Salt Sugar Fat

How the Food Giants Hooked Us

By: Michael Moss

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 14 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY
The Atlantic • The Huffington Post • Men’s Journal • MSN (U.K.) • Kirkus Reviews • Publishers Weekly

NUMBER ONE NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • WINNER OF THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION AWARD FOR WRITING AND LITERATURE

From a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter at The New York Times comes the explosive story of the rise of the processed food industry and its link to the emerging obesity epidemic. Michael Moss reveals how companies use salt, sugar, and fat to addict us and, more important, how we can fight back.

In the spring of 1999, the heads of the world’s largest processed food companies gathered at Pillsbury headquarters in Minneapolis for a secret meeting. On the agenda: the emerging epidemic of obesity, and what to do about it.

Increasingly, the salt-, sugar-, and fat-laden foods these companies produced were being linked to obesity, and a concerned Kraft executive took the stage to issue a warning: There would be a day of reckoning unless changes were made. When he was done, the most powerful person in the room - the CEO of General Mills - stood up to speak, clearly annoyed. And by the time he sat down, the meeting was over.

In Salt Sugar Fat, Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Michael Moss shows how we got here. Featuring examples from some of the most recognizable (and profitable) companies and brands of the last half century - including Kraft, Coca-Cola, Lunchables, Kellogg, Nestlé, Oreos, Cargill, Capri Sun, and many more - Moss’ explosive, empowering narrative is grounded in meticulous, often eye-opening research.

Includes a bonus PDF with endnotes from the book

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2013 Michael Moss (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"What happens when one of the country’s great investigative reporters infiltrates the most disastrous cartel of modern times: a processed food industry that’s making a fortune by slowly poisoning an unwitting population? You get this terrific, powerfully written book, jammed with startling disclosures, jaw-dropping confessions and, importantly, the charting of a path to a better, healthier future. This book should be read by anyone who tears a shiny wrapper and opens wide. That’s all of us." (Ron Suskind, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Confidence Men: Wall Street, Washington, and the Education of a President)

"In this meticulously researched book, Michael Moss tells the chilling story of how the food giants have seduced everyone in this country. He understands a vital and terrifying truth: that we are not just eating fast food when we succumb to the siren song of sugar, fat, and salt. We are fundamentally changing our lives - and the world around us.” (Alice Waters)

Should be required reading.

I've been a label reader for years since I have food sensitivities, but I didn't realize the lengths to which food manufacturers, like the tobacco industry, have gone to addict us to foods that are best for their bottom line. A must read, good for a group who can discuss and disseminate the information.

Incredible

I thought I had heard it all when it comes to food and nutrition. I was wrong. This book is incredible. Mind blowing & as addictive as chips! As each chapter ends you'll find yourself ravenous to bite into the next. Shockingly amazing. Every minute the book isn't in your life is a disservice to yourself & your loved ones.

I have always wondered…

How sad to finally realize that the common people have been duped into believing that the processed food is good for you and that the government, while trying to act the part of watchdog is culpable. Excellently written and very well researched. The parting words that we as consumers are ultimately responsible is well worth noting. It helps to be informed.

Eye-opener on food industry

Would you listen to Salt Sugar Fat again? Why?

Yes! There's so much information in here, I'm sure I'd glean more from multiple listenings.

What did you like best about this story?

How the industry has evolved, and the lengths these companies will go in pursuit of the almighty dollar. Not necessarily surprising, but interesting. Invites comparison to Big Tobacco.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. I'm a big fan of Scott Brick. He's quite versatile!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There are some funny/humorous aspects. The most extreme reaction would be my incredulity (followed by 'doh' head slaps at my own naivete) at this industry's business as usual.

Amazing book

If you are curious at all about what goes into your body you should ready this. We are drones and we can do so much more to make ourselves healthy.

Buy food at a supermarket? then a must read!

If you could sum up Salt Sugar Fat in three words, what would they be?

The new food groups: SSF

What was one of the most memorable moments of Salt Sugar Fat?

The forethought that food companies have given to snare the unsuspecting customer into becoming "obese".

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

n/a

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

What not to eat and where not to shop for my food.

A long dissertation on evils of process foods!

Really just three bullets (salt sugar fat) in a war on the process foods industry. Duh! The solution is just don't eat process foods. The book majors on the bullets and really contributes little if anything about the process foods industry, except virtually all the foods are bad for your health and are built to be cheap and personally additive. If that is something new to you—get the book.

The real solution is stay out of fast food restaurants, convenience stores and the center isles of the supermarket. More importantly take charge of your life, learn how to cook and save some money in the process. In the current state of world financial affairs, most consumers of process foods can't afford to hire a "cheap cook" at the fast food joint, or a hot food case, in a box, can or freezer. This "cheap cook" is the real niche of the process foods industry, nothing more.

Knowledge is power!

The food industry feeds on our ignorance while they serve us unnatural food. Great information on processed food.

A Must Read!!!

This book was an eye opener to how manufacturers of food products have been deceiving the consumer for years. I have to admit after listening to this book changed my supermarket shopping habits. I have also successfully lost weight and this book is not a weight loss book. The stories are believable and backed up with facts and interviews. If you are looking for what really goes on the advertising and marketing of products, this book is for you. You will not be able to forget about this book and will want to listen to it again and again.

Does not offer much of a solution

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it has truly changed my perspective of the food industry. However, the way that it was written made it seem as though we are helpless. There was no proposed solution to these problems besides “you have the choice to eat right”.