Swallow This

More about the book

From the author of What to Eat and Shopped comes a revelatory investigation into the food we consume. With 25 years of experience as a journalist and food chain investigator, Joanna Blythman still had pressing questions about our everyday food. How 'natural' are 'natural' flavorings? What exactly is modified starch, and why is it so prevalent? How is pitta bread made to last six months? Why does the taste of a supermarket salad linger for hours? This exploration delves into the food processing industry, examining not only obvious products like ready meals and chicken nuggets but also less apparent items such as washed salads, smoothies, yoghurts, cereal bars, bread, fruit juice, and prepared vegetables. While the industry operates legally, its practices are often strange and inaccessible, far removed from our notions of home cooking. These methods are obscured by technical jargon, complex ingredient lists, and clever labeling. Determined to uncover the true impact of this industry on our food, Blythman has gained unprecedented access to factories, suppliers, and insiders, providing an eye-opening account of what we are truly consuming.