What Can't Astronauts Eat In Space?

While astronauts have to eat in space, adhering to the dietary regulations in zero gravity doesn't always guarantee an enjoyable dining experience. Maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is crucial for those spending extended periods aboard the International Space Station. However, many of their preferred food items are unable to make the trip with them due to the limitations of space travel. NASA specifies that anything requiring refrigeration cannot be brought on missions.

So, what other food items are prohibited from making the journey to space? Here are seven examples:

Bread

Although you may be well-behaved, taking a bite of a sandwich will inevitably result in some crumbs. Loose crumbs from bread, crackers, and cookies can float around and potentially damage sensitive equipment in space. As a result, tortillas are the only option for bread when astronauts are in orbit. However, the creation of crumb-free bread could soon eliminate this restriction.

Salt and Pepper

If you attempt to sprinkle salt, pepper, or any other granular spice in microgravity, it will result in a significant mess. The spices will not even land on the food, rendering it useless. However, astronauts were determined to enjoy flavorful food in space, so NASA devised liquid alternatives for them to use instead.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited for NASA astronauts in space. Since their job is essentially a 24/7 endeavor while orbiting Earth, they must remain alert and responsive at all times. Alcohol is also dangerous due to its flamable properties. Alcohol containing products such as mouth wash are also prohibited.

Fizzy drinks

While we may debate the name for carbonated beverages on Earth, it is not a consideration in space. Carbonated drinks behave differently in microgravity than under Earth's gravity. As a result, the carbon dioxide bubbles stay suspended in the liquid rather than rising to the surface and bursting. Astronauts who consume these additional bubbles may experience digestive problems.

Astronaut ice cream

It may come as a surprise, but despite its name, astronaut ice cream has never been consumed in space. Although it is a beloved souvenir from science museum gift shops and a popular treat among children, its brittle and crumbly texture would generate floating debris, which could potentially interfere with space equipment and astronauts' vision, much like bread.

Fish

The ideal space foods are those that can be preserved for an extended period without spoiling, which rules out fish as a viable option, except for freeze-dried shrimp. However, the issue is not solely about preservation. Think back to the last time someone heated up leftover fish in the office microwave. Now, imagine being trapped in a confined space with those odors for hours or even days, without access to fresh air. To avoid this unpleasant experience, it's best to avoid fish in space altogether.

Crisps

While you may enjoy snacking on crisps while watching a shuttle launch, astronauts do not have that luxury. The crumbs and oils from crisps create an excessive mess, which is not permitted in their diets. Furthermore, astronauts require nutritious and wholesome foods to sustain their bodies through the daily challenges of zero gravity, which chips do not provide.