Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can't Stop Eating Food That Isn't Food

by Chris van Tulleken
Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can't Stop Eating Food That Isn't Food cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Investigative Journalism
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 968
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781324036739
  • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
  • Published: 2023-06-27
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 4

Ultra-Processed People delves into the alarming rise of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and their role in global health crises and environmental destruction. Dr. Chris van Tulleken explores how these engineered foods, designed to be addictive, have become a staple in modern diets, particularly in the United States. Through a personal experiment and interviews with experts, he reveals the shocking truth about UPF's impact on our bodies and the planet, offering solutions for individuals and policymakers alike. Combining scientific research with personal narrative, van Tulleken's book is a call to action for a global shift away from ultra-processed foods. It challenges the notion of personal responsibility and willpower, instead advocating for systemic change to combat the pandemic of diet-related diseases. This eye-opening book will transform how you think about food and its profound effects on your health and the environment.

Reviews
Canadian Food Studies · J Sumner · 2025-10-18
important 4.50

The book highlights the global impact of poor diet and the role of ultra-processed foods in contributing to health issues. The reviewer finds the book to be an important contribution to the discussion on food and health.

The reviewer first encountered the book through an article by the author, which highlighted the alarming statistics on diet-related deaths globally. They find the book to be a significant contribution to the ongoing discussion about the impact of ultra-processed foods on health. The reviewer appreciates the book's comprehensive approach, which includes an investigation into the science, economics, history, and production of ultra-processed food. They also note the book's ability to present complex information in an accessible manner, making it a valuable resource for both academics and general readers.

Quick quotes

    I first heard about Chris van Tulleken's book through a newspaper article he wrote, in which he noted that poor diet is responsible for more deaths globally than any other factor.

    The book provides a comprehensive investigation into the science, economics, history, and production of ultra-processed food.

    Ultra-processed foods are not just a matter of personal choice but a result of a complex interplay of economic, social, and political factors.

The Storygraph · tdscheller · 2025-10-18
powerful 4.00

The book took some time to get into but ultimately provides a powerful exploration of the consequences of ultra-processed foods. The reviewer appreciates the mix of humor, research, and cautionary tales.

The reviewer notes that while it took them a while to get into the book, they found it to be a powerful exploration of the impact of ultra-processed foods. They appreciate the author's use of humor, research, and cautionary tales to make the subject matter accessible and engaging. The reviewer also highlights the book's ability to urge readers to reconsider their food choices and the consequences of consuming ultra-processed foods. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling read that offers valuable insights into the food industry.

Quick quotes

    Ultra-Processed People took me a while to get into, but once I did, it was a powerful exploration of the consequences of our food choices.

    With a mix of humor, research, and cautionary tales, van Tulleken urges readers to reconsider their food choices and explore the consequences of ultra-processed foods.

    The book is not just about the science but also about the personal stories and the broader implications for society.

researchgate.net · Unknown · 2025-09-24
informative 4.00

The book provides a critical examination of ultra-processed foods and their impact on health, highlighting the addictive nature of these products and the challenges in resisting them. It offers a compelling argument for the need to regulate the food industry and promote healthier eating habits.

Ultra-Processed People delves into the pervasive influence of ultra-processed foods on our diets and health. The book argues that these foods are designed to be addictive, making it difficult for consumers to resist them. It also discusses the role of the food industry in promoting these products and the need for regulatory measures to protect public health. The author's insights are backed by extensive research, making a strong case for a shift towards more natural and wholesome eating habits. While the book is informative and well-researched, some readers might find the critique of the food industry to be somewhat one-sided.

Quick quotes

    The food industry has mastered the art of making food that is hyper-palatable and addictive

    Ultra-processed foods are not just unhealthy; they are designed to be irresistible

    The book calls for a radical rethinking of our food system to prioritize health over profit.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-24
informative 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging blend of research, interviews, and personal anecdotes, shedding light on the dangers of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and their impact on health and society. It calls for systemic change to address the pervasive influence of UPF in modern diets.

The reviewer found the book to be both informative and compelling, effectively combining scientific research, expert insights, and personal stories. It highlights how ultra-processed foods (UPF) have become a significant part of modern diets, often constituting up to 60% of daily intake in the U.K. and the U.S. The book argues that UPF disrupts natural nutritional controls, contributing to obesity and other health issues. The author's personal experiment of quitting UPF for a month and then consuming it extensively for another month provides valuable insights into the addictive nature of these foods. The reviewer appreciates the book's urgent call for better understanding and systemic change to combat the negative effects of UPF.

Quick quotes

    The book adds an extra layer of urgency: van Tulleken proposes that UPF destroys the meaning of food — it becomes a technical substance without cultural or historical meaning.

    He notes that there is a big difference between “the salty fatty foods that mum cooked [made from Groups 1, 2 and 3] and their industrial equivalents [made from Group 4]” (p. 44).

    van Tulleken has struggled with weight issues all his life, so he decided to conduct an experiment.

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