5 Food Items That Astronauts Cannot Consume In Space

As a kid, whenever I used to lie on the roof, I used to wonder what astronauts could see from space. The stories and books on the lives of astronauts and space used to fascinate me. One of the queries that I always had was what astronauts eat or do not eat miles away from the Earth.

They undergo intense training because living in space is not a walk in the park. Astronauts float around because of zero gravity. It might seem fascinating and easy in ‘Big Bang Theory’, ‘Interstellar’ and other films and series showcasing life in space, but it is a lot more difficult.

In 2022, The Franklin Institute, America’s famous science and technology museum, shared a list of food items that astronauts are prohibited from eating. Take a look.

Sugar And Salt

Astronauts are prohibited from carrying salt and sugar in space. Since they live in zero gravity, they cannot sprinkle sugar or salt in their dishes and beverages. Instead of falling into the dish, the crystals will float around the space and block narrow passages in the equipment.

These crystals can also get stuck inside the nose, mouth, ear, and eyes of astronauts, putting their well-being at risk. Hence, people carry them in liquid form.

Alcohol

Astronauts cannot carry alcohol in space. The primary reason behind this it can destroy equipment inside the space station. Moreover, consuming alcohol can lead to safety risks. It is also believed that the intoxicated beverage has a greater effect on the body and brain at higher altitudes.

Soda

The official website of the Franklin Institute says that astronauts are not allowed to carry beverages or consume them in space, especially soda or carbonated drinks. Due to microgravity in space, the life and functioning of surroundings are quite different up there. These drinks have carbon dioxide bubbles inside them, and they cannot be released as gas in space.

Don't Miss: Cooking Methods That Might Be Making Your Meals Unhealthy

Ice-cream

It was reported that NASA has banned astronauts from carrying ice-creams (Fun Facts About Ice Creams). It melts quickly and can damage other products. If it needs to be prevented from melting, new equipment will be required to be installed in the space station and rocket that carries astronauts up there. It will be costlier.

Don't Miss: Here Are 5 Pocket-Friendly Cafes In Delhi To Try For A Date Night

Bread And Crackers

Astronauts have to undergo intense training before they go to space. This includes altering their diet so that they face minimum issues when up there. Unlike Earth, you cannot order food online if you do not like the taste. Therefore, they are trained to eat food that is healthy for them, satisfies their hunger, and is easy to digest.

Slices of bread (Health Benefits Of Different Types Of Bread) and crackers are not among the foods that astronauts are allowed to carry in space. The small particles can be released into the surroundings and affect the equipment or harm the senses of astronauts. NASA also says that bread has a low shelf life, therefore, it will get ruined, and people in space cannot afford it.

Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more.