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
Technical:
  • ID: 968
  • Added: 2025-09-23
  • Updated: 2025-09-23
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 2
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Reviews
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.

Appears in Lists