The length of shuttle missions steadily increased from the first mission in 1981 of 2 days, to 14 days for STS-50 in June 1992. To accommodate the weight and volume of trash generated on longer missions, new food and beverage packages needed to be developed.

The new beverage package was made from a foil laminate to provide for a longer shelf life. A septum was designed to interface with the galley water dispenser and with a straw.

The foil design replaced the square polyethylene packages common to missions prior to STS-44.

The packaging for rehydratable food was also made from flexible material to aid in trash compression. Designed with a translucent bowl and lid with a septum adapter for adding water, the package uses velcro to hold it to the meal tray. The package top is cut off with a knife or scissors and the contents are eaten with a fork or spoon.

The flexible food container has now permanently replaced the rigid square rehydratable package.

This selection of "modern" space food includes a Granola Bar, Creamed Spinach, Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce and Lemon/Lime Drink. A "Handy-Snacks" chocolate pudding bowl (not pictured) completes this set, which was provided by NASA for an educational broadcast.