In recent years, documentaries have undergone a transformation, becoming gripping and eye-opening glimpses into the real world. This is especially true when it comes to food-focused documentaries, which offer hard-hitting truths about the broken food industry. In this list, we highlight 10 of the most impactful documentaries about food that will forever change the way you look at your plate.
1. ‘Sugar Coated’ (2015)
Sugar Coated is a powerful documentary that delves into the history and tactics of the sugar industry, revealing how it has marketed its product as harmless and non-toxic while concealing its health risks. Through meticulous research and real-life statistics, the film exposes the industry’s efforts to sweeten its reputation and our food, at the expense of public health.
2. ‘Fed Up’ (2014)
Fed Up explores the impact of the first dietary guidelines issued by the U.S. government 30 years ago, which have led to an obesity epidemic in the nation. Through interviews with experts and public figures, the film reveals how the food industry has doubled the amount of sugar in products and expertly hidden its presence, leading to serious health consequences for children and teenagers.
3. ‘Food, Inc.’ (2008)
Food, Inc. is a groundbreaking documentary that exposes the dark side of the food industry, from the inhumane treatment of animals to the use of harmful additives and the exploitation of workers. It also sheds light on the monopolization of the industry by a few powerful corporations, and the impact this has on the quality and safety of our food.
4. ‘Forks Over Knives’ (2011)
Forks Over Knives explores the link between diet and chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The film advocates for a plant-based diet and features interviews with experts and real-life success stories, making a compelling case for the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.
5. ‘Super Size Me’ (2004)
Super Size Me is a thought-provoking documentary that follows filmmaker Morgan Spurlock as he embarks on a 30-day experiment of eating only McDonald’s food. The film highlights the dangers of fast food and the impact it has on our health, as Spurlock’s health rapidly deteriorates over the course of the experiment.
6. ‘Food Matters’ (2008)
Food Matters explores the connection between nutrition and health, and how the food we eat can either harm or heal our bodies. The film also delves into the pharmaceutical industry and its reliance on medication rather than nutrition to treat illnesses, and advocates for a more holistic approach to healthcare.
7. ‘The Future of Food’ (2004)
The Future of Food is a thought-provoking documentary that examines the impact of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on our food supply. It sheds light on the lack of regulation and transparency surrounding GMOs, and the potential risks they pose to our health and the environment.
8. ‘Food Chains’ (2014)
Food Chains exposes the exploitation of farmworkers in the United States, who are often underpaid and subjected to inhumane working conditions. The film follows a group of tomato pickers in Florida as they fight for fair wages and better working conditions, shedding light on the injustices faced by many workers in the food industry.
9. ‘What the Health’ (2017)
What the Health explores the link between diet and chronic diseases, and the role of the food industry in promoting unhealthy eating habits. The film also delves into the influence of pharmaceutical companies on the healthcare system, and advocates for a plant-based diet as a means of preventing and reversing chronic diseases.
10. ‘The Game Changers’ (2018)
The Game Changers challenges the traditional notion that meat is necessary for optimal health and performance. The film follows elite athletes who have adopted a plant-based diet and showcases the benefits they have experienced, debunking the myth that meat is essential for strength and athleticism.
These documentaries offer vital information about the food industry and its impact on our health and the environment. They are a wake-up call for consumers to be more conscious of what they eat and demand transparency and accountability from the food industry.