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Government Subsidies Make Ultra-Processed Food Artificially Cheap, Says Pollan

ZOE Science & Nutrition · Why you can't stop eating: The science of cravings, food addiction and 5 ways to regain control | Michael Pollan & Prof Tim Spector · May 31, 2026
Government Subsidies Make Ultra-Processed Food Artificially Cheap, Says Pollan
ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE Science & Nutrition
Why you can't stop eating: The science of cravings, food addiction and 5 ways to regain control | Michael Pollan & Prof Tim Spector
"The EU and the US government are subsidizing the least healthy calories in the diet. They're subsidizing the worst things for us to eat. The price of a hamburger or French fries at McDonald's is partly being picked up by the taxpayers."
Pollan reveals that government agricultural subsidies for corn and soy monocultures artificially lower the price of ultra-processed foods while whole foods receive no support. This policy creates economic incentives favoring unhealthy eating, with taxpayers unknowingly funding fast food consumption. The claim exposes structural government complicity in the obesity crisis.
From this episode
ZOE Science & Nutrition
ZOE Science & Nutrition

Why you can't stop eating: The science of cravings, food addiction and 5 ways to regain control | Michael Pollan & Prof Tim Spector

August 3, 2026 · 5 Egleze moments
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