In Good Taste What Shapes What We Eat and Drink – and Why It Matters

ISBN: 9781738479535
Publication date: 01/03/2026

It’s never been a better time to be a food lover. We binge Bake Off, follow foodie influencers, queue for trending hotspots and scroll endlessly for ideas on what to cook next. But for all this appetite, how much do we really know about what goes on behind the scenes with our food? And what can we really do to change things? That’s where this handbook comes in. In Good Taste is a top-line guide to the issues shaping our edible world today. It’s not exhaustive and it’s not meant to be preachy. It’s a starting point to help us see the bigger picture and find our place in it. Starting with a bird’s eye view of how the food system works (and why it urgently needs transforming), the book then covers: •The players: Who holds the power, makes decisions and to what extent, and what food policy means for our everyday lives. •The people: How global trade and colonisation created inequality and continue to shape what we eat – and who gets left behind. •The planet: How we got here – and what’s at stake for the environment and the climate. •Positive, practical change: Tangible ways food lovers can make an impact with what’s on our plates and beyond. If enough of us take an interest, we become powerful ingredients in shaping a fairer food world. We can all make a difference in what really matters in food and drink today.
Short description/annotation

In Good Taste is a top-line guide to the issues shaping our edible world today. Covering the players, people, planet and positive, practical change, it’s a starting point to help us see the bigger picture and find our place in it.
Biographical note

Mallika Basu is a writer, presenter and commentator on food, drink and hospitality who believes in the power of food as a force for good. A features writer and presenter for Good Food, Britain’s best-selling food magazine, she explores planet-friendlier eating and the links between food, people and planet. Mallika is the author of two Indian cookbooks, Miss Masala and Masala, and writes an award-nominated Substack newsletter on food, culture, diversity and sustainability. She also shares recipes and stories full of spice and flavour for the likes of Waitrose and National Geographic and regularly speaks at and chairs food events across the UK. With over 20 years’ experience in strategic communications and advisory, Mallika works with organisations including Jamie Oliver Group, Waitrose and Penguin Random House. She helped shape Borough Market’s 2030 strategy and the Cooks’ Ingredients range at Waitrose. Mallika is a finale judge for the Guild of Fine Food, reviews entries for its ethical and sustainable bursary, and co-presents the Great Taste Awards each year. She has completed the Sustainable Food course at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Born in Kolkata, she now lives in South London with her two teenage children.

Pages: 190
Dimension: 190mm X 139mm
Author: BASU, MALLIKA