Unsavory Truth Audiobook By Marion Nestle 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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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.
 Anatomy & Physiology Biological Sciences Public Policy Science Nutrition Politics & Government Food Business

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
This is one of those books that has so much packed on it I am going to have to listen again at least one more time. Wow.

Must listen.

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This is a systematic review of how the information we get is skewed when it comes to food, very good read

Mind blown!

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I enjoyed the information on how industry funding has influenced marketing and ultimately purchasing by consumers. this book uncovers the need for transparency and industry requirements of funding on all research. We definitely need more independent funding across the board.

Great uncovering of industry funding

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In this book, Dr Nestle reveals and discusses countless instances of research and guidelines influenced by the paymasters of the authors. She derides corporations, who's leaders lobby government, but sees government as potentially free from undue influence —if it just has enough power.

Has she never read Hayek, 'How the worst get on top', does she no nothing of history? Surely she's familiar with both, but her paymasters and powerbrokers are in the State, and she seems to fall victim to the very bias she denounces, unable or unwilling to go against a source of her income and research funds.



She wants government, not corporations, to control others with respect to food -but what does that mean, that she wants people with a monopoly on the right to initiate force against peaceful people (ie, the State) in place of voluntary relations? She should explore this, if that the road she points down.

She claims that 'the governments represent all people'. Really?

And she says that in a better world, companies wouldn't' make unhealthy products. Who decides how healthy? Would I never have eaten ice cream in her putatively better world??

Not a great book, very repetitive, and never gets down to the fundamental issues and/or solution. She does not reason from fundamental principles, like a good scientist or philosopher.

A microcosm of the very problem it discusses,

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But the narrator is so boring to listen to!
I listen to books and pods all day
I just can’t follow along w this one.
So disappointed

I thought this would be a great book

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