Scientists reveal the surprising reason why astronauts avoid eating one of the world’s most popular foods while living on the ISS
Astronauts follow a strict diet while in space. Their meals are carefully planned to ensure proper nutrition and safety.
However, one of the world’s most common foods is banned aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Well, that food is bread.
The unexpected dangers of bread in space
Bread may seem harmless, but it poses a significant risk in microgravity.
When astronauts break or bite into bread, tiny crumbs scatter into the air.
These floating crumbs can damage sensitive equipment, clog air filters, or even enter an astronaut’s eyes and lungs.
NASA once attempted to include sandwiches in space missions. However, bread quickly became a problem.
Additionally, it didn’t stay fresh for long and created too many floating crumbs.
This led NASA to search for alternative options.
How astronauts replace bread in space
Since bread is off-limits, astronauts use tortillas instead. In 1985, Mexican Payload Specialist Rodolfo Neri Vela requested tortillas as part of his food supply.
Then, NASA quickly realized that tortillas were a perfect substitute for bread. Unlike bread, tortillas don’t produce crumbs that could float around and cause problems.
On the X platform, NASA also discussed the distinct lack of bread on the ISS.
They wrote: “Sandwiches were tried but proved less than ideal, as the bread didn’t stay very fresh and caused crumbs that would float away in the cabin and possibly cause harm to sensitive equipment or even get in the astronaut’s eyes or lungs.”
Astronauts use tortillas to make creative meals. They spread peanut butter and jelly for a quick snack.
Additionally, they create breakfast burritos with eggs and bacon.
In 2015, astronaut Terry Virts even made a “space cheeseburger” using a tortilla, a beef patty, cheese, tomato paste, and Russian mustard.
Special efforts to bring bread-like food to space
While traditional bread remains a problem, some chefs and scientists have worked on alternatives. In 2016, British astronaut Tim Peake enjoyed a bacon sandwich in space.
Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal designed a special version packed in a can. The sandwich used dense bread with no crusts to reduce crumbs.
Even with these innovations, astronauts still rely on tortillas instead of bread. Space agencies continue to experiment with new ways to bring more food variety to space, but a traditional sandwich remains out of reach for now.
While, food technology is evolving, and space missions are getting longer.
NASA and other space agencies are researching new ways to provide astronauts with fresh food.
Scientists are exploring 3D-printed meals, space farming, and even baking in microgravity.
Until then, tortillas will remain the go-to choice for astronauts craving a sandwich in space.