Why astronauts struggle to enjoy food in space—and how NASA is fixing it

Eating in space is far less enjoyable than on Earth, according to astronauts and new research. The unusual environment of a spacecraft, such as the International Space Station (ISS), alters how food smells and tastes, making meals feel bland and unappealing. Scientists have now explored why this happens—and how to fix it.

A recent study used virtual reality to recreate the ISS environment. Participants tested aromas like vanilla and almond in two settings: a simulated space station and a simple partitioned booth. The results showed that microgravity and confinement weakened olfactory sensitivity, making scents—and therefore flavours—seem duller.

Sweet-smelling molecules, however, stood out more in the space-like setting. This finding suggests that stronger, familiar aromas could help improve food enjoyment in orbit. Since 2015, NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have tested solutions like vanilla-enhanced drinks and almond-flavored protein bars to boost palatability.

The issue goes beyond taste. Astronauts often struggle to eat enough, even with carefully planned diets. A blocked-nose sensation caused by zero gravity further reduces appetite. The monotonous surroundings also play a role, making meals feel less satisfying.

Researchers from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and ESA's food sensory labs have documented these effects. Their work aims to design better space menus, ensuring astronauts get the energy they need while keeping food appealing.

The study highlights how space travel changes the way we experience food. By focusing on stronger, more familiar scents, future missions could improve meal satisfaction and nutrition. These adjustments may also help maintain astronauts' psychological well-being during long stays in orbit.