Just in time for the summer heat, KFC and Mountain Dew have teamed up to deliver what could be this season’s most refreshing guilty pleasure—a bold, creamy, fruit-flavored twist on soda that’s already making waves online. Introducing the all-new Mountain Dew Sweet Lightning Peaches & Cream, a dirty soda exclusive available only at participating KFC restaurants nationwide starting June 9, 2025.

This limited-time concoction blends the tropical notes of peach and honey—already present in KFC’s fan-favorite Sweet Lightning soda—with a luscious vanilla cream swirl that transforms it into what some are calling a “drinkable creamsicle.” Inspired by the viral dirty soda trend popularized by Gen Z and Millennials, the collaboration captures nostalgia, novelty, and flavor in every sip.

KFC’s team confirmed that this is more than just a seasonal gimmick. “It’s about leaning into how customers want to experience flavor—unexpected, fun, and totally Instagrammable,” said a KFC spokesperson. For those unfamiliar, dirty sodas typically involve mixing a carbonated soft drink with flavored syrups and cream, turning a basic beverage into a dessert-like treat.

The Sweet Lightning Peaches & Cream soda can be paired with KFC’s re-released Fill Ups meals, which also returned as part of the brand’s promotional partnership with the upcoming F1: The Movie. Starting at just $7, the Fill Ups include four different box meals, from crispy tenders to the iconic Famous Bowl, each coming with sides, dessert, and a medium drink. Yes, that drink could be your new go-to dirty soda.

But KFC isn’t the only fast-food giant embracing this fizzy phenomenon. Earlier this year, Taco Bell—another Yum! Brands franchise—tested its own version of dirty Mountain Dew Baja Blast, and Papa John’s rolled out a sweet and sour “Cini Dirty Soda” that sparked debate across social media.

Still, KFC’s Peaches & Cream edition feels different. It’s summer bottled, a chilled escape in the form of a soda cup. The limited-edition beverage is already creating buzz on TikTok and Reddit, with early samplers calling it “surprisingly delicious” and “basically summer in a cup.” One viral video even compared it to “what nostalgia would taste like if it had bubbles.”

As soda culture continues to evolve beyond the fountain classics, this creamy, fruity innovation might just solidify KFC’s position at the forefront of the dirty soda craze. But don’t wait too long—the drink is available for a limited time, while supplies last.

We all know fruits are nature’s candy—bursting with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and natural sugars. But did you know that the way you eat them can either boost your health or backfire entirely? According to experts and ancient Ayurvedic wisdom, it’s not just what fruit you eat, but how and when you eat it that determines the benefits your body actually receives.

Celebrity nutritionist and best-selling author Rujuta Diwekar recently dropped a viral reel on Instagram where she broke down four golden rules for consuming fruits—and it’s sparking conversations across wellness communities. “We feel cool, virtuous, and healthy when we eat a big bowl of fruit salad,” she says. “But that’s not how it works.”

🔹 Rule 1: Eat fruits alone, not in a salad or after meals
It’s tempting to toss together a colorful fruit salad or nibble on mangoes after a heavy lunch—but this could be doing more harm than good. Ayurveda warns that mixing different fruits, or eating them right after a meal, can disrupt digestion and lead to bloating, heartburn, and fermentation in the gut. Experts recommend consuming fruits solo, allowing your body to process them without interference from other foods.

🔹 Rule 2: Morning is the best time for fruit
Forget late-night snacking on grapes. Fruits offer the most benefit when eaten on an empty stomach, particularly in the morning or right after a workout. They provide a quick source of natural energy, fuel digestion, and deliver maximum nutrient absorption. Late-day consumption, on the other hand, is said to diminish their potency.

🔹 Rule 3: Always eat fruits whole, never juiced
Blending that orange or juicing those apples may seem convenient—but in doing so, you’re stripping away essential dietary fiber and slowing your digestion. “When you eat a fruit whole, the fiber binds to the natural sugars and helps your body absorb them gradually,” explains Rujuta. This prevents blood sugar spikes and keeps you full longer. In contrast, juice can spike glucose levels and even increase uric acid.

🔹 Rule 4: Choose seasonal and local fruits
That exotic dragon fruit may look Instagram-worthy, but local, seasonal fruits are richer in nutrients and better aligned with your body’s needs. As certified nutrition coach Tanisha Bawa puts it, imported fruits are often harvested before ripening and treated with chemicals to look fresh. Seasonal fruits, however, are naturally designed to help your body adapt to changing climates and fight off seasonal illnesses.

Some additional expert advice? Consider chewing your fruits slowly, and if you’re prone to sugar fluctuations, a handful of nuts before your fruit can help balance the insulin response. This small habit tweak can work wonders for sustained energy and gut health.

In today’s world of fast diets and quick fixes, fruit remains one of the most accessible and wholesome foods available. But to truly unlock its healing power, it’s time we give more thought to how we consume it.

Summer’s heating up—and so are grocery carts at Walmart, especially when it comes to one creamy, tangy, crowd-pleasing classic. While steaks, ribs, and grilled chicken may take center stage on your barbecue table, Walmart’s macaroni salad is quietly stealing the spotlight, one scoop at a time.

Shoppers can’t get enough of the Freshness Guaranteed Macaroni Salads, a trio of ready-to-eat deli delights that deliver big on flavor, convenience, and value. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend cookout or just need an easy side for lunch, these pre-made salads have become the go-to summer staple for countless households.

What makes them stand out? According to loyal fans, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and tangy, with the right crunch from chopped red bell peppers and carrots. Reviewers rave that the flavor reminds them of “grandma’s recipe”—if grandma also kept the price under five bucks.

The range includes Amish Macaroni Salad, Original Macaroni Salad, and Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad. Each variation brings its own twist while sticking to a comforting base of cooked macaroni, mayonnaise dressing, and finely diced vegetables.

Let’s break down the flavors that have shoppers hooked:

🔸 Amish Macaroni Salad
A 32-ounce container of this sweet, egg-rich salad sells for about $4.67 (location-dependent). With ingredients like sugar, mustard, vinegar, and chopped red bell pepper, this variety leans into its dessert-like sweetness. Its cult following even inspired viral copycat recipes on Reddit and TikTok, with fans asking, “Why is this so addictive?”

🔸 Original Macaroni Salad
For those craving a more savory punch, this version adds sour cream, celery, green onions, and parsley. It’s rich, balanced, and easily customizable. One Walmart reviewer wrote, “This is my go-to when I don’t have time to make my own. I add a few extra ingredients and it tastes just like homemade.” Many even compare it favorably to more expensive options at rival chains like Publix.

🔸 Deviled Egg Macaroni Salad
Love deviled eggs? Then this one’s for you. This 16-ounce variety blends hard-boiled eggs, sweet pickle relish, mustard, and a dash of cayenne for just the right kick. One shopper declared it “the only store-bought mac salad that reminded me of home.” It’s spicy, creamy, and the perfect match for grilled meats.

All three flavors are found in the refrigerated deli section and are also available online for delivery in select locations. And just like Walmart’s Loaded or Mustard Potato Salads, these pasta-based sides are a fast and flavorful way to elevate your summer menu without breaking a sweat—or the bank.

Whether you’re serving up ribs, fried chicken, or just looking for a satisfying midday snack, Walmart’s macaroni salads are delivering nostalgia and flavor in every bite. In a season where time is short and appetites are large, this simple deli gem is earning its place on picnic tables across America.