Why does America make such highly processed food? Especially at fast food joints?

Question

I avoid refined grains (white flour, white rice) stripped of fiber and nutrients during processing, with certain vitamins (B vitamins, iron).. i don’t understand..

Is it because they’re in it for the money and know that we’re not aware of the empty calories, or they know some of us don’t have enough money to spend on high quality food and makes us feel full, like fullfilly..

MrChinaski · Accepted Answer

It seems to be mainly cultural and cultures evolve down pathways that are difficult to understand even long after the fact.

If I were to hazard a guess, the US became the world's leading manufacturer superpower by making things cheaply, over and over and over again. You don't have the traditions of craftsmanship passed down generation after generation that you still see frequently in Japan and sometimes in Europe because people migrate a lot more within the country, whereas historically people in Europe tend to live closer to wear they were born (this has reversed in recent decades but that's a story for another opinion), so reputation for quality or its absence has been stronger. And the US has embraced suburbia, which tends to see people buy large quantities of food in their cars to sustain you for the next week or so, where in some cities in Europe people may shop more frequently but for much smaller quantities, so lifespan is more important in the US. So for a 1000 different reasons, food culture has taken a different path in the US.

All of which is me saying that I have absolutely no idea but am good at making up stories that may or may not be supported by any actual evidence.

Massageman · Accepted Answer

Shelf stability. Ability to maintain a profitable bottom line. My wife and I have had to radically change our eating habits recently, have lost several pounds each, and are feeling better overall. Done right, eating better does not have to cost a mountain of money either. One of the simplest - and free- changes I have made is simply to eat much more slowly, rather than to just dump food down my gullet. It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to feel "full". If you eat your meals in less than that, you will probably be eating too much- -and probably, too often as well. And don't forget to stay very well- hydrated.

desidoll · Accepted Answer

Cheaper, tastier and faster to prepare. When I moved here 3 years ago it was a cultural shocked for me to see almost everything is highly processed except for their raw meats or vegetables.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

It's the cheapest, it lasts the longest without spoiling, and they can sell it at the highest profit to the most people.

James The Foodie · Accepted Answer

The abundance of highly processed foods in America is often due to economic factors. Processing increases shelf life and allows for mass production, making items cheaper and more accessible. This leads to affordability for consumers and profitability for producers. The convenience and taste are emphasized over nutritional value, as fast food aims to cater to busy lifestyles. The challenge remains to balance convenience with health, something I've discovered in my own journey through diverse cuisines. 🌍🍴

Kaneki05 · Answer

Cheaper and tastes good along with been fast to make, all such reasons it's successful. Reality is to keep up with the demand of modern society it would be much harder to do it other ways. And plenty of people like processed food. People can simply choose not to go to MacDonalds but they do because they like it.

AviatorTom · Answer

Processed food lasts longer in storage and shipment.

abc3643 · Answer

America is about businesses making money by fucking over people treating them like stupid prey.

Mike_Hum · Answer

It’s because the country is huge with a lot of people.

AngryCarl2 · Answer

Because it's addictive and the FDA is paid for by the fast food industry.

beefcakebradybatson · Answer

These additives preserve food, making it longer lasting so it can eventually be sold.

Anonymous · Answer

Welcome to America and then we wonder why everyone is fat

beenherebefore · Answer

It's cheaper.

Anonymous · Answer

Didn’t you used to be like 109?

Iron_Man · Answer

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Why does America make such highly processed food? Especially at fast food joints?

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