What Is On NASA's Artemis II Menu: Full List Of 189 Items, From Lemonade To Cake

As the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Artemis II mission continues its historic 10‑day journey around the Moon, attention has turned to how the four‑member crew is staying fuelled in deep space. Unlike missions to the International Space Station, Artemis II has no option for fresh supplies or resupply, making its onboard food system critical to mission success. According to NASA, the Artemis II crew has access to several unique menu items, carefully selected to meet nutritional requirements, maintain morale, and work within the constraints of life beyond Earth orbit.

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189 Food Items Packed for Deep‑Space Travel

NASA says all food onboard Artemis II is shelf‑stable and designed to remain safe throughout the mission. Items fall into three main categories:

• Freeze‑dried foods, rehydrated using potable water onboard
• Thermostabilised meals, which are heat‑processed for long storage
• Ready‑to‑eat items, consumed directly from their packaging

Each astronaut participated in taste‑testing and menu selection ahead of launch, choosing foods they preferred while meeting strict nutritional guidelines.

Main Food Items Astronauts Will Eat

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The menu features a mix of comfort foods, plant‑based dishes and protein‑rich meals. Some of the most commonly consumed items include:

• Tortillas (58 in total)
• Wheat flat bread
• Vegetable quiche
• Breakfast sausage
• Couscous with nuts
• Mango salad
• Granola with blueberries
• Almonds and cashews
• Barbecued beef brisket
• Broccoli au gratin
• Spicy green beans
• Macaroni and cheese
• Tropical fruit salad
• Butternut squash
• Cauliflower

Tortillas are preferred over traditional bread because they do not produce crumbs, which can be hazardous in microgravity.

Drink Options Aboard Artemis II

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NASA has stocked more than 10 beverage choices, including both comfort drinks and nutrition‑focused options:

• Coffee
• Green tea
• Mango‑peach smoothie
• Chocolate breakfast drink
• Vanilla breakfast drink
• Strawberry breakfast drink
• Lemonade
• Apple cider
• Pineapple drink
• Cocoa

Five Hot Sauces And Multiple Condiments

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NASA notes that astronauts often experience changes in taste and smell, making condiments essential. Artemis II includes:

• Five different hot sauces
• Maple syrup
• Chocolate spread
• Peanut butter
• Almond butter
• Spicy mustard
• Strawberry jam
• Honey
• Cinnamon

These allow astronauts to customise meals despite limited cooking capability.

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How Much Coffee Will The Crew Drink?

NASA estimates that the Artemis II crew will consume 43 cups of coffee during the mission.

Desserts Included For Comfort

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Sweet options onboard include:

• Pudding
• Cobbler
• Cake
• Cookies
• Chocolate
• Candy‑coated almonds

All food aboard Artemis II is pre‑selected by the astronauts, who took part in extensive taste‑testing ahead of launch. NASA says these food systems will inform menus for future lunar missions and eventual journeys to Mars.

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