Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't FoodUltra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food
What it's about
Chris van Tulleken, a doctor and scientist, spent a month eating a diet that was eighty percent ultra-processed food, the industrially produced snacks, cereals and ready meals that make up most of what people in Britain and America eat. He explains what happened to his body, why such foods may make us overeat, and how the food industry shapes our choices.
Why it's worth reading
It was a Goodreads Choice finalist and a bestseller. It's an eye-opening, lively book about modern food.
You'll love it if you liked
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals
Bad ScienceGood to know
Some of its scientific claims are debated by nutrition experts.
By the numbers
- Readers90 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics0 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Bestseller29 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
On our reserve shelf: it's well reviewed, but isn't currently a prize winner, a lifetime bestseller or a book everyone's talking about, so we don't rank it. We check again every month, and it can still turn up in your 50 once you've read most of our ranked books.
Why it made the list
Reads as
Practical, Thought-provoking
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Quick answers
Is Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food worth reading?
It was a Goodreads Choice finalist and a bestseller. Its Must-Read Score is 73.3 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food about?
Chris van Tulleken, a doctor and scientist, spent a month eating a diet that was eighty percent ultra-processed food, the industrially produced snacks, cereals and ready meals that make up most of what people in Britain and America eat. He explains what happened to his body, why such foods may make us overeat, and how the food industry shapes our choices.
How long does it take to read Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food?
About 10 hours (384 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Ultra-Processed People: The Science Behind Food That Isn't Food?
If you liked it, try In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan or Bad Science by Ben Goldacre.