Snacks and Cravings

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

British university students choosing between American diner food and Korean BBQ, showcasing evolving global food preferences.
Global Flavors

British Students' Food Preferences: American vs. Korean

A survey of 200 British university students revealed a striking paradox: 65% had never tried kimchi, yet 40% now rank Korean BBQ as their preferred international dining experience, surpassing American

Jul 4, 2026 · 4 min read

A sad, half-eaten chocolate bundt cake on a kitchen counter, symbolizing the disappointment of grocery store desserts.
Dining Out

Grocery Store Bundt Cakes: Why They Often Disappoint

Imagine biting into a cake described as 'watered-down Hershey's Chocolate Syrup' with a 'claggy texture' — that's the reality for shoppers picking up a Freshness Guaranteed Chocolate Bundt Cake at Wal

Jun 29, 2026 · 2 min read

A steaming mug of Dolly Parton coffee sits beside a stack of Eggo's new zero-sugar waffles, symbolizing a new era in breakfast and specialty food products.
Healthy Bites

Dolly Parton coffee joins Eggo's new zero-sugar waffle launch

This July, Eggo will debut its first-ever zero-sugar waffles, a move that, alongside Dolly Parton's new coffee, signals a broader industry shift towards highly specialized consumer products.

Jun 27, 2026 · 2 min read

Abigail Buckwalter, former Nestlé CEO, appointed as the new leader of Ocean Spray, signaling a strategic shift towards health and wellness.
Food Science

Ocean Spray Names Abigail Buckwalter Former Nestlé CEO

Ocean Spray, the iconic cranberry juice brand, has tapped Abigail Buckwalter, a former Nestlé Health Science U.

Jun 26, 2026 · 3 min read

Advanced bakery production line with robotic arms, symbolizing the Europastry acquisition of Highland Baking and its US market expansion.
Recipes

Europastry to acquire Highland Baking to boost US presence

Europastry has agreed to acquire Highland Baking, with the transaction expected to finalize in 2026, strategically expanding its US market presence.

Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read

Close-up of grilled corn on the cob generously coated in creamy Caesar dressing, ready to be eaten on a summer evening.
Food Science

Caesar Dressing is the Best Kitchen Staple for Grilled Corn

Forget butter and salt: a surprising kitchen staple, Caesar dressing, is being hailed as the secret weapon to elevate grilled corn's flavor profile in 2026.

Jun 21, 2026 · 2 min read

Vast golden wheat fields under a dramatic sky, with a distant modern grain silo complex representing global grain supply and trade.
Global Flavors

2026 World Grain Market Outlook and Implications

Global wheat stocks are forecast to reach an astonishing 279.

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

Rise Baking Company and Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery partnership symbolized by shaking hands amidst a display of premium cookies.
Recipes

Rise Baking agrees to acquire Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery in expansion move

Rise Baking Company just announced its agreement to acquire premium cookie maker Jimmy's Gourmet Bakery, yet the expected closing date for this significant deal is reported inconsistently across indus

Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read

A supermarket aisle displaying a mix of Hershey's sweets and savory snacks, showcasing an integrated retail strategy.
Healthy Bites

Hershey's integrated business boosts sales for sweets and snacks.

Combining salty and sweet items in a single display resulted in a 34% sales lift for Hershey, significantly outperforming confectionery-only displays.

Jun 19, 2026 · 2 min read

Kemal Cetin, the newly appointed Global Chief Digital Officer of Mars Snacking, is depicted in a modern office setting, reviewing digital strategy data on a holographic interface.
Food Science

Mars Snacking Names Kemal Cetin Global CDO, Starts 2026

Mars Snacking has named Kemal Cetin as its new global chief digital and information officer, but he won't officially start until August 3, 2026 – more than two years from now, according to Confectione

Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read

A refreshing Michelada cocktail made with fresh tomatoes, garnished with lime and chili, served in a salt-rimmed glass.
Global Flavors

Mix a Fresh Tomato Michelada Recipe Today

Forget the canned stuff: a new Michelada recipe demands fresh tomatoes, transforming the classic savory drink into a vibrant, from-scratch experience.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

A child smiles while drinking a protein shake from Hiya Kids Daily Growth + Protein, emphasizing healthy nutrition and ingredient purity.
Healthy Bites

Hiya to launch new protein powder for kids' nutrition in 2026

Hiya, known for its premium children's vitamins, has launched Kids Daily Growth + Protein, entering the pediatric protein supplement market in 2026.

Jun 14, 2026 · 2 min read

FlavorSum and Beverage Flavors International teams celebrating their acquisition deal with a handshake in a modern boardroom.
Global Flavors

FlavorSum Acquires Beverage Flavors International to Expand Reach

FlavorSum has acquired Beverage Flavors International (BFI), immediately expanding its footprint in the competitive beverage flavor market.

Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read

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