What Can NASA Astronauts Eat in Space?

Mar 26, 2025

By Lila Verma

Dried Food

This type of food has all its water removed, making it lightweight and long-lasting. Once in space, water is added to it, and it’s ready to eat.

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Thermostabilized Food

This is pre-cooked food sealed in special packages and heated for preparation. It includes tasty dishes like beef stroganoff, tuna casserole, or chicken teriyaki.

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Fresh Fruits and Vegetable

When resupply missions deliver to the space station, fresh fruits and veggies like apples, oranges, and carrots are sent. They need to be eaten within the first few days since they spoil quickly. They provide astronauts with freshness and vitamins.

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Dried Snack

Dried snacks like raisins, almonds, and M&Ms are quick energy sources in space. They’re dried to keep them light and easy to store. These small treats are fun and nutritious for astronauts.

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Tortilla

Tortillas are used instead of bread because bread crumbs can float in microgravity and get stuck in equipment. Astronauts eat them with chicken wraps or peanut butter.

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Beverage

Drinks like coffee, lemonade, and fruit punch come as powders that water is added to in space. They’re essential for hydration and add flavor.

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Spicy Food

In space, taste and smell sensitivity decrease, so NASA recommends spicy foods like hot sauce, spicy beans, and salsa. They enhance flavor and make meals exciting.

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Grown Food

Crops like lettuce, radishes, and tomatoes are grown on the International Space Station (ISS). This provides fresh food and helps astronauts become self-sufficient, which is key for deep space exploration.

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