Chicago, a city known for its deep-dish pizza and towering skyscrapers, is about to add another sweet treat to its resume. Nutella, the beloved hazelnut spread, is getting a makeover with a peanut twist, and it's all happening in the Windy City. This isn't just a simple flavor change; it's a big deal. Nutella hasn't had a new flavor in over 60 years.

The new spread, Nutella Peanut, is set to hit store shelves in April 2026. It's been in the works for five years, developed by Ferrero's food scientists. The company is investing $75 million in its Franklin Park factory and creating 65 new jobs. This factory already makes popular candies like Baby Ruth and Butterfinger, so it's a natural fit for the new peanut-flavored spread.

But why peanuts? Well, peanut butter is a staple in North America. So, adding peanuts to Nutella seems like a smart move. However, it's not just about slapping peanuts into the mix. The goal is to keep that distinct European flavor that Nutella is known for. It's more of an afternoon snack than a lunch item, according to the marketing team.

The new flavor will be unveiled at the Sweets & Snacks Expo, an annual event that started in Chicago. This event is a big deal for Ferrero, as it's a chance to show off its new products and innovations. Ferrero, founded in 1946, is now the third-largest confectionery company in the world. It has plants across five continents and over 47, 500 employees. Its products, like Nutella, Kinder, and Ferrero Rocher, have been gaining traction in the U. S. in recent years.

Ferrero has been making some big moves in the U. S. , especially in Chicago. It bought century-old candymakers Ferrara and Fannie May in 2017. The following year, it acquired Nestle's U. S. confectionery business, adding brands like Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, and Crunch. Ferrero has also invested significantly in its Illinois properties, including a $285 million expansion at its Bloomington plant.

But Ferrero's impact in Chicago isn't just about manufacturing. It opened its first Nutella Cafe on Michigan Avenue eight years ago. A Nutella Peanut menu item will be coming to the cafe next year. In 2023, Ferrero launched its North American research and development facility in the Marshall Field building on State Street. This lab has already created new Butterfinger flavors and Crunch White.

The success of Nutella Peanut could mean big things for Chicago. If the launch goes well, the Franklin Park factory will likely be expanded to handle increased production. This could mean more jobs and a bigger footprint for Ferrero in the city. It's a sweet deal for Chicago and a tasty treat for Nutella fans.

Chicago's Sweet Surprise: Nutella's New Peanut Twist

The story of Nerds Gummy Clusters is a tale of obsession, addiction, and the power of candy to bring people together. It's a story that highlights the complexities of human desire and the ways in which we seek comfort and pleasure in the darkest of times. But it's also a story that raises important questions about the impact of our consumption habits on our health and well-being.

At its core, the story of Nerds Gummy Clusters is one of innovation and iteration. The candy's creators, Ferrara Candy Company, have been perfecting the recipe for decades, and their latest creation - the Gummy Clusters format - is a masterclass in refinement. By affixing the pellets to the exterior of a spherical, gumdrop-size ball, the company has created a snack that is both mess-free and multi-sensory.

But the real magic happens when you look at the people who are obsessed with Nerds Gummy Clusters. They're a passionate bunch, with a fervor that borders on the fanatical. They're the kind of people who will go to great lengths to get their hands on the candy, who will convert their friends into fellow enthusiasts, and who will evangelize for the cause to anyone who will listen.

As we delve deeper into the world of Nerds Gummy Clusters, we're forced to confront some uncomfortable truths. The candy contains seven "food additives of concern," including coloring agents like Blue 1, Yellow 5, and Red 40. And while it may be wrapped in a cute, brightly colored, and cheerful package, inside, there's more toxins than ever needs to be in our body.

So, is it worth it? Is the pleasure and comfort that Nerds Gummy Clusters bring worth the potential risks to our health? That's a question that each of us must answer for ourselves. But one thing is clear: the obsession with Nerds Gummy Clusters is real, and it's not going away anytime soon.

FERRARA

Chicago's Sweet Surprise: Nutella's New Peanut Twist

The Sweet Obsession: How Nerds Gummy Clusters Conquered the World