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Temptation Strategies in the Food Industry: Who's Really in Control?

Snacks Are More Than Just Food

Do you remember those scorching summer days when the fried fish ball cart on the street corner became a must-stop spot after school? The sweet aroma of sauce, the rich flavor of crispy fried fish, or simply the sizzling sound of meatballs rolling in hot oil—it was simple joy for many of us, a cherished childhood memory.

But have you ever wondered why these snacks are so irresistible? Is it because they taste good? Or because they are engineered to make us unknowingly "addicted"?

The Silent Battle Waged by Giants

In Vietnam, fast food might not mean hamburgers or pizza but rather snacks, bubble tea, and instant noodles—available anytime, anywhere. These items seem tailor-made to "pamper" our taste buds.

However, these foods are far from harmless. Food corporations, supported by powerful research teams, have invested millions to create what they call the "bliss point."

The "bliss point" is the optimal combination of sugar, salt, and fat in food, designed to maximize pleasure and stimulate cravings.

When you take a bite of a snack or sip bubble tea, your brain releases dopamine—a chemical that provides short-term euphoria, leaving you instantly satisfied. The catch? The sensation is fleeting, prompting you to seek it out repeatedly. This creates an addictive loop, subtly shaping our eating habits.

Every time you buy a $0.20 bag of chips, a $1.50 bubble tea, or toss a pack of instant noodles into your cart, you’re unwittingly fueling a system designed to make people dependent on processed foods.


Research reveals that sugar activates the brain in a way similar to drugs. Companies exploit this by optimizing products ranging from breakfast cereals to ketchup. They target children, integrating sugar into childhood through colorful advertising and sugary products.

A parallel example is dairy. Ad campaigns since the 1990s have portrayed milk as essential for strong bones, particularly for kids. Companies leveraged this perception to sell "dairy-based" products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and chocolate milk—often marketed as healthy but laden with sugar and fat.

A Pharmacist’s Perspective: Breaking Free From Junk Food Traps

Expecting food corporations to abandon strategies that generate enormous profits is unrealistic. What you can do, however, is change your own perception and choices.

Medical and nutritional research suggests that the stimulating effects of fast food resemble those of addictive substances—offering temporary highs with long-term consequences.

Here are actionable steps to resist temptation:

  • Don’t Let Your Brain Be Tricked: Unhealthy eating habits often stem from false hunger. Before reaching for a snack, drink a glass of water. Sometimes, thirst masquerades as hunger, and a glass of water may suffice.

  • Recognize Genuine Body Signals: When dopamine levels drop, you may feel a vague "lack" and crave something. Instead of giving in, engage in alternative activities like walking, exercising, or reading.

  • Choose Healthier Substitutes: Opt for a ripe banana or a handful of unsalted nuts instead of chips. These options provide energy without triggering addictive cravings.

  • Limit Exposure to Junk Food: Out of sight, out of mind. Develop the habit of preparing meals at home, choosing natural ingredients, and avoiding processed foods.

  • Eat Slowly and Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to each bite. Your brain needs time to realize you’re full. Stop eating before you feel stuffed.

    In the battle between consumers and the processed food industry, the winners are those who not only understand the strategies behind that irresistible hamburger but also have the courage to choose differently.

Ask yourself: Do you want to live under the control of fleeting pleasure, or do you want to take charge of your health, saving your hard-earned money from being spent on medical bills in later years?

Happy body to you!

Have Any Tips for Resisting Junk Food Temptation?

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