NASA has meticulously crafted an impressive menu for the Artemis II mission, which showcases a delicious spread reflecting both the astronauts’ nutritional needs and culinary preferences. Designed to last during the historic journey, the menu includes a variety of delectable options such as barbecued beef brisket, broccoli au gratin, vegetable quiche, and an impressive collection of five different hot sauces. Given the unique challenges of eating in space—particularly the ban on bread due to the potential of crumbs damaging sensitive equipment—the crew will rely on 58 tortillas as an alternative. Other notable items in their expansive selection include cashews, almonds, a vibrant mango salad, and butternut squash, topped off with more than ten beverage varieties, totaling 189 unique food items.
Among the standout selections, Nutella gained particular attention this week when it coincided with a milestone moment for the Artemis II astronauts. As they maneuvered back from the far side of the Moon, breaking a 56-year-old distance record by becoming the humans who traveled furthest from Earth, Nutella’s presence became a talking point.
However, one item not on the official menu is poised to become a cherished memory for the Artemis II crew: Uncrustables. Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen have been promised a lifetime supply of the beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwich, with crusts neatly removed, upon their return.
In a creative social media move, the Uncrustables brand shared a viral post featuring the sandwich hovering over Earth, reminiscent of the stunning images captured during the mission, effectively positioning themselves as part of the astronauts’ post-mission adventure. “Artemis, you rang? We’ve got the crew covered on the OG uncrusted sandwiches from here on out … no joke,” the brand’s message read.
As the astronauts prepared for their splashdown expected around 8:07 PM, they took to NASA’s Orion spacecraft, aptly named Integrity, for their ten-day journey. A request for an abundant supply of Uncrustables was made, and the Navy confirmed that the recovery team would provide plenty of the tasty treats ready to greet them upon their return.
After completing a remarkable journey spanning 252,756 miles and surpassing the Apollo 13 distance record set in 1970, the astronauts found that their desire for a simple peanut butter and grape jelly sandwich—albeit with the crusts cut off—remains a highlight amid the vastness of space travel.
