
government in the proliferation of unhealthy foods. He delves into the corporate culture of food giants like General Mills, Nabisco, and Frito-Lay, and he shares personal accounts from industry insiders who reveal the lengths to which these companies go to increase sales and maximize profits. Throughout the book, Moss also provides numerous examples of industry tactics that have contributed to the ubiquity of processed food, such as aggressive marketing to children and the use of celebrities and athletes as endorsers of unhealthy products. Moss investigates the role of major food corporations like Nestlé and Kraft in shaping public perception of fat and discusses the impact of the low-fat diet craze on public health. He explores the history of fat in the food industry, from the introduction of hydrogenated oils and trans fats to the current trend of “low-fat” products that still contain high levels of sugar and salt. Moss highlights how fat is an essential component of flavor and mouthfeel in processed foods, and how it can be used to mask other undesirable flavors. The third section of the book focuses on fat. The author uncovers the manipulative marketing strategies used by companies like Coca-Cola and Kellogg’s to associate sugar with happiness and pleasure, and he examines the role of high-fructose corn syrup as a cheap and controversial sweetener. He also discusses the links between sugar consumption and health problems such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Moss explains the concept of the “bliss point,” a term used by food scientists to describe the optimal level of sweetness that makes a product irresistible. He illustrates how sugar has become an essential ingredient in the processed food industry due to its ability to create intense cravings and addiction-like behavior. In the second section, Moss delves into the world of sugar. Moss discusses the immense power that companies like Cargill and Morton Salt wield over the food industry and the techniques they use to persuade consumers that their products are not excessively salty. The author highlights that salt is inexpensive, which makes it an attractive ingredient for food companies looking to cut costs. He explains how salt is used not only as a flavor enhancer but also as a preservative and a means of improving food texture. In the first section, Moss explores the role of salt in processed food. Moss delves into the science, marketing strategies, and corporate interests that have driven the consumption of unhealthy foods and contributed to the obesity epidemic and other health issues. The book is divided into three sections, focusing on each component of the title: salt, sugar, and fat.

“Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us” by Michael Moss is a revealing look into the world of processed food and the tactics employed by food manufacturers to increase the palatability and addictive nature of their products.
