7 Food Items Astronauts Cannot Consume While in Space

ASTRONAUTS AND FOOD RESTRICTIONS

Food restrictions for astronauts in space are imposed to ensure nutrition, prevent spoilage, and address microgravity challenges. Limited storage space, shelf stability and nutritional requirements must be carefully considered to maintain astronauts' health and well-being during space missions. Read ahead and know which all food items astronauts can't consume in space.

BREAD

Bread is avoided in space because it often lacks the structure and shelf life needed to work as space food. It's also crumbly and crumbs could float around in zero gravity, potentially getting into equipment or astronauts' eyes.

ALCOHOL

Consuming alcoholic beverages is widely prohibited by the government agencies that send astronauts to space. Ethanol, the main ingredient in alcohol, is considered a 'volatile compound' that could cause damage to the delicate equipment found in the tight confines of the ISS or other space-faring enclosures.

SALT AND PEPPER

Salt, pepper and other granular spices and seasonings can make a huge mess in microgravity. They would simply float away, potentially clogging air vents, contaminating equipment or getting stuck in an astronaut's eyes, mouth or nose.

NASA has developed liquid alternatives for astronauts to use.

PIZZA

A crispy pizza crust is a must, but the weightlessness of space combined with the safety hazard that comes with crumbs drifting around and getting into eyes, air vents or expensive electronic equipment must be considered when putting together a pizza.

SOFT DRINKS

The carbonation in beverages like soda

acts differently in space than on Earth. The carbon dioxide bubbles remain within the liquid as opposed to being released as a gas, which can cause astronauts digestive discomfort.

ICE-CREAM

The brittle and crumbly nature of dehydrated ice cream could interfere with sensitive equipment and make for a dusty environment in microgravity.

FRESH MILK

Fresh milk is not allowed on space missions due to its perishability and the need for refrigeration. Instead, astronauts use dehydrated milk, which takes up only a little space and doesn't require refrigeration.