The idea of a supernormal stimulus is something that was invented by human beings. Ultra-processed foods use low-cost ingredients to create highly profitable products with a long shelf life. Their convenience, hyper-palatability and ownership by large transnational corporations give these foods huge marketing advantages. One common theme, at least in the cereal category, is that they include an awful much sugar.
Is your favorite treat changing your brain? Why do so many snacks melt in your mouth? And why can’t Stephen replicate his favorite salad dressing?
Take the Seven Deadly Sins survey: freakonomics.com/nsq-sins/