Beef jerky is great, but knowing it’s a favorite of astronauts everywhere makes it a tad bit cooler in our eyes. Meals in space need to be selected carefully—they have to provide nutrients that are essential for general wellbeing, but they must also occupy little space, can’t require refrigeration, and must be apt to consume in a zero-gravity environment. Easy to eat, occupies little space, and full of nutrients—no wonder astronauts love beef jerky. It’s well-known that astronauts can request extra food items, and beef jerky is a favorite. Other than its delicious flavor, it has the advantage of being light to carry, easy to eat, and full of protein and calories, needed to reach optimum energy levels.