Tag: Junk food science

Food manufacturers spend millions of dollars on research to pinpoint the perfect ratios of sugar, fat, and salt that make processed foods almost impossible to resist. The science behind junk food reveals how these highly engineered products exploit our brain's ancient survival instincts, triggering powerful cravings and disrupting our body's natural satiety signals.

According to food scientists like Steven Witherly, Cheetos are one of the most "marvelously constructed foods on the planet" for pure pleasure. This isn't accidental; the snack's irresistible qualities—from its unique texture to its complex flavor profile—are carefully engineered to make you crave more. So, what makes Cheetos so good?

According to a 2025 study, frequent fast food consumption is associated with a range of negative psychological effects, including irritability, reduced concentration, and feelings of guilt. This highlights the complex interplay of chemical, psychological, and behavioral factors that explain why are takeaways so addictive and difficult to resist.