Unsavory Truth cover art

Unsavory Truth

How Food Companies Skew the Science of What We Eat

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Unsavory Truth

By: Marion Nestle
Narrated by: Norah Tocci
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About this listen

A James Beard Award-winner and the author of What to Eat and Soda Politics, leading nutritionist Marion Nestle exposes how the food industry corrupts scientific research for profit.

Is chocolate heart-healthy? Does yogurt prevent type 2 diabetes? Do pomegranates help cheat death? News accounts bombard us with such amazing claims, report them as science, and influence what we eat. Yet, as Marion Nestle explains, these studies are more about marketing than science; they are often paid for by companies that sell those foods. Whether it's a Coca-Cola-backed study hailing light exercise as a calorie neutralizer, or blueberry-sponsored investigators proclaiming that this fruit prevents erectile dysfunction, every corner of the food industry knows how to turn conflicted research into big profit. As Nestle argues, it's time to put public health first. Written with unmatched rigor and insight, Unsavory Truth reveals how the food industry manipulates nutrition science -- and suggests what we can do about it.
Biological Sciences Politics & Government Science Nutrition Food Business

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Critic reviews

One of Nature's Best Science Books of the Year (2018)
"In her latest book, Unsavory Truth, Nestle levels a withering fusillade of criticism against food and beverage companies that use questionable science and marketing to push their own agendas about what should end up on our dinner tables...There is indeed something rotten in the state of dietary science, but books like this show us that we consumers also hold a great deal of power."—Science
"A remorseless dissection of the corruption of science by industry."—Nature
"The links and conflicts of interest between the food industry and the world of nutrition professionals are, in Nestle's telling, perhaps even wilder and more egregiously tangled."—New York Magazine, The Cut
"Nestle writes in simple and informative language, diving into history, university politics, and failed government policies to improve people's health."—Vice, Tonic
"Through her investigation into how money flows from companies and trade groups to labs, [Nestle] shows how pervasive the problem is--and why it's distorting how we think about health."—Vox
"Unsavory Truth is fascinating, and wherever you fall on the spectrum of worrying about food industry conflicts, a worthwhile read."—Weighty Matters
"Nestle reveals not only how the food industry manipulates nutrition science, but how readers can reclaim their health from these marketing schemes."—Foodtank
"Nestle delivers a groundbreaking look at how food corporations influence nutrition research and public policy...General and specialist readers alike will appreciate this important message for consumers."—Publishers Weekly
"Nestle proves yet again that she is a unique, valuable voice for engaged food consumers."—Kirkus
"This well documented, accessible venture makes a compelling argument."—Booklist
"Marion Nestle is a national treasure. She has the courage to take on multinational corporations and the wisdom to separate the facts from the spin. If you care about our food system and the health of your family, Unsavory Truth is essential reading."—Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation
"In clear, concise language, Marion Nestle details the many ways our ideas about what to eat are being manipulated by Big Food. If you want to make better choices, read this book."—Ruth Reichl, former editor of Gourmet Magazine
"Marion Nestle is a tireless warrior for public health, and her meticulous research and irrefutable arguments are desperately needed right now. This book, as frightening as it is, compels us to discover where true health begins: nutrition starts in the ground, with real food that is sustainably grown, eaten in season, and alive."—Alice Waters, founder, owner, and executive chef of Chez Panisse
All stars
Most relevant
Sadly the book was lacking, full of what everyone already knows and presented as if it’s new information. Very disappointing

Sadly lacking

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A look into the pitfalls of food company sponsored research. A caution against and reasons to accept funding.

in depth look at commercial research funding

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there is significant scientific evidence that funding can bias scientific results. there you go- saved you hours of your life. it's just that sentence restarted myriad different ways for hundreds of pages

this entire book can be summed up in 1 sentence

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