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The Good Eater: A Vegan’s Search for the Future of Food
An enlightening and delicious look at how vegans – and their critics – are redefining the way the world eats in the twenty-first century.
For years, there has been no doubt that widespread consumption of meat is both environmentally destructive and morally dubious. A growing chorus of scientists, health experts, and activists champion the benefits of a mostly plant-based diet. Nevertheless, change has been slow to arrive, and the chasm between Americans' appetites and our collective needs seems impossibly vast. We know we must transition to a more plant-based world. But what would such a world look like, and how do we realistically get there?
One group of people has been grappling with this question for vegans. Once mocked for its hempy puritanism, the vegan movement has grown from a fringe identity into a veritable cultural juggernaut, primarily through the power of persuasion. Who better to guide society into a greener future? Yet conflict over these questions persists. Is the healthful vegan lifestyle appealing – or alienating? Are high-tech meat alternatives merely a repeat performance of harmful fast-food values? Is modern veganism itself misguided – a wrong answer to the right questions?
In The Good Eater , Harvard-trained sociologist (and vegan) Nina Guilbeault vividly explores the movement's history and its present-day tensions. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of how social change happens, with profound implications for our plates – and our planet.
For years, there has been no doubt that widespread consumption of meat is both environmentally destructive and morally dubious. A growing chorus of scientists, health experts, and activists champion the benefits of a mostly plant-based diet. Nevertheless, change has been slow to arrive, and the chasm between Americans' appetites and our collective needs seems impossibly vast. We know we must transition to a more plant-based world. But what would such a world look like, and how do we realistically get there?
One group of people has been grappling with this question for vegans. Once mocked for its hempy puritanism, the vegan movement has grown from a fringe identity into a veritable cultural juggernaut, primarily through the power of persuasion. Who better to guide society into a greener future? Yet conflict over these questions persists. Is the healthful vegan lifestyle appealing – or alienating? Are high-tech meat alternatives merely a repeat performance of harmful fast-food values? Is modern veganism itself misguided – a wrong answer to the right questions?
In The Good Eater , Harvard-trained sociologist (and vegan) Nina Guilbeault vividly explores the movement's history and its present-day tensions. What emerges is a fascinating portrait of how social change happens, with profound implications for our plates – and our planet.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2024
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3134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 26, 2024
This book is a beautiful blend of sociocultural history, food writing, and personal journey, wrapped up in one delectable tome. The author masterfully weaves together the story of how veganism came to the fore, and how its present undercurrents of techno-optimism and regenerative agriculture exist in uneasy partnership. But don't get it wrong... this is not a book that will shame anyone for their food choices. Instead, Guilbeault points out that our individual food choices are heavily constrained by the food systems we live in and have access to. As Guilbeault wisely writes, "no matter which food system we choose, trade-offs are inevitable."
The best thing about this book is you don't have to be a vegan, or even know anything at all about veganism in order to enjoy it. While reading it, I found myself getting carried along by the fascinating cast of characters Guilbeault introduces us to in intimate fashion: animal rights activists like Bruce Friedrich who have turned to the burgeoning Silicon Valley alternative meat industry to combat factory farming, celebrity California chefs like Matthew Kenney who are at the cutting edge of plant-based cuisine, renowned biochemistry researchers like Dr. T. Colin Campbell who are studying the impact of whole foods on health and longevity, and inventive young farmers like Emma Jagoz who are reimagining agriculture and our relationship to the land.
Plus there are just some lovely, mouthwatering descriptions of food that make me hope the author will one day write a cookbook! Some of the descriptions of what she ate sound AMAZING. Overall this is a thoughtful and incisive look at where our food comes from and how big thinkers are coming up with new (and old!) ways for us to realistically do better for our health, the planet, and the animals.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The best thing about this book is you don't have to be a vegan, or even know anything at all about veganism in order to enjoy it. While reading it, I found myself getting carried along by the fascinating cast of characters Guilbeault introduces us to in intimate fashion: animal rights activists like Bruce Friedrich who have turned to the burgeoning Silicon Valley alternative meat industry to combat factory farming, celebrity California chefs like Matthew Kenney who are at the cutting edge of plant-based cuisine, renowned biochemistry researchers like Dr. T. Colin Campbell who are studying the impact of whole foods on health and longevity, and inventive young farmers like Emma Jagoz who are reimagining agriculture and our relationship to the land.
Plus there are just some lovely, mouthwatering descriptions of food that make me hope the author will one day write a cookbook! Some of the descriptions of what she ate sound AMAZING. Overall this is a thoughtful and incisive look at where our food comes from and how big thinkers are coming up with new (and old!) ways for us to realistically do better for our health, the planet, and the animals.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2024
As a non vegan- this was a really interesting read. As someone who is very conscious about mass consumption and fast fashion, I put a lot of effort into buying things second hand, whether it be furniture or decorations or clothing. Thoughts of what I consume and how I consume it is something I think about a lot- except when it comes to what I eat. This isn’t something I even realized or thought about until I picked up this book. Genuinely- I read the first three chapters of this book at the end of September and have eaten meat only twice since. I’m not on the vegan train quite yet- but this book does a fantastic job of making me think about it.
This was a very well researched book, with chapters ranging from the history of veganism, to lab grown meats, to the cultural associations of veganisms. I found most of it interesting, although some chapters really meandered and lost me. I also found it slightly biased and that was off putting to me at times. For example, saying “There are surveys suggesting that vegans are more stigmatized than immigrants, atheists, and asexuals,” is pretty crazy.
I really enjoyed the introduction and the conclusion and loved when the author spoke about how there is no true ethical way to eat, but we all need to be more intentional about where food comes from and how it’s sourced. We all should have a goal of reducing our impact on the planet in the way that works for us. Overall a really interesting read that provided some cool insight and definitely impacted the way I eat, but not without its flaws.
This was a very well researched book, with chapters ranging from the history of veganism, to lab grown meats, to the cultural associations of veganisms. I found most of it interesting, although some chapters really meandered and lost me. I also found it slightly biased and that was off putting to me at times. For example, saying “There are surveys suggesting that vegans are more stigmatized than immigrants, atheists, and asexuals,” is pretty crazy.
I really enjoyed the introduction and the conclusion and loved when the author spoke about how there is no true ethical way to eat, but we all need to be more intentional about where food comes from and how it’s sourced. We all should have a goal of reducing our impact on the planet in the way that works for us. Overall a really interesting read that provided some cool insight and definitely impacted the way I eat, but not without its flaws.
April 6, 2024
This book is a thorough and honest examination of the complexities of our food system. It made me reflect more deeply about how I eat. Both deeply informative and engaging - the author blends thorough research with personal experience and stories making the content digestible and fun to read.
May 13, 2024
Since transitioning to veganism almost 30 years ago, most of the science I’d read was from that time in the mid-1990s. This book has a modern take on what it means to be vegan today, and I learned a lot. Reinforcing why I’m not excited about “meat alternatives” as I never even had meat before (I was vegetarian before being vegan), BUT if it means less life killed I am game on and cheering for those making that choice. Just like with homophobia, racism, sexism, etc not being sustainable, it is reassuring that with up and coming generations speciesism is also being questioned.
February 9, 2024
This book is wonderfully written and researched. So many different angles are presented in such a thoughtful way through fact and story. I had been on the fringe of wanting to move toward plant-based diet, but this book has solidified that for me! Thank you for the ARC!
June 30, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Good Eater is a broad ranging, engaging, and beautifully written monograph about society, veganism, vegetarianism, food systems and most importantly food, written by Dr. Nina Guilbeault. Released 16th April 2024 by Bloomsbury, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the e-book format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a thorough and logically laid out book examining food in the larger context of the systems used to create and deliver nutritive substances. The author has researched deeply and interviewed scientists who are engaged in producing cell-cultured cruelty free meat (directly from animal cells), to other manufactured foodstuffs, agriculture systems, regenerative farming, fads, and more general themes.
The author does describe her personal and family journey to vegetarianism, but there's very little proselytizing in the book. She links to peer-reviewed studies in the literature which make draw links between plant based diets and lifestyle associated cancers and cardiopulmonary illnesses... but there's no shaming or stridency.
It's well annotated throughout, but it's not written in academically rigorous language, and it's perfectly layman accessible. The chapter notes include links and will provid avid readers with many hours of further reading.
This is not a cookbook, and does not contain recipes. The author is, however, so adept at description and readers will find themselves wishing for a companion cookbook to many of her food descriptions.
Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition and for non-fiction readers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Good Eater is a broad ranging, engaging, and beautifully written monograph about society, veganism, vegetarianism, food systems and most importantly food, written by Dr. Nina Guilbeault. Released 16th April 2024 by Bloomsbury, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the e-book format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
This is a thorough and logically laid out book examining food in the larger context of the systems used to create and deliver nutritive substances. The author has researched deeply and interviewed scientists who are engaged in producing cell-cultured cruelty free meat (directly from animal cells), to other manufactured foodstuffs, agriculture systems, regenerative farming, fads, and more general themes.
The author does describe her personal and family journey to vegetarianism, but there's very little proselytizing in the book. She links to peer-reviewed studies in the literature which make draw links between plant based diets and lifestyle associated cancers and cardiopulmonary illnesses... but there's no shaming or stridency.
It's well annotated throughout, but it's not written in academically rigorous language, and it's perfectly layman accessible. The chapter notes include links and will provid avid readers with many hours of further reading.
This is not a cookbook, and does not contain recipes. The author is, however, so adept at description and readers will find themselves wishing for a companion cookbook to many of her food descriptions.
Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition and for non-fiction readers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 27, 2024
Here's what I can say about this book:
1) As someone who believes that food is one of the most effective ways to be a positive influence in the world, the premise of the book resonated with me from the start. I feel like it described some of the journey that I've personally taken in my own (plant-based) diet but in a more wide-reaching, in-depth, comprehensive way. Also, a more entertaining and efficient experience - delivered in a concise package of one book rather than wading through the internet's diet wars or waiting for media to tell you some half-truths for you to decipher. All this to say, I was an easy sell on this book but I think it did a fantastic job at what it set out to do.
2) As an aspiring writer myself, I pay attention to how a book is written and how a story is told. I was amazed and inspired by Guilbeault's words. Both her eloquence as well as her way of weaving this story and taking me along for the ride made it a really enjoyable experience. She took a complex, highly-researched topic and made it an easy, fun read. Impressive!
This book explores questions that I think many people are already asking and are not sure how to answer, or that people aren't asking and probably should (IMO). What we eat is an intimate way of interacting with the systems in which we live - and we are taking part in and influencing those systems whether we are aware of it or not. So we may as well be aware of it and make conscious choices that align with our values and support movement in the direction we want for the world!! I'm grateful this book exists and I hope it helps more people to do just that.
**I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
1) As someone who believes that food is one of the most effective ways to be a positive influence in the world, the premise of the book resonated with me from the start. I feel like it described some of the journey that I've personally taken in my own (plant-based) diet but in a more wide-reaching, in-depth, comprehensive way. Also, a more entertaining and efficient experience - delivered in a concise package of one book rather than wading through the internet's diet wars or waiting for media to tell you some half-truths for you to decipher. All this to say, I was an easy sell on this book but I think it did a fantastic job at what it set out to do.
2) As an aspiring writer myself, I pay attention to how a book is written and how a story is told. I was amazed and inspired by Guilbeault's words. Both her eloquence as well as her way of weaving this story and taking me along for the ride made it a really enjoyable experience. She took a complex, highly-researched topic and made it an easy, fun read. Impressive!
This book explores questions that I think many people are already asking and are not sure how to answer, or that people aren't asking and probably should (IMO). What we eat is an intimate way of interacting with the systems in which we live - and we are taking part in and influencing those systems whether we are aware of it or not. So we may as well be aware of it and make conscious choices that align with our values and support movement in the direction we want for the world!! I'm grateful this book exists and I hope it helps more people to do just that.
**I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
April 10, 2024
Nina’s book is the perfect fusion of history, sociology, and questions that make you rethink the future of our food system, particularly at a time when climate change intensifies at unprecedented levels, as rates of diet-related chronic disease skyrocket, and as technology and AI inevitably play a bigger role in food - what does this mean for consumers and for the planet? Nina’s leadership, expertise, and years of research in the plant-based food movement makes her the best person suited to write this story. She provides a thoughtful, balanced view of the plant-based food movement and regenerative farming, asking questions that most are too fearful to ask. She doesn’t advocate for one perfect solution for the future of food but rather leaves the reader with the right questions needed to inform their own opinion, and how their own behaviors are influencing the future of food we are collectively shaping.
Her work has and continues to inspire my own work and her perspectives encourage me to think outside of the box, challenging my own beliefs and behaviors around food. Her conscious writing style around food and experts she features provided a broad array of perspectives and she brings in readers from all backgrounds and all dietary preferences. I personally believe this isn’t a book for vegans, in fact, it’s quite the opposite - it’s for anyone wanting to understand the history, or future of the food system, you absolutely cannot grasp the full story without the a deep understanding of the massive role that plant-based food has has in influencing the food system, regardless of your dietary preferences.
Her work has and continues to inspire my own work and her perspectives encourage me to think outside of the box, challenging my own beliefs and behaviors around food. Her conscious writing style around food and experts she features provided a broad array of perspectives and she brings in readers from all backgrounds and all dietary preferences. I personally believe this isn’t a book for vegans, in fact, it’s quite the opposite - it’s for anyone wanting to understand the history, or future of the food system, you absolutely cannot grasp the full story without the a deep understanding of the massive role that plant-based food has has in influencing the food system, regardless of your dietary preferences.
June 21, 2024
I recently stopped eating all animal products. This has rocked my world because cooking from scratch can be uber time consuming. However, being retired, I have no excuses.
The author is herself vegan and incorporates a whole food, plant based in her eating. Vegan does not automatically translate to eating healthy. I was fascinated to read about how the state of being a vegan has evolved over decades. She explores the wild efforts to reproduce the sensation of eating animal products sans the actual animal products. Of course, she incorporates information on the treatment of animals in our country and climate change associated with massive meat production. However, she does not preach and offers what is a well informed and accessible philosophy that hopefully will appeal to many who may be considering this change in lifestyle.
The author is herself vegan and incorporates a whole food, plant based in her eating. Vegan does not automatically translate to eating healthy. I was fascinated to read about how the state of being a vegan has evolved over decades. She explores the wild efforts to reproduce the sensation of eating animal products sans the actual animal products. Of course, she incorporates information on the treatment of animals in our country and climate change associated with massive meat production. However, she does not preach and offers what is a well informed and accessible philosophy that hopefully will appeal to many who may be considering this change in lifestyle.
May 8, 2024
The Good Eater: A Vegan’s Search for the Future of Food by Nina Guilbeault was such an enjoyable read! It gives readers quite a bit of the long history of vegan eating and a peek into the future of plant-based food options. I love that it focused on various reasons why someone might consider adopting a vegan diet - the environment, animal welfare, personal health, community wellbeing, etc. I enjoyed the author's focus on key players in various vegan movements from centuries past to now. She explained their reasons for becoming vegan and what they have done to further the movement, The Good Eater is a thought-provoking and engaging read.
Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy of this title.
Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy of this title.
March 26, 2024
I thought I had spent a lot of time looking at the food system, but Nina Guilbeault showed me that I had just nibbled at the edge of the (vegan) pie.
The writing is anything but dry. The author weaves herself into the narrative in a way that makes me care. She changes over the journey of discovery in a way that feels familiar.
She has honest and original assessments of some of the biggest players in the space: the entrepreneurs and big money attempting to change the system through “disruptive” technology. However, beyond those she points out that there are far more influences, personalities, and movements that are shaping our food system, for better and for worse.
The writing is anything but dry. The author weaves herself into the narrative in a way that makes me care. She changes over the journey of discovery in a way that feels familiar.
She has honest and original assessments of some of the biggest players in the space: the entrepreneurs and big money attempting to change the system through “disruptive” technology. However, beyond those she points out that there are far more influences, personalities, and movements that are shaping our food system, for better and for worse.
September 26, 2024
This is a quick, brilliantly detailed history of veganism, vegetarianism, and the plant-based food movement. Tackling the ethics and science of the day on topics as diverse as the evolution of lab-grown meat, assertions that grass-fed beef is better for the planet than vegan alternatives, and even the necessity of protein consumption, I found this book to bite off more than it can chew (pun intended) and yet still manage to ignite important conversations. I am a vegan, but I think it is meat eaters who should explore this book most vitally, especially because it is such a nonjudgmental and fact-based time.
April 12, 2024
In this thought-provoking story, the author takes readers on a journey through the intricate tapestry of food choices, ethics, and sustainability. With both researched data and personal anecdotes, they show us how our food choices affect the world around us. It's a friendly reminder to think about where our food comes from and how it impacts the planet. With warmth and charm, the author encourages us to make more thoughtful choices, making this narrative a delightful exploration of food, values, and our shared future.
July 18, 2024
This book is different from other books about veganism in that it explores veganism as a larger system, from farming to Silicon Valley, restaurants, social justice, the history, and the future. It also examines general behavior trends behind why we choose what we eat. I didn't care so much for all of the spotlight profiles, even though I understand why she did that, and I wish there was more of her personal story. I thought it was going to be part-memoir, but it was largely looking at society.
August 12, 2024
A surprisingly unbiased piece of writing about the mass production in the meat industry and the many alternative forms of food that have popped up in the last couple decades. Guilbeault speaks from her personal experiences eating meat leading her to become vegan and to alternative farms and yogi's that brought veganism to the wider public in California. The Good Eater isn't too preachy, it simply lays out the stories around meat, our futures surrounding food that have a bigger impact than we'd like to believe.
May 16, 2025
An interesting, short but compelling read on the history of veganism and the ethics of our current food system. While I did enjoy the more sociohistorical aspects, some of the science seemed a bit pseudo, and despite the author's claims otherwise in her statement of purpose at the outset of the book, the tone was definitely moralizing (how can it not be when she constantly substitutes the word "flesh" for "meat?"). I prefer the storytelling of Michael Pollan, but this was a decent attempt at an update on the Omnivore's Dilemma.
April 6, 2024
This is an amazingly well-written, fascinating book. Guilbeault does an outstanding job of interweaving a broad examination of veganism with her personal evolution as a vegan. I didn't expect this to be such a page-turner, but it is. For anyone who's even remotely curious about the rise of veganism, its controversy, and an honest exploration of this lifestyle, this is your book!
March 27, 2024
Simply a must read for anyone curious about the world of conscious eating. Masterfully written, it compels us all to understand the rich history, present,
and future of the vegan world and our place in it.
and future of the vegan world and our place in it.
March 28, 2024
Great discussion of veganism from many different angles, with personal stories from the author that make it engaging and relatable. I recommend it to anyone looking to learn about veganism, either for their own personal journey with food or to just understand the movement!
November 27, 2024
Not actually perfect, but perfect for my current moment as a new vegan. It presents a broad survey of the current vegan landscape, and all the contradictions and issues within it. I appreciated the book as a meditation on food, exactly as the author talked about.
December 31, 2024
Fantastic book, well researched, and balanced in terms of everything that’s going on with veganism, plant-based food, and sustainable agriculture. I really think that people will look back and wonder how we once ate animals.
August 5, 2025
The urge to become a vegan after this is SO strong. But I also feel comfortable being a flexitarian (primarily plant-based eating), as this practice is relatively new to me.
Here to eat and eat good.
Here to eat and eat good.
March 29, 2024
I really enjoyed the flow and way the book is broken down. Fantastic read for anyone who wants to explore society's relationship with food -- or strengthen their own mindful eating muscle.
April 16, 2024
This is one of the most well-written books I've ever read!! Such a joy to read and absolutely fascinating! I learned so much. I will buy any book written by Nina Guilbeault!!
July 17, 2024
3.5 stars. As a vegetarian, I’m interested in this topic. I found the book to be enjoyable
January 27, 2025
Little tour through vegany developments. Breezy.
June 2, 2025
Pretty much knew all this already. C
June 19, 2025
Well rounded book that covers history, nutrition, the market and science of emerging vegan food, and intersectionality between race and veganism.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews