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Krispy Kreme is launching a limited edition Artemis II Doughnut from March 31 to April 2, 2026, coinciding with NASA’s historic mission. This unique treat features blue vanilla-flavored icing, Oreo crunch, and a cookies-and-cream flavored buttercream dollop, topped with a striking red chevron.
The Artemis II mission marks a significant milestone as it includes a diverse crew: Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. Glover and Koch will make history as the first person of color and first woman, respectively, to leave low Earth orbit. Hansen will also become the first astronaut from a country other than the U.S. to fly to the moon.
The Artemis II mission is a 10-day flight, potentially taking astronauts further from Earth than any previous mission. This follows a 50-year gap since astronauts last launched to the moon, making the upcoming mission a pivotal moment in space exploration.
Krispy Kreme has a history of celebrating NASA missions, having previously released special doughnuts for Artemis I and Apollo 11. The Artemis II Doughnut is part of the Artemis II Specialty Dozen, which includes six Original Glazed doughnuts, allowing fans to indulge in a delicious way while commemorating this monumental event.
Alison Holder, a spokesperson for Krispy Kreme, stated, “Big moments bring people together, and it doesn’t get much bigger than humans heading back into deep space.” She added, “We took our iconic Original Glazed doughnut and gave it a mission worthy makeover so fans can celebrate Artemis II in a fun, delicious way, right alongside history.”
In Canada, Tim Hortons has also joined the celebration by renaming its doughnut holes to Moonbits in honor of the Artemis II mission, showcasing the widespread excitement surrounding this event.
As the launch date approaches, anticipation builds for both the mission and the special doughnut. Observers are eager to see how the Artemis II crew will perform during their historic journey, and details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional festivities surrounding the launch.
Krispy Kreme’s doughnuts were previously sold at the Kennedy Space Center during the Apollo 11 launch in 1969, further linking the brand to significant moments in space history. The upcoming Artemis II mission promises to be another chapter in this ongoing saga of human exploration beyond our planet.
