In the early 1980's, Cracker Jack was available in white plastic tubs, much like margarine or whipped topping containers, in addition to Cracker Jack boxes. Prizes in the tubs were different from those found in boxes, and they were considerably larger. The "Cracker Jack Mission to Mars Space Race Game" is one of these tub prizes.

The game is made of paper and is almost 3" x 3 3/4" when completely folded. But when the prize is unfolded, a colorful "board" game for up to four players is revealed that measures 7 1/2" x almost 12" with instructions at the bottom. Coins work double duty in the game, serving both to mark players' positions and to scratch off spaces with instructions for advancing toward Mars.

The back of this prize is marked "Tub Series #1-5," indicating it is number "5" of the series "1" tub prizes. In reality, this was not the first tub prize series. The tubs were first test marketed in limited areas (Houston and Grand Rapids, according to a newspaper article at the time) prior to national distribution. The prizes in the test market containers were not numbered and were different from the subsequent numbered tub prize series.

Other games in this series of five include "Cracker Jack Derby," "Cracker Jack Obstacle Course," "Cracker Jack Popcorn and Peanuts," and "Cracker Jack Underwater Treasure Hunt." The prizes were packaged in translucent glassine envelopes with no printing on them.