Ritz Crackers are more than just a snack—they’re a symbol of American convenience, nostalgia, and industrial food production. But beneath their buttery flavor lies a deeper story about how our food system really works—and what we’ve lost along the way. This book investigates the rise of Ritz Crackers from a Depression-era indulgence to a global snack food powerhouse . It unpacks how nine basic ingredients—flour, oils, sweeteners, flavorings, and additives—reflect decades of changes in agriculture, regulation, nutrition, and marketing. What does “enriched flour” actually mean? Why does a cracker need three types of oil? And how did “natural flavor” become a loophole for hiding ingredients from consumers? Drawing from scientific research, industry documents, and government records, C.J. Benjamin breaks down what’s really in Ritz Crackers and why it matters. You’ll learn how ultra-processed foods came to dominate grocery stores, how ingredient decisions are driven by shelf life and cost—not nutrition—and what that means for your health. This is not just a story about crackers. It’s a story about how we eat, what we’re told, and what companies don’t want us to question. It’s a practical, readable, and eye-opening guide to understanding processed foods, decoding labels, and making better choices. You’ll walk away with: A clear breakdown of each ingredient and what it does - Insight into the health effects of common additives - A deeper understanding of the processed food industry - Tools to navigate food labels with confidence - A critical look at how food regulation falls short Health on the Line Ultra-processed foods now account for more than 60% of calories in the average American diet . That shift has not come without consequences. The rise of chronic diseases—obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, even some cancers—tracks closely with the increased consumption of processed ingredients, synthetic additives, and refined starches. This book brings together insights from food scientists, nutrition researchers, regulatory bodies, and frontline advocates to explain how food like Ritz Crackers fits into this larger health picture. You’ll learn how high-fructose corn syrup alters metabolic function, how refined flour spikes blood sugar, and how emulsifiers like soy lecithin can influence gut health. Importantly, this book doesn’t just sound alarms—it offers guidance. It shows how to read food labels more effectively, how to spot misleading claims, and how to shift toward less processed alternatives without falling into panic or guilt. Whether you’re a health-conscious eater, a parent, a food advocate, or just curious about the foods you grew up with, What’s in Your Ritz Crackers gives you the knowledge to see beyond the packaging—and think differently about what you eat.