How Food Is Made

by Ayla Marika
Published by Forssa Light Publishing
ISBN 9780994620101

If you or your children have ever wondered or asked what is in the food you eat then you will want to get your hands on this interesting book which according to the author is the first book of it's kind in the world.

Recently some reports have appeared in the news about farmed fish and what they are fed and, it is a concern for anyone who cares about the food they are eating.

How Food is Made, goes further, with easy to understand explanations, including the history of each item of processed food that is covered. It includes savoury and sweet processed food, such as chips, yeast extract, vegan cheese, margarine, butter, seafood extender, yoghurt, bacon, fish fingers, liquorice, soft-serve ice cream, peanut butter, hot dogs and many more. It also includes orange juice, whisky, beer and wine.

Simple and clear illustrations with flow charts shows the manufacturing processes from start to finish including the additives. The presentation makes it easier for children to understand. You may just want to read about the food you would normally buy before you go shopping.

The idea for this book was developed by the author Ayla Marika who is an illustrator / visual designer, who wanted to educate her daughter and other people on how the most common processed food is made. Her vision is to reduce confusion from the advertising we see for these foods, so as to empower people to think about the food they eat and, to spark conversations. Some luxury foods are also included.

Although the author is in Australia it was surprising to see that some foods have American spelling which could be confusing for children and annoying for some, but nonetheless this is a handy book to have at home. It just might make you think differently about the food you choose for yourself and your family.