeration, fitting well into the limited space on a spacecraft.
Astronauts can chew on it for a quick energy boost between activities. It’s also satisfying and helps maintain muscle mass during extended missions. Beef jerky provides a savory, hearty option in their diet.
Dehydrated Scrambled Eggs
Dehydrated scrambled eggs are rehydrated with water and heated for a nutritious breakfast. They provide a protein-packed start to the day, which is essential for astronauts. Scrambled eggs are familiar and comforting, reminding astronauts of breakfast on Earth. Their long shelf life means they’re suitable for extended space missions. Many astronauts enjoy adding hot sauce to their eggs for extra flavor.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are compact, easy to eat, and provide a balanced mix of carbs, fats, and protein. They make a great snack in space that helps astronauts stay full and energized. The bars don’t require any preparation and are packaged to prevent crumbs.
They come in various flavors, adding some excitement to the menu. Granola bars are also ideal for busy days filled with experiments and spacewalks.
Instant Coffee
Instant coffee is a must-have for astronauts who miss their morning cup. It comes in sealed packets, and astronauts add water and sip through a straw. Caffeine helps keep them alert and focused during long hours of work. Drinking coffee is also a small comfort that brings a sense of routine to their day. Instant coffee has become a daily ritual for many space travelers.
Pasta
Pasta dishes like spaghetti and macaroni are freeze-dried and rehydrated for a hearty meal option. Astronauts appreciate the familiar taste and filling nature of pasta, especially during long missions. The carbohydrate content provides sustained energy, making it a popular dinner choice. Freeze-dried pasta is easy to prepare and doesn’t create crumbs. It’s a satisfying dish that feels like a homemade meal in space.
Nuts
Nuts are a convenient snack that packs healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins. They’re stored in sealed pouches that prevent floating bits, making them space-friendly. Astronauts can choose from almonds, walnuts, or cashews, depending on their preference. Nuts offer a crunch and variety that breaks up the texture of other foods. They’re also shelf-stable, providing a quick boost of energy.
Chicken in Pouches
Chicken in vacuum-sealed pouches provides astronauts with lean protein without the mess of preparing raw meat. It can be mixed with other ingredients or eaten on its own for a simple meal.
Chicken is filling and helps maintain muscle strength, which is important in low-gravity environments. The pouches are easy to heat, making it a quick option for busy days. Many astronauts appreciate the flavor and versatility of these chicken packs.
Cheese
Cheese comes in a spreadable form or as cubes that are easy to eat without crumbs. It provides calcium, protein, and fats, adding variety to the diet. Spreadable cheese can be paired with tortillas for a quick snack or meal. Cheese offers a familiar flavor that comforts astronauts far from home. Its long shelf life makes it ideal for extended space missions.
Rice
Rice is freeze-dried and rehydrated for astronauts, serving as a versatile side dish. It pairs well with other foods like chicken or vegetables, providing a balanced meal. Rice offers carbohydrates for energy and has a satisfying texture that many astronauts enjoy. It’s easy to pack and doesn’t require complex preparation. Rice is a staple food that adds substance to meals in space.
Dried Soup
Dried soups like tomato or chicken noodles can be easily rehydrated and eaten warm, providing comfort during cold days in space. They’re lightweight and take up minimal space, making them ideal for missions.
The warm broth offers a sense of warmth and home, which is comforting for astronauts. Soups also help them stay hydrated, as they’re water-based. Astronauts often enjoy these soups as a filling snack or meal.
Applesauce
Applesauce comes in convenient squeeze packets that prevent spills and make it easy to consume. It’s rich in vitamins and offers a mild sweetness, making it a favorite snack. The texture of applesauce is ideal for weightlessness, as it stays in place in the packet. This healthy option provides quick energy and helps satisfy sugar cravings. Many astronauts find applesauce a refreshing treat.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a versatile breakfast option that can be mixed with water and heated for a hearty start to the day. It’s rich in fiber and can be combined with freeze-dried fruits for added flavor.
Oatmeal keeps astronauts full and provides long-lasting energy, which is essential for long days. The texture is easy to manage in zero gravity, preventing spills. Many astronauts enjoy this comforting and healthy meal.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate provides astronauts with antioxidants and a boost of energy, as well as a touch of indulgence. It’s typically stored in small, individually wrapped pieces that are easy to handle.
Chocolate offers a satisfying treat that can lift their spirits during tough days. Dark chocolate doesn’t melt easily, making it practical for space. It’s a small luxury that brings joy to many astronauts’ days.
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