This Viral Jalapeño-Flavored Milk Is Back at Walmart

During the 2023 holiday season — and even the year prior — many social media users searching for Thanksgiving side dish inspiration likely came across a particular viral recipe: Tini’s Mac and Cheese.  

Tineke Younger (@tinekeyounger), better known as Tini, is a former Next Level Chef contestant and a chef with a massive social media following — 11 million followers on TikTok and more than a million on Instagram. In November 2023, Younger shared a tutorial on how to make her mac and cheese, and the video quickly went viral, amassing 139 million views as of this writing.

In the tutorial, Younger reveals her secret ingredient: a can of Nestlé’s Carnation evaporated milk. The unexpected detail sparked widespread interest — and eventually led to a brand collaboration. Last year, Carnation teamed up with Younger to launch its first-ever flavor innovation: Kickin’ Jalapeño Flavored Evaporated Milk.

“This collaboration was specifically designed for mac and cheese lovers as a limited-time promotion — a spicy twist on Tini’s already viral mac and cheese recipe,” Carnation tells Food & Wine. 

In 2024, the jalapeño-infused milk debuted through a limited social giveaway on a first-come, first-served basis. “There were three drops leading up to National Mac and Cheese Day, with each ‘selling out’ in mere seconds,” the brand explains.

Now, Kickin’ Jalapeño Flavored Evaporated Milk — featuring “the perfect hint of heat from natural jalapeño flavor” — is making a return. Beginning June 16, it will be available nationwide via Walmart.com for an MSRP of $1.84. “For generations, Carnation has been the secret ingredient to elevate recipes from ordinary to extraordinary,” said Lais Ferreira, senior marketing manager at Carnation.. 

“Spicy foods are having a serious moment, and the love for Carnation Kickin’ Jalapeño Flavored Evaporated Milk has been unreal,” says Younger, reflecting on the product’s return. “Last year, demand was through the roof — people were trying to get their hands on every last can. That’s why it’s so exciting to team up with Carnation again to bring back this fiery favorite. And this time, even more people can get in on the heat.”

Carnation confirms to Food & Wine that the product will be available while supplies last. And although it will be sold online starting today, it’s also set to hit Walmart shelves exclusively in September. So, if you love a creamy–spicy combo, be sure to grab a can or two through this link before they’re gone. 

When asked about Younger’s role in developing the product, Carnation clarified: “While Tini’s mac and cheese was an inspiration behind the product, Tini was not directly involved in the development process.” Still, as the creative force behind the viral recipe, Younger is enthusiastic about the relaunch. “I can’t wait to see the bold, mouthwatering recipes everyone whips up,” she says.

So, what exactly is evaporated milk? Evaporated milk is a canned product made by evaporating regular cow's milk to reduce about 60% of its water content. Once the water is removed, the milk is homogenized to thicken it and make it shelf-stable.

According to Healthline, after this process, evaporated milk’s “nutrient composition remains intact, making it a nutrient-rich milk product,” and it also “allows for prolonged preservation.” The homogenization step prevents milk from separating, makes it smoother, and extends its shelf life. 

Evaporated milk’s stability and portability made it a crucial supply during the Great War and World War II, serving both civilians in need of preserving food for long periods and providing a reliable source of nutrition for soldiers.

Whether you’re a spice fiend, a mac and cheese purist looking to live a little, or just a fan of viral food moments, one thing’s for sure: this isn’t your grandma’s evaporated milk — unless, of course, grandma likes it with a kick.