Ultra-Processed People

Why We Can't Stop Eating Food That Isn't Food

By: Chris van Tulleken

Narrated by: Chris van Tulleken, Dr. Xand van Tulleken

Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The Omnivore's Dilemma meets Fast Food Nation from a global perspective in this game-changing look at the science, economics, and history of ultra-processed food and the industry's effect on our health and planet.

It’s not you, it’s the food.

How much of our daily caloric intake comes from ingesting substances that, technically speaking, do not meet traditional definitions of “food”? Chances are, if you’re eating something that came wrapped in plastic and contains a funky ingredient you don’t have in your kitchen, it's most likely—almost definitely—ultra-processed food, or UPF. More than the principal obstacle to “eating right,” UPF has been linked to metabolic disease, depression, inflammation, anxiety, and cancer, while the production, distribution, and disposal of UPF and related products globally is known to cause devastating environmental damage. At the same time, UPF represents the dominant, nigh-unavoidable food culture for millions upon millions of eaters.

Medical doctor and broadcaster Chris van Tulleken has spent his career trying to reframe the conversation around eating right, balancing the hard (and sometimes shocking) facts about what we're putting into our bodies with empathy for the natural desire to keep eating what we like, have time for, and can afford. As he argues in this book, we are all participants in an experiment we didn't consent to, one to determine how to get us to buy as much ultra-processed food as possible. It’s not as simple as stumbling across the right diet trend, finding time to meal plan, or avoiding over-indulging in sugar, fat, or carbs or any other culprit. Nor is it a matter of individual will. It’s about learning to live in “the third age of eating”—defined by the overwhelming abundance of ultra-processed eating options—and arming yourself with the simple and not-so-simple facts that will help you make the choices that are right for you.

©2023 Chris van Tulleken (P)2023 Knopf Canada

Critic reviews

#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER

Longlisted for the 2023 Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction

"Unsettling and deeply important. . . . [Ultra-Processed People] integrate[s] concepts of detailed food science and global market forces, showing how these affect individual humans. Tulleken weaves these threads together in a way that is evidence-based, compelling and humane. . . . A tremendously important book that will help readers choose less processed, better food."—Vincent Lam, Toronto Star

“Chris van Tulleken bravely turns himself into a guinea pig to explore the ins and outs of ultra-processed food. . . . His account of what happens to our food during its trip to our gut, and the connection that bad food has to the epidemics of obesity and diabetes . . . is persuasive and scary.”—Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker

“A fearless investigation into how we have become hooked on ultra-processed food. . . . [van Tulleken’s] key message will have you scurrying to your cupboards. . . . And, if there is any justice, this gripping, well-evidenced exposé will shame policymakers and shake the food industry to its money-driven core. . . . [Ultra-Processed People] is more than just a great science book: it breaks down a complex issue of cultural, social, economic and political importance with clarity and sensitivity but without moralising; it competently evaluates the scientific literature; and it roams the globe in search of answers.”—Financial Times

Just Wow!

This book is what I have been searching for! I always knew processed food was horrible for you. Now I understand all the reasons why. He breaks it down and explains it to where people can understand. Just amazing!

Incredibly good

Wonderfully written and narrated. Gripping subject illustrated vividly by the recorded interviews and personal stories and backed up by science explained in a way we can all understand. I am actually going to read this again immediately so I can absorb and retain more of the detail. If you are at all interested in healthy eating this is a book you must read.

Very believable

Every thing that you have written about this subject matter makes sense to me, being someone who, if I must place a % on it I eat about 1% of bad food every several months two to three times per year. My weakness are potatoes chips and a chocolate candy bar with a kombucha or other so-called healthy drink. From your book I learned some of the more technical makeup of the ingredients in processed/ultra-processed food that I was not already acquainted with. Thank you for the lessons.

Great Read /reveals the truth

Yes, most of us know a lot of what he talks about. But seeing it put all together and reaffirming the motivations of big food, producers was interesting. It definitely makes me rethink my food choices. There were some production issues in the book that other people have mentioned regarding the interviews with the author’s brother that were hard to understand and not recorded very well. But other than that it’s a great book. I think the people that left negative reviews Are just upset that he is attacking the way they probably eat.

What we all need to know about the food around us.

Chris and Xand tell a compelling story many of us can likely relate to. I wish we were all better educated about industrial food additives. I think there would be a lot less of them in use if we were.

Can I give 6 stars?

Words cannot express how grateful I am for Ultra Processed People. I have been observing with horror the growing obesity epidemic and this book gave insight and understanding. I hope to encourage others to read this book, and it will be my book of the year I gift to friends. Additionally, I am moved to put UPF behind me. Amazing!

Must read book if you want to be healthy!

This book completely opened up my mind about what I eat and everything that big co. so in order to brain wash us. Amazingly written and full of knowledge. Please read this book and learn about UPFs.

Surprisingly good!

Really enjoyed the book. Lot of deep insight into modern food production. Very well read by the author.

Fascinating!

This book was fascinating. I also loved the narration by the author himself and that he included recorded conversations between him and his brother rather than reading them to us like a narrator.

This book will change what you eat.

I used to think commercialized processed sugar was the big problem making most Americans fat, and ultimately sick with diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, and that this was a result of food for profit, not for people. I still think that. However, this book opened my eyes to all the other junk manufacturers put in packages to make people buy more "stuff" that simply tastes good and looks edible. His definition of processed products sold as food is the most valuable part of the book. Then he'll teach why companies put these ingredients into what they sell, and how poorly regulated those additives are. Ultimately, he'll argue that it is the government's job and step in and regulate this industry properly,

The US needs a government for the people by the people. What we have is one for corporations, and unscrupulous politicians who take kick-backs from them to increase the chance they will be elected. Processed food corporations have manipulated our nutritional intake, they are literally killing many, ruining the lives of many more, and everybody, but not those corporations, pays the health care bills.