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Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time
In Cool Food, celebrated actor and philanthropist Robert Downey Jr. and New York Times-bestselling author Thomas Kostigen team up to discover how we can erase our carbon footprints—one bite at a time.
What we eat matters—to us and to the planet. Cool Food is a game-changing new food category and way of thinking that can help fix the climate. This engaging and persuasive book will show you how to make simple choices, starting today—in the supermarket, in your kitchen, and in the world—to reduce your environmental impact. Hundreds of cool foods exist, but until now they have gone largely uncelebrated for their climate-positive powers. Some of these foods may already be on your shelf, and some are just on the horizon. But cool food is much more than just a shopping list: It's a way of life vitally important to our future.
What we eat matters—to us and to the planet. Cool Food is a game-changing new food category and way of thinking that can help fix the climate. This engaging and persuasive book will show you how to make simple choices, starting today—in the supermarket, in your kitchen, and in the world—to reduce your environmental impact. Hundreds of cool foods exist, but until now they have gone largely uncelebrated for their climate-positive powers. Some of these foods may already be on your shelf, and some are just on the horizon. But cool food is much more than just a shopping list: It's a way of life vitally important to our future.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 23, 2024
66 people are currently reading
8021 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 25, 2025
As the first book in my journey to find the healthiest, cheapest, and most environmentally-friendly foods, this was as good as it gets. There are SO many topics I want to dive deeper into now!
The tip of the iceberg has been scratched! Hopefully, I finish my research before they all melt 💀
The tip of the iceberg has been scratched! Hopefully, I finish my research before they all melt 💀
April 25, 2024
Cool Food was the perfect audiobook selection for Earth Day, informative as well as entertaining. While I can't say I am totally on board with the cool food movement as explained in the book, I did learn some tips for becoming more aware of the ecological impact of my food choices, and will implement several new practices as a direct result of listening to this book. The authors describe several types of 'cool food' or food that has a relatively low carbon footprint, and what factors should be considered when choosing foods to reduce the CO2 impact of what we eat. Their choices lean toward vegetarian/vegan eating, and there are not many recipes described in the audiobook (perhaps there are more in the extra printables?)
The audiobook is read primarily by Robert Downey Jr.'s co-authors with Downey interjecting 'fast facts' periodically. The production was well done, although I did not find the fast-paced interjections to be as cute as intended.
I think that if I were more in tune with the philosophy behind the book, I would get a print copy as a reference after listening, as the lists and such are sometimes lengthy and would be difficult to remember.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Audio for the audio review copy of Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time by Robert Downey Jr. & Thomas Kostigen, narrated by the authors and Deepti Gupta. The opinions in this review re my own.
The audiobook is read primarily by Robert Downey Jr.'s co-authors with Downey interjecting 'fast facts' periodically. The production was well done, although I did not find the fast-paced interjections to be as cute as intended.
I think that if I were more in tune with the philosophy behind the book, I would get a print copy as a reference after listening, as the lists and such are sometimes lengthy and would be difficult to remember.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Audio for the audio review copy of Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time by Robert Downey Jr. & Thomas Kostigen, narrated by the authors and Deepti Gupta. The opinions in this review re my own.
February 20, 2024
Not what I was expecting. It is advertised as a cookbook but I wouldn't call it one. There a few recipes scattered throughout. But it read more of a "Move to Action" non-fic piece.
I thoroughly enjoyed the factoids about low carbon footprint foods. It does not come off as an advertisement for their website although there is one. It is mention in the intro and a quick website link in the back to be like "Learn More Here!" Tasteful, well laid out, and I learned a lot that I never thought of looking up before.
Everyone knows labels are tricky. "organic" doesn't always equal organic it has to be 100% Organic now. It was nice to get a run down of others out there that are considered trick labels.
Try to eat seasonally, locally, and organic.
Knew about ancient grains and sea weed but not HOW MANY THERE ARE OMG! I knew the bare minimum about how good sea weed is for the environment and carbon storage. I will be researching more into this topic and trying to add it to my food intake.
I did not know that there are Carbon Footprint labels on food now to show its impact. Even restaurants offer it now.
Much to take in here. Much to digest. But like I said recipes few and far between.
That meal kits (subscriptions box stuff) have a smaller carbon footprint than items at the grocery store.
I thoroughly enjoyed the factoids about low carbon footprint foods. It does not come off as an advertisement for their website although there is one. It is mention in the intro and a quick website link in the back to be like "Learn More Here!" Tasteful, well laid out, and I learned a lot that I never thought of looking up before.
Everyone knows labels are tricky. "organic" doesn't always equal organic it has to be 100% Organic now. It was nice to get a run down of others out there that are considered trick labels.
Try to eat seasonally, locally, and organic.
Knew about ancient grains and sea weed but not HOW MANY THERE ARE OMG! I knew the bare minimum about how good sea weed is for the environment and carbon storage. I will be researching more into this topic and trying to add it to my food intake.
I did not know that there are Carbon Footprint labels on food now to show its impact. Even restaurants offer it now.
Much to take in here. Much to digest. But like I said recipes few and far between.
That meal kits (subscriptions box stuff) have a smaller carbon footprint than items at the grocery store.
March 29, 2024
So many fantastic ideas in here. Should be an inspiration any city planners. Start small. Small changes with big impact. RDJ and his fast facts were hilarious until his last one. Too soon RDJ, too soon.
May 5, 2025
This book is like an educational rap.
- It's not as hip and fun as it is trying to be, even with its street art-inspired graphic design.
- It's less boring than a typical lesson, but the format means it lacks substance and depth, so you're going to need more instruction to actually master the concept.
- As much as it tries, it's out of touch with the intended audience.
Might be good for middle grade or young adult readers.
- It's not as hip and fun as it is trying to be, even with its street art-inspired graphic design.
- It's less boring than a typical lesson, but the format means it lacks substance and depth, so you're going to need more instruction to actually master the concept.
- As much as it tries, it's out of touch with the intended audience.
Might be good for middle grade or young adult readers.
September 29, 2024
Interesting and enlightening. It made me rethink a lot of things I thought I knew about food and sustainability.
I would recommend picking this up in any format other than audiobook. It's a pain to pull up the PDF to look at pictures or supplementary materials as they're mentioned and RDJ's contribution of 'fast facts' is always done so quickly that I sometimes had to rewind to make out what he said.
I would recommend picking this up in any format other than audiobook. It's a pain to pull up the PDF to look at pictures or supplementary materials as they're mentioned and RDJ's contribution of 'fast facts' is always done so quickly that I sometimes had to rewind to make out what he said.
February 27, 2024
If you care about our planet and want to reduce your carbon footprint, this is the book for you. The book is very informative and includes action plans and some recipes. It is easy to read.
December 6, 2025
With my income level I couldn't do everything he suggests, but there were still suggestions I could do
August 27, 2024
It’s an interesting read but it’s not feasible for everyday people. Where Robert Downey Jr has money to buy organic and from small farms and can hire chefs to cook him mainly vegan meals, most of us have to shop at a grocery store and prepare our own meals. Some people even live in food deserts and don’t have easy access to food that isn’t processed. And some people rely on food banks. There aren’t a lot of recipes in here and most of the photos of the food are terrible. That said, some of the recipes look good - such as cashew butter cookies, Japanese broccoli yakisoba and crunchy curried chickpea bowls.
January 25, 2024
I really liked this book. It teaches you how to erase your carbon footprint as well as how to eat better and “cleaner”. The only thing I would add to this book is to help people learn grow these foods in their yards, pots, or balconies.
February 12, 2024
Crazy amount of info, it could have used a firm editing. That being said, it is a decent book on a critical topic. I bought jackfruit because of this book.
June 18, 2024
Informative. Some recipes included, but not a cookbook. My only complaint was that I had to blow up the print size to max to read the kindle version and it was still pretty small.
August 23, 2025
So cool I had to read it a second time.
Super interesting. Highly recommend for anyone who gives a shit about our planet and also really really likes food.
Super interesting. Highly recommend for anyone who gives a shit about our planet and also really really likes food.
January 18, 2025
Ugh. What a slog. Cool cover though.
May 2, 2024
📚 2024 #37: “Cool Food” by Robert Downey Jr & Thomas Kostigen
📕 This book is all about the foods we eat, how they impact the planet, and the choices we can make to minimize our carbon footprints. You'll learn how to read produce SKU codes, what fruits and veggies are in season when, whether it's actually better to eat local, and a lot more. The authors have an optimistic approach to positively affecting our planet through choices we make everyday, especially when they add up to signals that affect the choices made my restaurants, grocery stores, big businesses, and farmers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5: I'm a bit torn on the easy-going tone of this book. Sustainability and food choices are super important to me (and I think to the authors too), but it seems they're trying to appeal to the masses with low commitment suggestions. Getting someone to add a scoop of beans or lentils to their hamburger mixture is much easier than asking them to cut out meat altogether. I'm firmly of the belief it's better to have everyone make small changes than a few people make drastic changes, so a lot of the advice in this book is helpful for that. There are also a bunch of other cool facts about food that have nothing to do with cutting out meat, such as the real weight of food transport in emissions, buying fresh vs frozen vs canned, and carbon footprint labels on foods. A couple fun facts: Dates, apples, seaweed, and ancient grains are some of the most carbon-friendly foods! Farming and production are often 50-80% of emissions for food items, while packaging and transport can be as low as 5%. People tend to focus on the latter, but eating a locally-grown steak will never be as sustainable as importing exotic produce from across the planet.
🤓 You should read this if you're interested in sustainability, especially as it pertains to food (no need to be a vegan/vegetarian to get something out of this -- RDJ is pescatarian!). If you liked "Ultra-Processed People" by Chris van Tulleken, you'll probably like this.
🥰 Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
📕 This book is all about the foods we eat, how they impact the planet, and the choices we can make to minimize our carbon footprints. You'll learn how to read produce SKU codes, what fruits and veggies are in season when, whether it's actually better to eat local, and a lot more. The authors have an optimistic approach to positively affecting our planet through choices we make everyday, especially when they add up to signals that affect the choices made my restaurants, grocery stores, big businesses, and farmers.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5: I'm a bit torn on the easy-going tone of this book. Sustainability and food choices are super important to me (and I think to the authors too), but it seems they're trying to appeal to the masses with low commitment suggestions. Getting someone to add a scoop of beans or lentils to their hamburger mixture is much easier than asking them to cut out meat altogether. I'm firmly of the belief it's better to have everyone make small changes than a few people make drastic changes, so a lot of the advice in this book is helpful for that. There are also a bunch of other cool facts about food that have nothing to do with cutting out meat, such as the real weight of food transport in emissions, buying fresh vs frozen vs canned, and carbon footprint labels on foods. A couple fun facts: Dates, apples, seaweed, and ancient grains are some of the most carbon-friendly foods! Farming and production are often 50-80% of emissions for food items, while packaging and transport can be as low as 5%. People tend to focus on the latter, but eating a locally-grown steak will never be as sustainable as importing exotic produce from across the planet.
🤓 You should read this if you're interested in sustainability, especially as it pertains to food (no need to be a vegan/vegetarian to get something out of this -- RDJ is pescatarian!). If you liked "Ultra-Processed People" by Chris van Tulleken, you'll probably like this.
🥰 Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
February 19, 2024
This is NOT a recipe book but it does have a couple recipes at the end of each chapter, which look so tasty and have things within them to do with the chapter subject.
I am not new to following through Robert Downey Jr.'s Footprint Coalition, as one who is a certified life coach with a specialty in carbon footprint reduction. This is very much fully about reducing your carbon footprint with the food choices you make in your diet, what companies are doing to reduce CO2, and some unique takes on foods that can change the world while being healthy.
I really enjoyed learning from each of these chapters. There were things such as types of nuts, ancient grains, fruits, veggies, and more that are healthy for you. I found the chapter that talks about seaweed and how good it is for your health to be fascinating. I am also glad that Fair Trade options was brought up in this book.
This is a highly educational book that teaches things that I will definitely go back to reading (I had pre-ordered this book digitally). I kept telling my family some bits and pieces from it that I was learning. If you want to change the world while helping yourself get healthy, this book is up your alley.
I am not new to following through Robert Downey Jr.'s Footprint Coalition, as one who is a certified life coach with a specialty in carbon footprint reduction. This is very much fully about reducing your carbon footprint with the food choices you make in your diet, what companies are doing to reduce CO2, and some unique takes on foods that can change the world while being healthy.
I really enjoyed learning from each of these chapters. There were things such as types of nuts, ancient grains, fruits, veggies, and more that are healthy for you. I found the chapter that talks about seaweed and how good it is for your health to be fascinating. I am also glad that Fair Trade options was brought up in this book.
This is a highly educational book that teaches things that I will definitely go back to reading (I had pre-ordered this book digitally). I kept telling my family some bits and pieces from it that I was learning. If you want to change the world while helping yourself get healthy, this book is up your alley.
December 29, 2024
**.5
It's hard to take seriously carbon footprint advice from a guy who's notorious for his vast car collection and penchant for profligate travel by private jet. But I'm willing to put that aside and focus on the actual book. Which isn't that great either.
The overall message that our food choices have an impact is pretty good, and although seemingly obvious is one that for various reasons largely hasn’t resonated with the US public. So maybe a high profile celebrity endorsement isn't so terrible.
Multiple times the authors say things like: "we were surprised to discover that ." It's nice that they did some research, but also clear abundantly clear that they are far from experts. They repeatedly present conflicting advice, and their general aversion to quantitative analysis leads to some misleading conclusions and misplaced priorities.
I rounded up to 3 stars despite my misgivings because we really do need to be eating more things like legumes and sea vegetables and less meat, and the more scientific and academic warnings seem to be falling on deaf ears.
It's hard to take seriously carbon footprint advice from a guy who's notorious for his vast car collection and penchant for profligate travel by private jet. But I'm willing to put that aside and focus on the actual book. Which isn't that great either.
The overall message that our food choices have an impact is pretty good, and although seemingly obvious is one that for various reasons largely hasn’t resonated with the US public. So maybe a high profile celebrity endorsement isn't so terrible.
Multiple times the authors say things like: "we were surprised to discover that ." It's nice that they did some research, but also clear abundantly clear that they are far from experts. They repeatedly present conflicting advice, and their general aversion to quantitative analysis leads to some misleading conclusions and misplaced priorities.
I rounded up to 3 stars despite my misgivings because we really do need to be eating more things like legumes and sea vegetables and less meat, and the more scientific and academic warnings seem to be falling on deaf ears.
May 6, 2024
Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time by Robert Downey, Jr. and Thomas Kostigen is packed with information about the ways in which our food choices impact our carbon footprint. The first couple of chapters were a little boring to me, but once the book got going, I learned a great deal of new information I was surprised to learn that some of my favorite foods are planet-friendly. This book includes lots of practical and easy ways to help ease the climate crisis through the foods we choose to put on our plates
The audiobook is narrated by the authors along with Deepti Gupta. The narration was good, but Downey's interjections of food facts were a little annoying.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy of the audiobook format of this book.
The audiobook is narrated by the authors along with Deepti Gupta. The narration was good, but Downey's interjections of food facts were a little annoying.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy of the audiobook format of this book.
May 9, 2024
A nice introduction to food systems and carbon emissions. Not too in depth but certainly a great conversation starter. Because this genre is a special interest of mine I found it interesting that depending on the lense through which you view our food system you may walk away with a different hierarchical view of ingredients. For example, Cool Food cites the possible problems from farm raise fungi while other books like Michael Pollan’s “How to Change Your Mind” elevates fungi to world saving proportions. I say this as a reminder to take these books in while a wholistic view & consider multiple sources in our ever evolving understanding of food science, nutrition, and natural resources.
I listened to this book via Libby and have to say that I was thrown off by the woman narrator’s inflection on many phrases… weirdly reminded me of the Candy Crush voice that says “sweet!”
I listened to this book via Libby and have to say that I was thrown off by the woman narrator’s inflection on many phrases… weirdly reminded me of the Candy Crush voice that says “sweet!”
May 21, 2024
3.5 stars. Liked the sections on different foods and their respective carbon footprints. Takeaways: try some more ancient grains and seaweed. I didn't find the second half of the book, which focused on ways we can change our food habits to lower our carbon footprint, very engaging, as some of the suggestions were obvious (don't throw away food) and some didn't really apply to me (I generally avoid fast food).
The amateurish writing chafed on me at times (so many filler sentences, e.g. " Some of that information may be surprising to you. It was to us." + half the book being unabridged quotes that could have been half the length), and it felt like it was written by people a bit out-of-touch with normal people's realities (price is hardly ever mentioned, as if it's not a main reason most people don't eat well...), but a quick read with a lot of good tidbits overall.
The amateurish writing chafed on me at times (so many filler sentences, e.g. " Some of that information may be surprising to you. It was to us." + half the book being unabridged quotes that could have been half the length), and it felt like it was written by people a bit out-of-touch with normal people's realities (price is hardly ever mentioned, as if it's not a main reason most people don't eat well...), but a quick read with a lot of good tidbits overall.
December 31, 2024
An easy book to pick up as time allows. It reinforces a lot of information an environmentally and food aware person would already have on their radar. I did make note of a few resources and organizations, such as the Green Restaurant Association and the Cool Foodprint Calculator, although the GRA is not too helpful to someone living outside of CA (i.e., Downey, Jr.). For example, I believe my state offered just four restaurants that qualify. If a friend/family member were to read this book, I would look forward to discussing it but wouldn't necessarily recommend it. With that said, I did get the impression that Downey, Jr. wrote this book as he was researching, so it would be great if he continues to build on what he's found and help speak for (or even implement) more resources outside of places like CA.
May 22, 2024
I do care about the environment, but one of the main reasons I asked for this was because Robert Downey Jr is one of the writers/narrators. The only problem with the audiobook was that I felt like there was too much information, and I will need to go back through and take notes. Because there really was a lot of information that I am interested in, and I plan to revisit it.
There was a lot of discussion about different kinds of food, their benefits, and their effects on the environment. I particularly enjoyed the advice on how to become more mindful and waste less food, because it was so practical. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to make serious healthy changes. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
There was a lot of discussion about different kinds of food, their benefits, and their effects on the environment. I particularly enjoyed the advice on how to become more mindful and waste less food, because it was so practical. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to make serious healthy changes. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.
July 17, 2024
Ok, I confess to having a crush on Robert Downey Jr. And I'm trying to live as environmentally friendly as I can. So it was a no brainer to pick up his book about limiting the carbon released into our atmosphere through planet-cooling foods. I recommend consuming it on audio, not only because it spares the Co2-emitting drive to the library. But because Robert, can I call you Bob?, reads the book along with other interesting voices. The book itself is easy to consume, with suggestions from eating carbon-capture foods, ideally from local sources, to fighting for carbon-release ratings on food packaging. It's heartwarming (and planet-cooling) to realize just how much simple changes can help. And you thought RDJ was only a cocky, talented actor.
July 31, 2024
NetGalley ARC Audio
The book goes into detail about how to lower your carbon footprint by being conscience of how you consume and purchase food. The chapters are well organized and informative with Robert Downey Jr. chiming in with tips and tricks.
This book really inspired me to change the way I consume and purchase foods. I've been using food kits for years, so I was glad to learn that though the items are shipped, they lower your carbon footprint because it wastes less food. Buying local and seasonally will also lower your carbon footprint.
While the narration is excellent, I would recommending purchasing the book as a better resource. There was a mention of an attached pdf, but I did not receive this with the ARC.
The book goes into detail about how to lower your carbon footprint by being conscience of how you consume and purchase food. The chapters are well organized and informative with Robert Downey Jr. chiming in with tips and tricks.
This book really inspired me to change the way I consume and purchase foods. I've been using food kits for years, so I was glad to learn that though the items are shipped, they lower your carbon footprint because it wastes less food. Buying local and seasonally will also lower your carbon footprint.
While the narration is excellent, I would recommending purchasing the book as a better resource. There was a mention of an attached pdf, but I did not receive this with the ARC.
March 10, 2025
I want to give it 2 stars but don’t want to deter from spreading the message of climate friendly living so going with 3. Just felt like the book missed the mark on a lot of things. “Talk to your local representatives about climate friendly food” we are SO beyond it being that simple. It’s truly large corporations that need to be held accountable. As someone who practices daily efforts to lower carbon footprint and support small businesses, I can’t say I learned a lot of new information. And if I wanted to start new, this book just doesn’t include the most accessible ways to go about helping climate change.
February 6, 2024
This was an extremely interesting and fact filled book about food, where it is found, grown and processed but many of the foods aren't things the mainstream person would eat or maybe even know about. Health and carbon capturing abilities of these foods are all discussed and each chapter ends with some interesting recipes you may want to try. I recommend this book to health food eaters and those also interested in the carbon footprint of plants and how it affects our world.
February 4, 2024
This book is awesome! Definitely worth reading if you eat food (lol) or if you cook or if you always eat out and surely should read if you care about our earth.
I have learned new recipes and understand more about my carbon footprint and how to help the earth. I am excited to compost in my near future and will keep this book to look back on ideas the authors have shared. Thanks!
I have learned new recipes and understand more about my carbon footprint and how to help the earth. I am excited to compost in my near future and will keep this book to look back on ideas the authors have shared. Thanks!
February 12, 2024
Great facts, information, and comparisons in how food can affect carbon footprint. My food choices of being a pollo-pescatarian since 2017 and judgment on how I don't eat bacon and steak, which is "un-American" (as I've been told) makes be feel better. Sounds like [some of] my choices are better in the long run. *arrogantly toot toots*
May 3, 2024
Informative and I will refer to the “What You Can Do” sections often. It also gave me a little hope that we aren’t doomed to just eat bugs in the near future. Some of the suggestions don’t take into account that all of us are not movie stars that live in a big city with an unlimited budget. But most of the suggestions are possible with a little forethought and focus.
July 18, 2024
The intent of this book is in the right place, but this is clearly written by some gentlemen in a place of privilege who may not realize organic and "meal boxes" are not the most affordable options for the general public. Also, I wish there were more recipes; this is much more of a food-buying guideline than a cookbook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews