67 pages • 2 hours read
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352
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
In Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss, the author explores the American food industry's use of salt, sugar, and fat to make processed foods more appealing and addictive. Through visits to corporate headquarters, scientific research facilities, and marketing departments, as well as interviews with consumer advocates and industry insiders, Moss uncovers how companies manipulate ingredients and market unhealthy foods, contributing to the obesity epidemic. Sensitive topics include obesity, unhealthy food consumption, and food poisoning cases.
Informative
Unnerving
Challenging
Contemplative
Mysterious
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Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss offers an eye-opening investigation into the food industry's manipulation of ingredients to maximize consumer addiction. Reviews praise its thorough research and gripping narrative, though some find it overly dense. While enlightening and disturbing, the book can be repetitive, posing readability challenges for some.
Readers who relish investigative journalism and exposés on the food industry will find Michael Moss's Salt Sugar Fat compelling. Fans of Eric Schlosser's Fast Food Nation or Marion Nestle's Food Politics will appreciate Moss's in-depth examination of how big food companies shape public health through processed foods.
35,092 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Howard Moscowitz
A food scientist known for innovations like the "bliss point" and preference groupings; he views his research as scientifically valuable and separates it from issues of obesity and health concerns.
Hamish Maxwell
CEO of Philip Morris during its acquisition of Kraft and General Foods, who guides the company through its transition from a tobacco company to a food conglomerate.
Geoffrey Bible
CEO of Philip Morris who manages food operations and addresses public health concerns following the company's acquisition of Kraft and General Foods.
Al Clausi
A food scientist credited with developing numerous popular foods, such as Tang and Jell-O, and who now advocates for the use of healthier ingredients in the industry.
Charles Mortimer
A marketer at General Foods who introduced the concept of convenience foods and the term "Modern Living," influencing the American diet shift to industrially-produced snacks.
James Behnke
A former Pillsbury executive who expresses concerns about the health impacts of key ingredients in the food industry, portrayed as a more favorable insider.
Jeffrey Dunn
A former Coca-Cola president who grapples with the ethical implications of soda consumption, leading him to promote healthier beverages and develop nutritional foods outside the company.
352
Book • Nonfiction
2010s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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