Dr. Lena Hanson
Food Science Editor
Dr. Lena Hanson's passion lies at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and what we eat. After completing her doctorate with a dissertation on flavor compounds in processed foods, she worked in R&D for a leading food innovator, helping to develop healthier snack alternatives. Disenchanted with the corporate world, she transitioned to journalism to empower consumers with knowledge. At 'Snacks and Cravings', Lena heads the Food Science and Healthy Bites sections, where she's known for her evidence-based reporting and myth-busting articles.
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Latest Articles
Dietitian Approved Snacks for Sustained Energy
Skipping a planned snack leaves travelers vulnerable to overpriced, nutrient-poor airport food or unexpected delays.
Jun 24, 2026 · 4 min read
How Do Scientific Principles of Kombucha Fermentation Affect Tea?
Sales of kombucha are projected to reach 10.
Jun 23, 2026 · 4 min read
What are innovations in food tech?
The global food technology market is projected to more than double in a decade, from $210.
Jun 22, 2026 · 5 min read
Top 3 High Protein Snacks: Protein & Fiber Beyond Steak
Aloha Organic Protein Bars pack 14 grams of protein and up to 10 grams of fiber, a nutritional punch often overlooked when compared to a traditional steak.
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read
How Do Chemical Reactions in Wine Bottles Affect Aging?
A bottle of fine wine, stored upright, can become a breeding ground for spoilage bacteria, transforming a potential masterpiece into vinegar, even if its horizontally-stored siblings thrive.
Jun 20, 2026 · 4 min read
Plant-Based Pet Treats: Unproven Health. 2026 Trends Unready.
Despite a booming market for plant-based pet treats, the scientific community admits it does not fully understand if these diets are truly healthy or nutritionally complete for our furry companions.
Jun 19, 2026 · 2 min read
Bibigo owner cultivates seaweed for stable Korean food supply
In Cheonan, South Korea, CJ Foods plans to break ground in August 2026 on a land-based facility to grow gim.
Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read
How Do Psychological and Neurological Drivers Cause Snack Cravings?
Nearly all women, 97 percent, and over two-thirds of men, 68 percent, report experiencing food cravings, a widespread phenomenon deeply rooted in the brain's reward system.
Jun 18, 2026 · 7 min read
What Is the Maillard Reaction and Why Does it Matter for Snacks?
Just 1-2 minutes of microwave heating can generate high levels of acrylamide, a potential carcinogen, in soybean processing, according to PMC .
Jun 17, 2026 · 5 min read
Grocers Adapt Aisles and Programs for GLP-1 Users
At Publix, a brochure titled 'Create a lifestyle that lasts' now guides weight-loss drug users, directing them via QR code to a digital product page featuring high-protein and high-fiber foods, accord
Jun 11, 2026 · 2 min read
Ingredion Agrees to Acquire Tate & Lyle for £2.7 Billion
Ingredion has agreed to pay 595 pence for each Tate & Lyle share, totaling £2.7 billion.
Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read
Easy Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
In just 30 minutes, you can bake 28 homemade dog treats using common pantry staples like pumpkin, peanut butter, and almond flour.
Jun 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 4 Vet-Approved Dog Foods for 2026 You Need to Know
A 22 oz bag of Open Farm Freeze-Dried Raw Surf & Turf, boasting 85% meat, organs, and bone, is priced at $51.
Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read
9 Healthy Fruit and Vegetable Snacks for Dogs
A single grape, often seen as a harmless human snack, can cause acute kidney failure in a dog, highlighting the hidden dangers in common kitchen staples.
Jun 5, 2026 · 5 min read
How Polyphenol Structure Shapes Taste Perception
The bitter taste you experience from certain plant compounds isn't just a flavor; it's a direct signal to your body's cells, potentially regulating blood sugar and blood pressure.
Jun 4, 2026 · 4 min read
What is the science behind coffee flavor and caffeine taste?
5-CQA, the most abundant chlorogenic acid in green coffee beans, constitutes 76 to 84% of their total CGA content, with concentrations around 100 mg/g on a dry basis, according to PMC .
Jun 4, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 10 Nutrient-Dense Superfoods for Healthy Snacking
While many assume that finding nutrient-dense superfoods for healthy snacking requires niche, expensive options, a scientific study found 41 out of 47 commonly consumed, unprocessed foods qualified as
Jun 3, 2026 · 7 min read
How AI is Decoding Chemical Compounds for Specific Flavors
A new AI model, trained on the largest public dataset of 15,025 molecules, can now predict a beer's flavor and consumer appreciation solely from its chemical profile.
May 29, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Essential Nutrients in Pet Treats and Why Do They Matter?
A study revealed that a staggering 94% of wet pet foods and 61% of dry pet foods failed to meet key nutritional guidelines, despite being marketed as beneficial treats.
May 29, 2026 · 4 min read
Cactus Candies and Protein Snacks Debut at Expo
At the 2026 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Las Vegas, an estimated 17,500 attendees witnessed a stark contrast in product introductions.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read