The Most Popular Food in Space, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the food you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 22, 2024 07:07
In the unique environment of space, where traditional meal options are transformed by necessity and practicality, understanding which foods bring comfort and satisfaction is more than a trivial pursuit. Astronauts spending months in orbit rely on their meals not only for nutrition but also for emotional wellbeing. Knowing the preferred meals can help space agencies optimize menu options to boost morale and health during long missions.
This continuously updated list reflects the preferences of those who have experienced dining in zero gravity. By participating in this ranking, you contribute to a broader understanding of optimal space food choices. Your votes help ensure future missions are equipped with better meal plans that are both nourishing and enjoyable, enhancing life in space for all crew members involved.
What Is the Most Popular Food in Space?
-
126votesFreeze-dried foods are a popular choice for space missions as they are lightweight, have a long shelf-life and retain most of their nutrients. They can be rehydrated by adding water, making them easy to prepare in space.Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables are a type of food that has undergone a process called freeze-drying, which involves removing all the moisture from the food while preserving its nutrients. This process creates lightweight and compact food items that are ideal for consumption in space. Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables provide astronauts with a convenient and nutritious option for their meals during space missions.
- Nutrient Retention: Freeze-dried fruits and vegetables retain most of their original nutrients, including vitamins and minerals.
- Long Shelf Life: These food items have a significantly extended shelf life due to the removal of moisture, allowing for storage over extended periods without spoilage.
- Lightweight: Freeze-drying reduces the weight of fruits and vegetables, making them easier and more cost-effective to transport to space.
- Preservation of Texture: Despite the removal of water, freeze-drying helps retain the original texture and structure of the fruits and vegetables.
- Minimal Space Requirement: The removal of moisture results in a compact size, enabling storage of a large number of freeze-dried food items in limited spaces.
-
251votesTortillas are a popular choice for space missions as they are easy to store, have a long shelf-life and can be used to make a variety of meals such as wraps and sandwiches.Tortillas are a type of thin, flatbread made from wheat flour or cornmeal. They are a popular food item in space due to their versatility, long shelf life, and ease of preparation.
- Shape: Round
- Thickness: Thin
- Ingredients: Wheat flour or cornmeal, water, salt
- Texture: Soft and pliable
- Method of Cooking: Cooked on a hot griddle or skillet
-
323votes
Peanut butter
Dr. John Harvey KelloggPeanut butter is a popular source of protein and energy for astronauts. It is also easy to store and does not require refrigeration.Peanut butter is a creamy spread made from ground roasted peanuts. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth texture that makes it ideal for spreading on bagels.- Ingredients: Ground roasted peanuts
- Texture: Smooth
- Flavor: Rich and nutty
- Consistency: Creamy
- Spreadability: Easy to spread
Peanut butter in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular sandwich spread on Brainly
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular spread in Australia
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular bagel topping
-
414votesChicken is a popular choice for space missions as it is a good source of protein and can be prepared in a variety of ways. It can be freeze-dried or canned for long-duration missions.Chicken is a widely consumed type of poultry meat that is loved for its tender and flavorful characteristics. It is commonly used in various cuisines around the world and boasts versatility in cooking methods and dishes. Chicken meat is typically light in color, with a mild taste that can be enhanced with different seasonings and marinades. It is a lean source of protein and is known to provide essential nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12, iron, and zinc.
- Species: Gallus gallus domesticus
- Average Weight: 2.5-3.5 pounds (1.1-1.6 kg)
- Average Lifespan (in the wild): 3-7 years
- Feeding Type: Omnivore
- Popular Breeds: Broilers, Cornish Cross, Rhode Island Red, Plymouth Rock
-
519votesBeef jerky is a popular snack for astronauts as it is high in protein and can be stored for long periods of time.Beef jerky is a popular American snack made from lean cuts of beef that are marinated in a mixture of spices, salt, and flavorings, and then dried or smoked to achieve a chewy texture. It is a portable and shelf-stable snack that is commonly enjoyed as an on-the-go protein-rich option.
- Texture: Chewy
- Flavor: Savory and salty
- Ingredients: Lean cuts of beef, spices, salt, and flavorings
- Preparation: Marinated and dried or smoked
- Shelf Stability: Long shelf life due to the drying process
Beef jerky in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular dehydrated food
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular salty snack
-
68votesMac and cheese is a popular comfort food for astronauts. It can be freeze-dried or canned for long-duration missions.Mac and cheese is a popular dish in Seattle, typically made with elbow macaroni pasta and a creamy cheese sauce. It is often baked until golden brown and served as a comforting and indulgent comfort food. The dish is known for its rich, cheesy flavor and the combination of soft pasta and gooey cheese.
- Cheese Type: Typically made with cheddar cheese or a blend of different cheeses.
- Elbow Macaroni: The traditional choice of pasta, but variations may use different types of pasta shapes.
- Creamy Sauce: The cheese sauce is usually made with a combination of milk or cream and butter.
- Baked: After assembling the pasta and cheese sauce, the dish is often baked in the oven until the top becomes golden and crispy.
- Comfort Food: Mac and cheese is considered a classic comfort food, perfect for warming and satisfying meals.
-
76votesFish is a good source of protein for astronauts. It can be freeze-dried or canned for long-duration missions.Fish are aquatic creatures that are commonly kept as pets. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, offering a visually appealing addition to any home or office aquarium. Fish are known for their ability to swim gracefully in water, captivating observers with their movement and beauty.
- Size: Varies depending on the species, ranging from a few centimeters to several meters in length.
- Lifespan: Varies widely depending on the species, typically ranging from a few months to several decades.
- Diet: Most fish are omnivorous and eat a combination of plants and small animals or insects.
- Habitat: Fish are found in diverse aquatic environments, including freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water.
- Reproduction: Fish employ a variety of reproductive strategies, including egg-laying and live-bearing.
-
811votesBrown rice is a good source of carbohydrates and can be stored for long periods of time. It can be prepared in a variety of ways and is a popular choice for astronauts.Brown rice is a type of whole grain rice with a light brown color and nutty flavor. It is created by removing only the outermost layer, the hull, of the rice kernel, while retaining the bran and germ layers. This allows it to retain more nutrients compared to white rice.
- Nutrition: Brown rice is rich in fiber, minerals (such as magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium), and vitamins (such as B vitamins). It is also a good source of antioxidants.
- Cooking Time: Brown rice typically takes longer to cook compared to white rice, requiring around 45-50 minutes of boiling time.
- Texture: Brown rice has a slightly chewy texture due to its bran layer.
- Flavor: It has a nutty flavor that adds a pleasant taste to various dishes.
- Glycemic Index: Brown rice has a lower glycemic index compared to white rice, making it a better option for managing blood sugar levels.
Brown rice in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular rice in Africa
-
911votesM&Ms are a popular snack for astronauts as they are easy to store and can provide a quick energy boost.
-
104votesCoffee is a popular drink for astronauts and is often consumed to help them stay alert and focused. Freeze-dried coffee is often used on space missions.
Missing your favorite food?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for popular food
-
Shelf Life and StabilityFood in space must have a long shelf life, as it is often stored for months before being eaten. The food products should also be stable and not degrade over time, maintaining their nutritional value and overall quality.
-
Ease of Preparation and ConsumptionAstronauts face many challenges while eating in space, including the absence of gravity and limited cooking facilities. Hence, popular food in space should be easy to prepare, consume, and clean up.
-
Weight and packagingSince it is expensive to launch items into space, popular food options should be lightweight and have minimal packaging, which in turn also minimizes waste disposal concerns.
-
Taste and TextureAstronauts often experience changes in their sense of taste and smell in space. Therefore, popular space food should be diverse in flavors and textures to ensure astronauts enjoy the food and maintain a healthy appetite.
-
Psychological BenefitsFamiliar and comfort foods can be important for astronauts who are away from home for extended periods. Including popular and well-liked food items helps maintain their mental wellbeing.
-
Food SafetySpace food must be manufactured, processed, and stored in ways that ensure food safety, preventing the occurrence of foodborne illnesses.
-
Rehydratable/ThermostabilizedMost space food is either rehydratable or thermostabilized to maintain shelf life and ensure it can be prepared with ease. These factors play a significant role in the popularity of food in space.
-
Allergen-safeConsidering any possible allergies or dietary restrictions among astronauts is important while ranking popular foods in space.
-
Resource and Energy EfficiencyPopular space food should ideally be resource and energy-efficient to produce, considering its potential large-scale use for crew members on long-duration missions.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular food in space. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1165 views
- 174 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each food once every 24 hours. The rank of each food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular food in space
Space travel and exploration have always been fascinating subjects for humans. Since the first manned space flight in 1961, astronauts have been exploring the depths of space and conducting experiments in microgravity environments. One of the most interesting aspects of living in space is the food that astronauts consume.
The food that astronauts eat in space must be carefully selected and prepared to meet the unique challenges of space travel. Due to the lack of gravity, food must be packaged and stored in a way that prevents it from floating away. Additionally, the food must be nutritious, easy to prepare, and able to withstand the harsh conditions of space.
Despite the challenges, astronauts are able to enjoy a wide variety of foods while in orbit. From freeze-dried fruits and vegetables to dehydrated meats and soups, astronauts have access to a range of meal options. But what is the most popular food in space? Let's take a closer look.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
