A few weeks ago. I told you about a new book by journalist Mark Schatzker, The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor. I became interested in the book when I read Schatzker’s Wall Street Journal article about it, citing an intriguing 1939 study in which toddlers in an orphanage were allowed choose all of their own food — and allegedly met their own nutritional needs perfectly.
I was hoping The Dorito Effect would have more information about that study which, as I mentioned in my post ( “What Would Happen If You Let Toddlers Choose ALL Their Own Food?“), lacks any reported data. Unfortunately that wasn’t really the case, but The Dorito Effect is still definitely worth a read.
In the book, Schatzker examines in eye-opening detail how today’s hyper-efficient food production methods have slowly depleted our food of both flavor and nutrients. But flavor itself is driven by a food’s nutrients, something our bodies instinctively understand. So even though missing flavor is added back by food processors — Americans eat far more flavoring agents today than ever before – we may be compensating for the lost nutrients by overeating. In other words, according to Schatzker, the growing flavorlessness and nutritional deficiency of our food supply may be a key driver of the obesity crisis.
It’s a fascinating theory and Schatzker makes his case in a highly entertaining way, with vivid anecdotes and an engaging, conversational writing style. You won’t soon forget his stories about goats seeking out needed nutrients from a rather disgusting source (I’ll let you find out for yourself what it is) or his colorful descriptions of the flavorlessness of today’s chickens, which he variously likens to eating an airplane pillow, teddy bear stuffing and a hotel bathrobe.
There were a few things in the book that didn’t work for me, including one or two bordering-on-insensitive descriptions of overweight people and sometimes using purely anecdotal stories to draw larger conclusions. And while there’s really no way around this, given Schatzker’s underlying thesis, his primary solution for making up the flavor/nutrient deficits in our diet — purchasing better quality (but likely more expensive) food – may be out of reach for those on tight food budgets.
Still, though, the book gave me lots of food for thought, no pun intended, and it sent me straight into my pantry to see which of my “all natural” foods contained flavoring agents. And it’s such an entertaining read that, despite its rather complex subject matter, I promise you’d be glad to have it with you on your next vacation.
And now for the giveaway! Just leave a comment below by Tuesday, May 26th, 7pm CST to enter for a chance to win one of three free copies of The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor. You can tell me why you’d like to win or you can just say hi. I’ll use a random number generator after the comment period closes to select three lucky winners and if you comment twice (e.g., to respond to another reader’s comment), I’ll use the number of your first comment to enter you in the drawing. I’ll email you directly if you win and also announce the three winners on TLT’s Facebook page. This offer is open to U.S. residents only.
Good luck!
[Blogger disclosure: As with most of my book reviews, I received a free copy of this book for my perusal. However, I never accept any other form of compensation for the book reviews you see on The Lunch Tray.]
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Corrie Dyer says
I’m hoping my library will have this book. It looks like one I would enjoy.
Donna says
Sounds like an interesting read!
Georgianna says
I actually listened to this on audiobook, thanks hoopla! I thought his view was interesting, but coming from a food science education and now in a nutrition field, I think he dramatized a lot of factors that really aren’t a big deal. Sensory analysis is a beautiful example of his over-dramatization. However, I do agree it’s worth the read!
Ann says
Thanks for bringing this book to our attention – sounds interesting
Kate says
I’d love a copy! Thanks for the review!
Martha says
Would love to add this to my library!
Kathryn says
I’m putting this on my library list for sure! A copy would be nice too, and I’m sure my friends would love to pass it around. Having my first child in school (who loves hot dog day in the cafeteria) is really making me think more about school lunches. We are so privileged to have great food resources (Green Bean Delivery, an organic produce delivery) and some organic farms nearby. My kids are going to be eating in a private school cafeteria over summer so I’m interested to see what their offerings are compared to the public school we attend during the year.
Pippa says
I would love to read this. Anything that makes you more informed about what you are eating is worth reading
Molly G. says
This sounds like a book I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing!
Anelie says
This sounds interesting.
Hi!
Lacy says
HI! Would love to read this and go through my pantry to see what is lurking in there. 🙂
Melissa says
This sounds like an interesting theory to consider. Thanks for the review! I’ll add it to our summer reading list.
Timmi Dobesh says
Sounds interesting
Julie Farris says
Of course would love to have the book, and thank you for sharing!
Cathie says
Being a recovering Dorito addict I am looking forward to this read!
Thanks for this topic! Hope I win a copy!
Foy says
This summer I have built my own internship and will be working with three local organic farms, learning about how they operate and in particular I am interested in how the are participating in farm to school lunch programs. I’m a stay at home mom, coming to the end of my stay at home time and I’m looking for a career that will matter and use my expertise (horticulture). I hope my internship will give me some hands on experience and some good reading material will ask questions to deepen my understanding of our food systems. Plus it is always nice to have a good reading suggestion as I have a long list of suggested reads from the farmers and I’d like to reciprocate – everyone learns!
Tami says
I would love to win this book!
Alex, RD says
Hey Bettina,
I’ve always been fascinated with the science behind behavior and health. As both a dietitian and food lover, I’m sure this book would tickle my fancy. Thanks for the opportunity and thanks for your passion.
Amber Payton says
I would love to win this book! It sounds like a very interesting read!
Melissa O'Brien says
I’m always interested in material discussing how the food industry’s processing of what we eat is changing patterns and behaviors. With kids that are hugely susceptible to the mass-marketing and the addictive flavorings, it’s important to stay informed. Thanks for bringing this book to everyone’s attention!
Jamie says
Sometimes I wonder if left SOLELY to their own devices if this wouldn’t work. However, with all the media & peer input/observance, I feel that they wouldn’t fare as well in this day/age. Thank you for the chance to get the free book!
Neal Duden says
Thanks for sharing…Hope I can share it too! Neal
Alli says
Hi Bettina! I would LOVE to read this book. I have been chowing through books at an alarming rate now that I’m nursing a newborn. Lots of couch time and books! Thanks for doing the giveaway!
Donna L. says
Win or lose the giveaway, I will be reading this book 🙂
Helen Duran says
Interesting. As a chef, I have long thought that flavor was key to satiety.
Laura Homer says
This sounds like an informative read! Its a real book, not a download first of all, so my type of read. Food is my passion, my job…. I need to work with a lot of processed foods daily. I do my best to make them appealing. I enjoy using raw fresh ingredients when I am able. Thanks for the chance to win!
Camilla Cohn says
Would love a copy of this book. Have worked really hard at my school and built the above website to try and share as much information with our parents as possible. Keep up the great work!
Bettina Elias Siegel says
The drawing period for this giveaway is now closed.