Last Updated on April 8, 2026 by Brian Kay
Photo by RockinFoodie.com
The idea of pairing a classic American snack with a modern space mission might sound unexpected at first, but it actually makes perfect sense. With the Artemis missions putting astronauts back on a path toward the Moon, it felt like the perfect time to revisit one of the most iconic treats ever created with that same inspiration, the MoonPie. That set the stage for a six-flavor taste test, done in real time, with no script, no filters, just honest reactions as each one was opened and tasted.
MoonPies date back to 1917, when they were created by the Chattanooga Bakery in Tennessee. The original concept came from a coal miner who wanted a snack that was large, filling, and affordable, something that could hold up during long workdays. The result was simple but effective: two Graham cookies with a marshmallow filling, coated in chocolate. Over the decades, the product became a staple across the American South and eventually expanded nationwide, with new flavors introduced to keep the brand relevant. Today, MoonPies remain a recognizable name in the snack-food industry, balancing their long history with a growing lineup of varieties that appeal to modern tastes.
For this review, six different MoonPie flavors were put head-to-head in a tribute to the Artemis space mission. Each one was judged in the moment, based purely on taste, texture, and overall impact.
Chocolate MoonPie
The original chocolate flavor set the tone immediately. As soon as the package opened, that familiar aroma hit right away, signaling something classic and satisfying. The thickness stood out, and from the first bite, it delivered exactly what you expect from a MoonPie. This one landed at a perfect 10 out of 10, establishing a high bar right from the start.
Vanilla MoonPie
The vanilla version kept the momentum going without missing a step. The smell alone made an impression, and once tasted, it matched the chocolate in quality and enjoyment. Smooth, balanced, and just as satisfying, it earned another 10 out of 10, putting it in a dead tie early in the competition.
Banana MoonPie
The banana flavor changed everything. The aroma came through instantly, strong and unmistakable, and the taste followed with even more impact. This was the first one to break past expectations, delivering a flavor that stood out from the rest of the lineup. It took the lead with a 10.5, becoming the clear frontrunner.
Strawberry MoonPie
The strawberry version brought a different kind of appeal. The bright color made an impression before even taking a bite, giving it an inviting look. Once tasted, it delivered a solid performance, though not quite at the level of the top contenders. It came in at a 9.5, still strong, but just below the earlier favorites.
Salted Caramel MoonPie
Salted caramel was the most unpredictable of the group. The first bite hit hard with flavor, creating the impression that it might challenge for the top spot. But that initial impact faded quickly, and the balance between the coating and filling didn’t hold up as expected. It ended up being the biggest letdown of the test, finishing with a 7.
Final Results
When it was all said and done, the banana MoonPie took the top spot with a score of 10.5. Chocolate and vanilla both delivered perfect scores and stayed true to the brand’s roots, while strawberry held its own just behind them. Salted caramel started strong but couldn’t sustain it, making it the only flavor that fell significantly behind.
MoonPies continue to prove why they’ve lasted for more than a century. The core concept still works, and with the addition of new flavors, the brand has found a way to stay relevant while honoring its original identity.
Before wrapping this up, take a look at the full video below to see exactly how each of these played out in real time. Every reaction, every score, and every moment is right there as it happened, giving you the full, unfiltered experience of this MoonPie taste test.
