I recently picked up Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken, expecting another take on why junk food is bad. But what I read left me shocked. The book dives deep into how ultra-processed foods (UPFs) hijack our brains, making us overeat without even realizing it. It turns out, junk food isn’t just unhealthy—it’s scientifically engineered to be addictive.
The more you eat, the more you crave. And this isn’t just about willpower; it’s about how food companies have hijacked our biology.
This isn’t just bad luck—it’s a direct result of what we eat. And junk food is everywhere, from ads targeting kids to ultra-cheap processed snacks flooding the market.
Here’s the part that really made my blood boil: food companies know exactly what they’re doing. They fund misleading research, manipulate food labels, and market their products as “healthy.”
The biggest consumers of ultra-processed foods are often those with fewer resources. These foods are cheap, accessible, and heavily marketed in lower-income communities, while healthier options remain expensive and less convenient.
Yes, India’s food system needs reform. But waiting isn’t an option. Food companies follow profits. When demand shifts, so will supply. If we stop buying UPFs, companies will be forced to offer better alternatives.
Every purchase is a vote. If we change how we shop and eat, the industry will follow. The next time you’re reaching for a snack, pause and ask: Is this food serving me — or am I just serving the food industry?
UPFs are industrial formulations typically with five or more ingredients, including artificial additives, colorings, and preservatives. Think chips, packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and processed meats.
They stimulate dopamine release, giving us a temporary “high” similar to addictive substances. This makes us crave more, even if we’re full.
Not all packaged food is harmful. Look for options with minimal, natural ingredients — like roasted nuts, dried fruit, or natural nut butters with no added sugar or oils.
Usually, yes. It gives you control over ingredients, portions, and cooking methods — key to avoiding hidden fats, sugar, and sodium.
It depends. Commercial peanut butters with added sugar, oils, and preservatives count as UPFs. But natural peanut butter made with just peanuts and salt — like Nutty Village — is minimally processed and a healthy option.
