Foods to Munch on in Zero Gravity
You might think astronauts have a limited menu when they're traveling through space and floating in zero gravity, but there are actually more options on the table than you'd expect. Sure, you may not be able to bring bread on board, but you have plenty of alternatives to choose from. Here are five foods you can eat in space.
1. Tortilla
Instead of bread, astronauts love tortillas. Why? Because they're nutritious, easy to store, and won't produce crumbs that could float around and potentially damage equipment. Plus, tortillas are just as versatile: you can have them with jam or roll them into a delicious breakfast wrap.
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2. Soup
Soup in zero gravity? Yup: you might think drinking soup is forbidden in space as the liquid would just float around and cause a mess, but soups can be kept in rehydratable pouches and brought on board. All astronauts need to do is just add water—and consume them differently as you would on Earth.
3. Peanut Butter
If you're craving a PB&J in space, there's no rule stating you can't have your cake and eat it, too. Your favorite spreads, like peanut butter and jam, can be brought on board and used in the same way they're used on Earth. The only difference is that you'll have to pair them with tortillas instead of bread.
4. Coffee & Tea
To make sure astronauts are always alert and ready, caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea are musts. Like soups, these liquids are commonly sealed in rehydratable pouches for consumption, so instead of having a cup of Joe, you'll be sipping on a pouch of Joe.
5. Yogurt
Yup—astronauts can even enjoy yogurt in space. Sure, there aren't as many flavors to choose from, but this probiotic-rich snack is one that's actually essential for strengthening bone mass. In 2021, there was even an experiment conducted by a group of Australian students, where vials of probiotic bacteria were sent to space in hopes that astronauts could eventually make their own yogurt.
