Here’s your updated weekly food news roundup, featuring the latest in culinary innovations, celebrity events, and fast-food hacks:

Nutella Introduces First New Flavor in Over 60 Years

For the first time since its inception in 1964, Nutella is launching a new flavor: Nutella Peanut. This blend combines the classic hazelnut-chocolate spread with roasted peanuts, catering to American tastes where peanuts dominate nut consumption. The new spread is set to debut in the U.S. in spring 2026, produced at Ferrero’s Chicago facility. “We didn’t want it to be another peanut butter,” Seth Gonzalez, the senior director of marketing for Nutella, told the Tribune. “There’s a reason why cocoa is still connected as a peanut-and-cocoa formula, instead of just peanuts. It’s more afternoon snacking than lunch, for example.”

Papa John’s and Mountain Dew Collaborate on “Cini Dirty Soda”

Papa John’s and Mountain Dew have teamed up to create the Cini Dirty Soda, a limited-time beverage that mixes citrusy Mountain Dew with the tangy flavor of Papa John’s pepperoncini. Inspired by the viral dirty soda trend, this DIY kit includes all necessary ingredients and is available while supplies last.

Meli: A New Quinoa-Based, Gluten-Free Beer

Introducing Meli, a beer made entirely from organic quinoa, offering a gluten-free and sugar-free alternative with 4.4% alcohol content. Developed by Samara Oster, a Harvard and MIT alumna, Meli aims to provide a healthier beer option and is now available in Massachusetts and online.

Jimmy Kimmel Hosts Exclusive Backyard Summer Cookout

Jimmy Kimmel is partnering with Airbnb to host a unique backyard summer cookout as part of Airbnb’s newly redesigned Experiences section. Set for July 1 and 2, 2025, the event is part of Airbnb Originals, a series of extraordinary experiences with notable hosts. Kimmel’s cookout will feature a collaborative cooking event with his chef friends Adam Perry Lang, known for his wood-fire barbequing, and James Beard Award-winner Chris Bianco, famed for his pizzas. Attendees can expect a farmers market-inspired, ever-changing menu, hands-on grilling lessons, and personal interactions with the hosts. Only 40 participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis when booking opens on May 22. Tickets cost $50, with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Hospital L.A.—a cause close to Kimmel’s heart. Participants will also receive a Grill Master’s Gift Kit and photo opportunities with Kimmel.

McDonald’s Hacks: Save Money and Customize Your Meal

Don’t miss out on these three practical McDonald’s hacks:

  • Cotton Candy Sprite: Add three pumps of French vanilla syrup to your Sprite for a sweet, nostalgic flavor.

  • Budget Big Mac: To mimic a Big Mac at a lower price, order a McDouble, remove ketchup and mustard, and add lettuce and Big Mac sauce.

  • Free Sandwich Survey: Complete a short survey at mcdvoice.com using your receipt to receive a validation code for a free sandwich with the purchase of a drink or fries.