Snacks and Cravings
AK

Aylin Kaya

Contributing Editor

Aylin Kaya brings a world of flavor to Snacks and Cravings as a Contributing Editor. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a subsequent degree in nutritional science, Aylin's career has taken her from test kitchens in New York to street food stalls in Istanbul. She believes that snacks are a universal language and a gateway to understanding different cultures. Her first cookbook, 'The Global Pantry,' was a finalist for a James Beard Award. At Snacks and Cravings, she deconstructs the history of iconic international treats, develops healthier alternatives, and shares recipes that turn everyday snacking into a culinary adventure.

Expertise

International CuisineCulinary HistoryNutritional ScienceRecipe Development

Coverage Areas

Global Flavors
Healthy Bites
Recipes
Food Science

Latest Articles

Close-up of a defined bicep muscle symbolizing strength and health, with a subtle background suggesting medical advancement and positive health outcomes.
Healthy Bites

Apitegromab drug helps GLP-1 users keep muscle mass

In a recent trial, an experimental drug helped patients on GLP-1 medications reduce muscle loss to just 14.

Jun 12, 2026 · 3 min read

Shoppers in a grocery store aisle closely inspecting nutrition labels on food products, with a focus on protein content.
Food Science

Consumers prioritize protein on nutrition labels for value

Nearly half of all shoppers, 42%, now actively scan nutrition labels specifically for protein content before buying a product, according to Food Dive .

Jun 12, 2026 · 2 min read

Stars + Honey collagen protein bars displayed attractively, with a subtle background suggesting consumer interest and investment.
Healthy Bites

VMG Partners Invests in Stars + Honey Collagen Protein Bars

Detroit-based Stars + Honey, a collagen protein bar brand, rocketed to 300% growth last year, drawing a $24 million investment from VMG Partners.

Jun 10, 2026 · 2 min read

A single, striking red-shelled Rubyglow pineapple from Fresh Del Monte, priced at $395, presented as a luxury item.
Global Flavors

Fresh Del Monte's $395 Rubyglow Pineapple Fuels Expensive Tropical Fruit Market

Fresh Del Monte's Rubyglow pineapple commands a staggering $395 price tag, a fruit that demands nearly two years of meticulous cultivation, according to IndexBox .

Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read

A refreshing glass of Milo's Blackberry Iced Tea, garnished with fresh blackberries and mint, showcasing its vibrant color and condensation.
Food Science

Tasting Table Ranks Blackberry Iced Tea as Best Milo's Flavor

Milo's limited edition Blackberry Iced Tea recently claimed the top position in Tasting Table's comprehensive ranking of Milo's Iced Tea flavors.

Jun 8, 2026 · 3 min read

A variety of fresh vegetables, whole-wheat bread, and a jar of hummus arranged on a kitchen counter, ready for making healthy meals.
Healthy Bites

Whip up easy healthy meals using store-bought hummus

A single tablespoon of hummus can replace mayonnaise in a BLT, adding protein, fiber, and healthy fats while transforming a classic sandwich, according to Bon Appétit .

Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read

Business leaders shaking hands, symbolizing the acquisition of Good Karma Foods and No Cow by Trek One Capital, set against a modern, plant-infused cityscape.
Recipes

Trek One Capital Buys Good Karma Foods

On May 18, 2026, Trek One Capital announced the simultaneous acquisition of two distinct plant-based brands, No Cow and Good Karma Foods.

Jun 8, 2026 · 2 min read

A ghostly image of Chick-fil-A's discontinued carrot raisin salad and chicken salad sandwich displayed on a diner counter.
Global Flavors

Fans Miss These Discontinued Chick-fil-A Menu Items

For 46 years, Chick-fil-A's carrot raisin salad was a menu staple, abruptly discontinued in 2013, leaving a void for long-time patrons.

Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read

New CEO Jennifer Jorgensen at Back to Nature, poised to lead a strategic re-evaluation amidst a competitive natural foods market.
Recipes

Back to Nature Hires New CEO to Lead Strategic Re-evaluation

Jennifer Jorgensen now leads Back to Nature as its new president and CEO.

Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read

A giant Snickers bar casting a shadow over a Reese's peanut butter cup in a colorful, candy-themed landscape, symbolizing a marketing battle.
Food Science

Snickers Targets 'Reese' with New Peanut Butter Campaign

Snickers launched a new marketing campaign promoting its peanut butter-flavored snacks, offering a year's supply to consumers named 'Reese' who sign a pledge of support, according to Food Dive .

Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read

A diverse array of innovative and healthy snack products displayed in a modern supermarket setting, highlighting the growth of better-for-you options.
Healthy Bites

Innovators Seize Better-For-You Snacking Opportunities in 2026

In late May 2026, PepsiCo, a titan of the snack industry, launched PopCorners Protein, a chip boasting 9 grams of protein per serving.

Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read

PepsiCo products displayed in a convenience store, showcasing new smaller can sizes and varied price points for 2026.
Global Flavors

PepsiCo tests new sizes, prices for 2026 convenience stores

PepsiCo is testing new price points and product sizes for convenience stores in 2026, including a 13-ounce can and mini cans priced around $1.

Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read

Barry Callebaut's ChoViva cocoa-free chocolate being processed in a modern, sustainable factory setting, highlighting innovation in food manufacturing.
Global Flavors

Barry Callebaut partners with Planet A Foods to expand ChoViva

Barry Callebaut, the world's largest chocolate manufacturer, made a bold move this year, announcing a major US deal for its cocoa-free alternative, ChoViva.

Jun 5, 2026 · 2 min read

A new mother holding her baby, reaching for a healthy protein snack on her kitchen counter, symbolizing easy nutrition for lactation.
Recipes

New Moms Get Easy Protein Boosts for Better Lactation

Lactating women require an additional 25 grams of protein daily, a physiological need often unmet.

Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read

Split image contrasting healthy groceries with sugary drinks and candy, symbolizing the impact of SNAP waivers on spending and habits.
Beverages

SNAP waivers shift spending, not necessarily habits

In states with SNAP waivers, purchases of sugary drinks by benefit recipients have dropped by 15% and candy by 19.

May 30, 2026 · 2 min read

Hot Pockets Snack Breaks and Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers presented side-by-side, showcasing new convenient snack options.
Recipes

Hot Pockets Debuts Snack Breaks, Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers

A 3.25 oz pack of Hidden Valley Ranch Dippers, featuring chicken strips and ranch dressing, now costs $3.79, according to Kroger . This premium pricing signals a bold strategic move for the condiment

May 30, 2026 · 2 min read

Chef Michael Symon showcasing his recommended beginner charcoal smoker grill, emphasizing ease of use for achieving pro-level smoked meats.
Food Science

Michael Symon Shares His Top Beginner Smoker Grill Picks

Celebrity chef Michael Symon, known for his bold flavors, states that beginners can achieve "pro-level flavor" in smoked meats using a charcoal smoker.

May 24, 2026 · 3 min read

A chilled can of Bang Energy Blue Razz energy drink, showcasing its distinctive blue color and branding, ready for consumption.
Food Science

Bang Blue Razz Energy Drink Review: Flavor & Value Explored

A single can of Bang Energy Blue Razz is now available for $2.

May 23, 2026 · 2 min read

Khloud Foods snack products prominently displayed on shelves in a busy retail store, with shoppers enthusiastically choosing them.
Recipes

Khloud Foods Secures $12.5 Million to Expand Retail Presence

In under a year, Khloud Foods has expanded to over 29,000 doors nationwide, according to Forbes .

May 23, 2026 · 2 min read

A futuristic beverage laboratory with scientists analyzing innovative drink prototypes and holographic displays, representing cutting-edge product development.
Food Science

Beverage Companies Drive Booming Innovation Trends with New Product Launches

Molson Coors' non-alcoholic Blue Moon brand soared by 25%, according to Forbes .

May 22, 2026 · 3 min read