Nutella Goes Viral on NASA’s Artemis II Moon Mission

A jar of Nutella became an unexpected centerpiece of the Artemis II mission on April 6, 2026, after it was captured floating through the Orion spacecraft during a NASA livestream. The moment occurred shortly before the crew reached the greatest distance from Earth ever traveled by humans, surpassing a record previously set in 1970.

The footage, which quickly went viral across social media, showed the chocolate-hazelnut spread drifting and rotating in zero gravity. Observers noted that the jar appeared label-forward and perfectly framed, leading many internet users to describe the event as one of the most effective unplanned marketing moments in history.

Nutella’s marketing team responded to the visibility by sharing the video on X, stating the company was Honored to have traveled further than any spread in history. Taking spreading smiles to new heights.

The company also utilized Instagram to capitalize on the moment, posting a graphic with the caption Houston, we have Nutella in space and the phrase Now enjoyed in space.

Deep Space Logistics and Nutrition

While the floating jar provided a viral moment, it also highlighted the specific logistical constraints of the Orion spacecraft. Unlike some other space habitats, Orion lacks a refrigerator, necessitating a reliance on shelf-stable food options for the crew during their 10-day mission.

Space food experts collaborated with the Artemis II astronauts to develop a menu capable of powering the crew through the journey. This included a selection of 189 different menu items that require rehydration before consumption.

The specialized diet for the mission includes a variety of items designed for stability and nutrition in microgravity, such as:

• Shrimp cocktail in a bag
• Barbecued beef brisket
• Broccoli au gratin
• Vegetable quiche
• Couscous with nuts
• Mango salad
• Spicy green beans
• Macaroni and cheese

The appearance of the Nutella jar served as a practical demonstration of microgravity, where items can drift freely through the cabin, making them available to the crew simply by grabbing them as they float by.

The viral clip has since garnered significant attention, with one social media user calling it The greatest free advert in history.