# Intergalactic Commemorative Candies The NASA Space-Themed M & M's are Out of This World By Marie | Published 2011-07-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nasa-space-themed-mms References: [space](http://www.space.com/12273-nasa-space-shuttle-chocolate-candy-sendoff.html) To commemorate America's final shuttle launch on July 8th 2011, Mars Chocolate North America created the official NASA space-themed M & M's. The milk-chocolate treats have been traveling on NASA's spaceships since the first mission in 1981, aboard the Columbia shuttle. Having been a part of space crews' diets for over 130 missions, M & Ms can very well be these individuals' favorite treat. While one side of the commemorative candies still bears the company's trademark logo, the other features one of three designs -- a small space shuttle sketch, "July 8th, 2001," or "3... 2... 1... Lift Off!" The red, white and blue NASA space-themed M&M's have not been made available to the public, but it seems likely they'll be brought out in the future as a collector's item. The special edition candies are a simple and sweet thank-you to the space program and crew for all they've done in the last few decades. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Space-themed Collectibles:** The creation of NASA space-themed M&M's presents an opportunity for businesses to tap into the market of collectible space-themed merchandise. - **Corporate Sponsorship in Space Exploration:** The collaboration between Mars Chocolate North America and NASA highlights the potential for businesses to form partnerships with space exploration agencies and promote their brand through space missions. - **Nostalgic Branding:** The release of commemorative NASA M&M's allows businesses to leverage nostalgic branding strategies, appealing to consumers who have a connection to the history of space exploration. ### Who This Affects Most - **Confectionery:** The confectionery industry can explore the creation of limited edition space-themed candies to attract collectors and space enthusiasts. - **Space Exploration:** The collaboration with Mars Chocolate North America opens up opportunities for the space exploration industry to forge partnerships with private companies for funding and sponsorship. - **Marketing and Advertising:** The NASA space-themed M&M's provide inspiration for marketing and advertising agencies to explore unique promotional strategies that leverage nostalgia and a sense of adventure. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [NFT-Inspired Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-mms.md) - [Ice Cream-Inspired Chocolate Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mms-cookies-creme.md) - [Superhero Chocolate Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mms-and-marvel.md) - [Playful Space-Themed Desserts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacethemed-dessert.md) - [Galactic Sandwich Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-space-dunk.md) - [Prehistoric Blockbuster Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mms-mega-peanut-butter.md) - [Celestial Dipped Donuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/artemis-moon-doughnut.md) - [Crispy Collaboration Brittle Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brownie-brittle-red-white-and-blue-mms-mix.md) - [Celebration-Themed Candy Gifts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/celebrationthemed-candy-gifts.md)