Wednesday, August 5, 2015

The Tastemakers: Why We’re Crazy for Cupcakes but Fed Up with Fondue

The Tastemakers: Why We’re Crazy for Cupcakes but Fed Up with Fondue
By David Sax
PublicAffairs, 2014. 336 pgs. Nonfiction

Have you ever wondered why kale was unheard of one day and everywhere the next? And why did fondue ever go out of style, but bacon mania seems here to stay? In this fascinating book, author David Sax tracks the history and influences of food trends throughout the last few decades. The result is a surprising and fun exposition of the farmers, media stars, marketing powerhouses, and corporate moguls who try to predict and sometimes decide what makes it to your supermarket shelves or drive-thru menu.

As both a food lover and sociology buff, this book was a fascinating read for me. It never crossed my mind before to wonder how kiwis went from an obscure fruit only found in New Zealand to something you could buy at any grocery store. This was an eye-opening explanation of the hidden forces that shape what we eat every day.

LC

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