Snacks and Cravings

Arthur Pendelton

Senior Editor & Lead Reviewer

Arthur Pendelton began his career at 'Gourmet Fare' magazine in the late 80s, where he honed his skills in taste analysis and culinary critique. He later served as the head of the test kitchen for 'Modern Pantry', developing a reputation for his uncompromising standards and deep knowledge of food manufacturing. Arthur joined 'Snacks and Cravings' as its first editor, establishing the publication's rigorous review methodology. His long-form essays on the evolution of iconic brands are considered essential reading in the CPG industry.

Expertise

Confectionery & ChocolateClassic American SnacksFood HistoryTaste Profile AnalysisSalty Snacks (Chips, Pretzels)Manufacturing ProcessesBrand Legacy

Coverage Areas

In-depth Snack Reviews
The Pantry: Classics Revisited
Historical Deep Dives

Latest Articles

Kroger and Aldi private brand products prominently displayed on grocery store shelves, showcasing their growth amidst supply chain challenges.
Reviews

Kroger and Aldi Drive Private Brand Growth Amid Supply Chain Challenges

In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, Kroger's 'Our Brands' portfolio outpaced national brands by 175 basis points, according to TradingView .

Jun 26, 2026 · 2 min read

Heather Hoytink, the newly appointed US President of The Hershey Company, walks towards the factory entrance, symbolizing a new era of leadership starting in 2026.
Reviews

Hershey Appoints Heather Hoytink as US President, Starts 2026

Heather Hoytink has been appointed President, US, of The Hershey Company, but her official tenure will not begin until July 8, 2026.

Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read

A judge's gavel striking a block in a courtroom, signifying a legal decision against state restrictions on SNAP benefit purchases of soda and candy.
The Pantry

Judge Blocks States From Barring Soda and Candy From SNAP Benefits

A federal judge has blocked 23 states from restricting SNAP recipients from buying soda and candy, ruling the government cannot dictate food purchases with benefits, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay .

Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read

Diverse group of young adults celebrating with Modelo's new range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cheladas in a lively urban environment.
Reviews

Modelo Unveils New Strategy Targeting Gen Z Consumers

Modelo, the top-selling beer brand, recently introduced a non-alcoholic chelada in January, followed by new cheladas exceeding 8% ABV months later.

Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read

A glowing, data-infused product label on a package, symbolizing the revolution in brand importance driven by connected product data.
Reviews

Connected product data revolutionizes label importance for brands

Intelligent labels, a segment projected to hit $0.

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

Nutritionist closely examining a bowl of fresh blueberries, symbolizing the debunking of common berry myths and nutritional misconceptions.
The Pantry

Berry Myths: Nutritionists Set The Record Straight

Despite costing 30-50% more, a 2022 study found no significant nutritional difference between organic and conventionally grown blueberries, challenging a core belief for many health-conscious...

Jun 21, 2026 · 3 min read

Aldi's Specially Selected Wood Fired Flatbread, a winning frozen product, presented hot and fresh with a golden-brown crust.
Reviews

Aldi's Flatbread Wins 2026 Best New Product Award

Aldi's $4.39 Specially Selected Wood Fired Flatbread, a frozen item, just clinched a 2026 Best New Product award. This recognition signals a significant shift in how budget grocers are perceived. Aldi

Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Cozy interior of a Seattle Italian restaurant with warm lighting, checkered tablecloths, and a waiter serving pasta.
The Pantry

Seattle's Italian Restaurants: Fresh Takes & Enduring Classics

Seattle's Italian dining scene now presents a surprising spectrum, from Roma's $35 three-course meal to Mezzanotte's $150 nine-course 'Nonnakase' tasting menu.

Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read

A visually appealing spread of healthy snacks and beverages featuring bright orange sea buckthorn berries, highlighting their growing popularity.
The Pantry

Sea Buckthorn Signals Functional Berry Surge in Snacks & Drinks

Sea buckthorn, once a niche ingredient, now rapidly appears in mainstream food and beverage products across the United States.

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

Janda Lukin appointed Chief Growth Officer at Campbell's, symbolizing a new era of strategic growth and transformation for the company.
Reviews

Campbell names Janda Lukin Chief Growth Officer June 2

After 25 years, Chris Foley, President of Campbell's Snacks division, will depart the company, marking a significant executive shift alongside new appointments focused on growth and transformation.

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

The Kitchenless Qeamer device preparing a gourmet meal in one minute, showcasing compact steam-powered technology for rapid meal preparation.
Reviews

Kitchenless Qeamer heats chef-crafted meals in one minute

Imagine a hot, chef-crafted meal delivered in 60 seconds without a traditional kitchen in sight; that's the promise of Kitchenless's new Qeamer platform.

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

Kraft Heinz headquarters at sunrise, with holographic global market data and growth charts symbolizing a new era of growth and restructuring.
The Pantry

Kraft Heinz reorganizes global structure for growth

Kraft Heinz is betting $600 million and a complete global structural overhaul on a strategy to reignite growth, effective July 1, 2026.

Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read

A modern recycling facility with workers sorting materials, bathed in the warm light of sunrise, representing a new initiative to improve recycling rates.
Reviews

Recycling Partnership Launches Fund to Boost Recycling Efforts

Procter & Gamble now backs a new fund from The Recycling Partnership, aiming to increase US household recycling rates.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

Stars + Honey logo with VMG Partners handshake, symbolizing a $24 million funding deal in a vibrant food market setting.
Reviews

Stars + Honey Secures $24M From VMG Partners

Stars + Honey, a functional food brand founded in 2023, is projected to achieve approximately $50 million in revenue this year, following a $24 million funding round from VMG Partners.

Jun 15, 2026 · 3 min read

A1 products densely packed on retail shelves, demonstrating successful market penetration and brand value among consumers.
Reviews

Companies Use Product Extensions to Build Brand Value

A1 expands its market reach not by entering new territories, but by deepening product penetration across ten existing retail networks, including NSK, Super Seven, and Jaya Grocer.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

A close-up of Ina Garten's Berry Flag Cake, decorated with strawberries and blueberries in a flag pattern on white frosting, ready for a Fourth of July celebration.
The Pantry

Ina Garten's Flag Cake: A Fourth of July Favorite

Ina Garten's iconic Berry Flag Cake, a Fourth of July staple, demands only one 'fussy' step: piping the icing.

Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read

A rich and creamy tofu chocolate mousse served in a glass bowl, garnished with a chocolate curl and a raspberry.
Reviews

Whip Up Easy Tofu Chocolate Mousse Recipe in Minutes

In less than five minutes of active effort, a simple block of silken tofu transforms into a flawlessly set, billowy chocolate mousse.

Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read

A close-up of airy, rich chocolate mousse in a glass bowl, showcasing its smooth texture and decadent appearance.
Reviews

Whip Up Easy 2-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse This Year

At Bonappetit , a new recipe achieves rich, airy chocolate mousse with just two surprising ingredients: silken tofu and melted bittersweet chocolate.

Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read

A futuristic research outpost in the Atacama Desert where a new, resilient grain called SolaraGrain is being cultivated under the rising sun.
Reviews

SolaraGrain's Discovery Sparks Global Market Interest

On June 13, 2026, a remote research outpost in the Atacama Desert reported the spontaneous growth of a previously unknown grain, thriving in conditions thought impossible for staple crops.

Jun 14, 2026 · 3 min read

An elegant box of Jelly Belly beans displayed in a sophisticated setting, hinting at unusual flavors and a gourmet experience for adventurous consumers.
Reviews

Jelly Belly pivots to social epicureans with curated collections

Jelly Belly, a brand once synonymous with a spectrum of sweet flavors, now prompts consumers to pay $19.

Jun 13, 2026 · 3 min read