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The fact that the nutritional quality of a given food (and…

“The fact that the nutritional quality of a given food (and of that food's food) can vary not just in degree but in kind throws a big wrench into an industrial food chain, the very premise of which is that beef is beef and salmon salmon. It also throws a new light on the whole question of cost, for…” quote by Michael Pollan
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““The fact that the nutritional quality of a given food (and of that food's food) can vary not just in degree but in kind throws a big wrench into an industrial food chain, the very premise of which is that beef is beef and salmon salmon. It also throws a new light on the whole question of cost, for it quality matters so much more than quantity, then the price of a food may bear little relation to the value of the nutrients in it. If units of omega-3s and beta-cartene and vitamin E are what an egg shopper is really after, then Joel's $2.20 a dozen pastured eggs actually represents a much better deal than the $0.79 a dozen industrial eggs at the supermarket.””

Michael Pollan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Nutritional quality varies by type, not just amount, challenging the idea that all food of a kind are equivalent and affecting price versus nutrient value.

In simple terms: Food quality differs, making price a poor indicator of nutrition.

Key Takeaway

Consider nutrient content over price.

Themes

nutrition food industry quality economics

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

informative critical

When to use this quote

  • grocery shopping
  • diet planning
  • health policy
  • consumer education

Key Concepts

nutrient variability food chain value perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you assess nutrient quality when shopping?
  • What trade‑offs are you willing to make for better nutrition?
A Different Perspective

Industrial foods may lack specific nutrients despite lower cost.

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