"The Dorito Effect" is a non-fiction book written by Mark Schatzker. The book explores the modern food industry and how the flavor of food has changed over time.
Schatzker argues that the food we eat today has lost much of its natural flavor due to a focus on producing food that is cheaper and more convenient, rather than tastier or more nutritious. He uses the example of the Dorito, a popular snack food, to illustrate how the food industry has manipulated flavor to create addictive products that are high in calories and low in nutritional value.
Through interviews with scientists, chefs, and food industry experts, Schatzker explains how the flavors of food are created, why natural flavor is important, and how the loss of flavor in our food has contributed to health problems such as obesity and diabetes.
The book also examines the impact of modern agriculture practices on the flavor of food, such as the breeding of crops for size and yield rather than taste. Schatzker argues that by focusing on flavor and nutrition, rather than just cost and convenience, we can improve our health and well-being and enjoy food that is truly delicious.
Overall, "The Dorito Effect" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that challenges readers to reconsider their relationship with food and the importance of natural flavor. It encourages readers to seek out food that is both nutritious and delicious, and to support sustainable farming practices that prioritize flavor and nutrition.