<b>In the bestselling tradition of <i>The Elements</i> and <i>Salt Sugar Fat</i>, an unprecedented visual exploration of what is<i>really</i> inside our food, setting the record straight on the controversial and fascinating science of chemical and synthetic additives in processed food—from Twinkies and McNuggets to “organic” protein bars and “healthy” shakes.</b><br><br><b>What’s <i>really</i> in your food?</b><br><br>We’ve all read the ingredients label on the back of a can, box, or bag from the grocery store. But what do all those mysterious chemicals and additives actually do—and are they<i>really</i> safe to eat?<br><br>Focusing on 75 of the most common (and controversial) food additives and 25 ordinary foods that contain them, acclaimed photographer Dwight Eschliman and science writer Steve Ettlinger demystify the problems of processed food. Together they reveal what each additive looks like, where it comes from, how and why it is used, where it is legally approved by the FDA (or illegal—and why it might be in your food anyway), and whether you ought to be worried about consuming it.<br><br>Essential for everyone who is concerned about the wholesomeness of their diet or merely curious about “polysorbate-60” or “tertiary butylhydroquinone,”<i>Ingredients</i> is a visually stunning and a scientifically rigorous journey from ketchup and Cool Whip to vegetarian sausage and McNuggets.<br><br>You’ll be surprised at what you find.<br><br>* * *<br><br>The book will show what is inside Twinkies, McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets, Wonder Bread, Cool Whip, Taco Bell Crunchy Taco, Mr. Pibb soda, Ocean Spray Cranberry Grape Juice, Red Bull, Naked Juice Green Machine Smoothie, Raisin Nut Bran, Quaker Strawberries &amp; Cream Oatmeal, Jimmy Dean French Toast, Coffee-Mate Fat Free Coffee Creamer, Morningstar Farms Veggie Sausage Patty, Heinz Ketchup, Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing, Klondike Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Bars, Trident Peppermint Sugarless Gum, Nabisco Wheat Thins, PowerBar Pria Chocolate Peanut Crunch, Odwalla Nourishing Superfood Bar, Ruffles Barbecue Potato Chips, Claussen Pickles, Sara Lee Multi-Grain Bakery Bread, and Kraft Free Sharp Cheese Singles.<br><br>It also focuses on processed food additives from acesulfame potassium to xanthan gum, including artificial and natural flavorings, sweeteners, colorings, preservatives, thickeners, emulsifiers, dessicants, and more.