2026-2027 Theme: Mediterranean Dish

The Culinary Challenge is broken down into three sections. Each of these is an important part of the program. These sections are the Final Paper, Video, and Entrée (Food Prep, Recipe Meeting Astronaut Nutritional Standards). This year there will be a food handling and safety training from the ACF and at the finals students will have to adhere to these aspects and will be graded on following those procedures.

The Mediterranean dish must meet the following nutritional guidelines:

Calories: 150-300

Fat: 8 grams of less

Sat. Fat: 2 grams or less

Sodium: 300 mg or less

Dietary Fiber: 2 grams or more

Must process well for spaceflight and microgravity. No sauces, dressings can have raw eggs or egg whites. No alcohol in recipe such as cooking wine, brandy, etc.