The author explores his theory that the food industry's used three essential ingredients to control much of the world's diet. Traces the rise of the processed food industry and how addictive salt, sugar, and fat have enabled its dominance in the past half century, revealing deliberate corporate practices behind current trends in obesity, diabetes, and other health challenges. Features examples from some of the most recognizable and profitable companies and brands of the last half century, including Kraft, Coca-Cola, Lunchables, Kellogg, Frito-Lay, Nestlé, Oreos, Cargill, Capri Sun, and many more.

"The company jewels" -- Sugar -- "Exploiting the biology of the child" -- "How do you get people to crave?" -- "Convenience with a Capital 'C'" -- "Is it cereal or candy?" -- "I want to see a lot of body bags" -- "A burst of fruity aroma" -- Fat -- "That gooey, sticky mouthfeel" -- "Liquid gold" -- "Lunchtime is all yours" -- "The message the government conveys" -- "No sugar, no fat, no sales" -- Salt -- "People love salt" -- "The same great salty taste your customers crave" -- "I feel so sorry for the public" -- "We're hooked on inexpensive food.".