Pandora's Lunchbox: How Processed Food Took Over the American Meal

I think the first half of the book was 5 stars. The second half maybe 3.5 stars.Details how food is a manufactured product in the western world today. The second half does leap to some not fully substantiated opinions that this is automatically bad.Food is manufactured from component ingredients involving chemistry more than wholesomeness (what an understatement). Then flavoring and feel is manufactured for what sells best with the consumer."The End of Overeating" by Dr. David Kessler (former FDA commissioner) along with this book detail how food companies skillfully manipulate food consumers. Details how this is done, how effectively, and how important this is to modern processed food. Considering how powerful simple behavioral modification can be this in fact may be the main reason for some health problems and the obesity epidemic. More so than the fact food is manufactured.While some of these disassembled and reconstructed foods probably are less healthy than natural, as much as that or maybe more could be that it has been made so appealing one simply cannot resist eating more than is needed. I really don't think anyone has the hard data to say which is which.Which is why the second half I think is less well done. It jumps to conclusions. The first half is excellently done to show how processed food is and how little has guided it other than what makes a profit for business. That being cheap food production processes combined with artificial flavoring and texturing to maximize appeal to consumers. Addict them to the cheapest stuff you can make appealing and profit. I don't think the food business is as culpable as tobacco (though the comparison simply leaps to mind). I think conditions of these companies profit motives and consumer reaction create an environment where this is the natural result.Companies have to make a profit and even attempts to make better food by them are detailed in the book. Yet those attempting this get killed in the marketplace. I do liken the result in your supermarket to being like tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Even a bit like gambling. We are being taken advantage of by how our senses related to food can be manipulated. We like it every step of the way. I don't know that gov't intervention is the best approach, and yet fear without something like that too few will ever manage to return to more wholesome home cooked food in response. Which is why Ms. Pandora's lunchbox is open and might be impossible to close up again. The evil has escaped already.

I heard the author on the Diane Rehm show--and decided to purchase the Kindle version of the book. At the same time, I also purchased  Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us  as he was on the show too. As I got my Kindle book immediately, I began with it first. I'm so glad I did.First off, the book is just really well written. The author is an excellent writer--and her book is crafted quite well. It draws you in immediately. Th whole history of chemicals, additives,food science, and food safety is completely fascinating. I knew none of it. I also had no idea just how much artificial chemically engineered crap goes into our food--nor that the US allows so many additives which Europeans and other countries find harmful. Why??? I realize that we have a laissez-faire attitude to much--but we're talking about our and our children's health. You would think that based on that, we'd be a little bit more concerned with what went into our food and its safety vs. big business and profit. Like so many things in America, profit trumps all.I've learned so much. I had no idea how cereal was produced... veggie burgers... artificial colors/flavors, etc. I had no idea just how prevalent all of the chemical preservatives, enzymes, and additives are in our foods--pretty much everywhere, and not always labeled so that you'd know that.I'm about 3/4s of the way through. It's Sunday night, and I started reading this on Friday night. Today I went to the grocery store--and I was quite wary of purchasing my usual standard food--especially the cereal and other stuff. I'm sure I'll still buy Cheerios and some other processed foods--but probably less, and with my eyes a bit more open. Was going to purchase some cookies, and decided that we'd bake them instead.I feel that we as a country need to at least work to get the food additives banned in other countries, banned here. Major food companies have alternative versions of their products already created for these non-US markets, we should at least pressure them to offer those versions here.Oh, if you go to the author's website (or search on Youtube) you can see her videos of eternal food...including the liquified chicken tenders.Eyes opened. Thank you Melanie!

While our general m.o. is whole foods, I confess to being a slacker when my "special" (no wheat no dairy) spouse splits for work abroad: yeah, frozen pizza and supermarket baguettes, etc. After reading Warner's impressive research I have bought more flours and yeast and resurrected my bread recipes. I was stunned by the soy chapter and again, changed certain habits immediately. I am usually perplexed by other people's lack of food-sense and omnipresent obesity but this book reminded me how insidious processed food is and how many erroneous choices I have made. Warner does a terrific job with boring technical content; this is a clear, gracious journalistic accomplishment. Like a good rye loaf, best chewed slowly and reflectively. I have shared it with several people and wish it were required reading for all parents.

Great price, great product. Fast delivery and as expected. Love the book, well written, easy to understand and very informative.

Was slightly disappointed in the condition, but the contents are brilliant

As described, thank you.

Makes you think what you really are eating, some nasty stuff out there and hidden away.. An apple a day for me now