Since 1984 this book, now in its 7th edition and thoroughly updated, has introduced the crucial interface between our diet and the essentially chemical nature of what we eat and drink. The contributions of the various classes of natural food components, as well as additives and contaminants, to the nutritional value of foods are considered. These include the nutrients required in large amounts like carbohydrates, proteins, fat, minerals and water as well as the less bulky nutrients such as vitamins, flavours, colours and preservatives. Undesirable food components, including allergens, pesticide residues and toxins are also dealt with. Not just the nature of food components are described, but also how they behave in storage, processing and cooking and accompanying changes in a food’s nutritional value.

The book features a ‘Special Topics’ section at the end of each chapter for specialist readers and advanced students, comprehensive listings of up-to-date review articles and recommended books for further reading, an exhaustive index and the structural formulae of over 500 food components. Frequent reference is also made to wider food and health issues, e.g. lactose intolerance, polyunsaturated fatty acids, wheat and gluten evolution, salt and hypertension, flavonoids in tea and fruit, and the increasing replacement of artificial with natural food colours.

Food: The Chemistry of its Components will be of particular interest to students and teachers of food science, nutrition and applied chemistry in universities, colleges and schools. Its accessible style ensures that it will be invaluable to anyone with an interest in food issues.


Extracts from reviews of previous editions:
“A superb book to have by your side when you read your daily newspaper.” New Scientist.
“… filled me with delight, curiosity and wonder. All the chemistry is very clear and I thoroughly recommend it.” The Chemical Educator.
“This is a lively and thorough treatment of the subject. I can recommend it to anyone interested in food, as an excellent reference or just to pick up and browse.” School Science Review.
“Especially noteworthy are the author’s simple observations on foods that are familiar to us all …” Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Safety.