The Food That Built America

Watch The Food That Built America

  • TV-PG
  • 2019
  • 5 Seasons
  • 8.4  (1,618)

The Food That Built America is a fascinating historical documentary series from History that explores America's food industry and how it shaped America as we know it today. The show is presented by Campbell Scott, Adam Richman, and Yohuru Williams in their respective specialties.

The show takes us on a riveting journey back in time, starting in the late 1800s, when a few visionary entrepreneurs revolutionize the food industry with their innovative ideas and products. The documentary is as much a showcase of the triumphs of capitalism and entrepreneurial spirit as it is a historical analysis of the food industry.

The series is divided into episodes that focus on specific food products and the pioneers who made them household names. For example, in one episode, we learn about the rise of the soda industry and the iconic brands of Coke and Pepsi, their marketing techniques, and competition. Another episode dives into the history of chocolate and the intense rivalry between Hershey and Mars. The show also explores the fast-food industry, the birth of convenience store chains, and how frozen food revolutionized American households.

Throughout the show, the producers do a great job of weaving together the historical context, anecdotes, and interviews with food experts, scientists, entrepreneurs, and historians who provide insights and details on the progression of the food industry. The result is a richly detailed and compelling narrative that keeps the viewers engrossed.

One of the most notable aspects of the show is its immersive reenactments of historical events that involve the entrepreneurs and innovations that contributed to the food industry's growth. The scenes are well produced and engrossing, and they add a unique flavor to the show's storytelling.

The three hosts bring a wealth of knowledge to the show, and their perspectives are complementary to each other. Campbell Scott spearheads the historical analysis and provides deep insights into how the food industry reflects the broader themes of American society. Adam Richman, a renowned food expert and cultural commentator, offers a more pop culture-focused take on the food industry and its notable characters. Yohuru Williams brings his expertise as a historian of popular culture, providing a critical race analysis of the food industry and how it relates to American history.

Overall, The Food That Built America is a fantastic documentary series that explores the significant role that food played in shaping America's history, culture, and identity. The show offers a unique and pure perspective of capitalism triumph and serves as a reminder of how the entrepreneurial spirit combined with good ideas and hard work can change the course of history.

The Food That Built America is a series that ran for 5 seasons (59 episodes) between August 11, 2019 and on History

The Food That Built America
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Seasons
Burger Empire: The Ray Kroc Story
12. Burger Empire: The Ray Kroc Story
July 28, 2024
In the 1950s, middle-aged salesman Ray Kroc is drowning in debt when he's inspired by a roadside burger stand he wants to spread nationwide--McDonald's. To buy out the business, he creates the modern model of franchising and ignites a fast-food gold rush. Over three decades, Kroc's innovation produces icons like the Big Mac and Chicken McNugget, crushing the competition to make McDonald's the biggest fast-food chain in the world.
Citrus Soda Stars
11. Citrus Soda Stars
July 21, 2024
In an early 20th century America where soda is synonymous with cola, small-time St. Louis soda maker Charles Leiper Grigg dares to take on corporate giants Coke and Pepsi by introducing something entirely new--a clear, lemon-lime soda he calls "7-Up." Little does he know that at the same time, two brothers in Tennessee, Ali and Barney Hartman, have concocted an almost identical soda. What started out as their personal lemon lime cocktail mixer will put them on a collision course with 7-Up when they release it to the public as "Mountain Dew." Both will evolve into something entirely different than what they began as, but together they'll crack the industry wide open.
The Colonel
10. The Colonel
July 14, 2024
It's 1935 and a hot-headed Kentucky gas station owner named Harland Sanders develops a new method for making fried chicken, drawing customers from far and wide. Soon, tough times force him to take his secret recipe on the road, as he works to establishes franchises across the country. Over time, he builds a national fast-food brand, becoming a cultural icon. But when his company is sold to a food conglomerate who changes his recipe for cost cutting measures, he goes to war against his own chicken empire--and wins.
Lunchbox Legends
9. Lunchbox Legends
July 7, 2024
Lunchtime is one of the most enjoyable meals of every kid's day, but before the 1960s it was just another meal. Then, three very different food visionaries take matters into their own hands to create lunch time favorites loved by children everywhere, fromsandwiches, to fruit snacks, and a build-it-yourself pre-packaged lunch that has become a supermarket staple.
Planet Mars
8. Planet Mars
April 21, 2024
After being kicked out of the family business by his father, Forrest Mars scratches and claws his way back to create a multi-sector global empire, Mars Inc. Today that empire is worth over $47 billion dollars and a family dynasty that is the 3rd wealthiest in America worth nearly $100 billion.
Champions of Breakfast
7. Champions of Breakfast
April 14, 2024
Will Kellogg is on top of the cereal industry after beating out post, but now, the king of cereal has met his match with a young flour mill executive. A decades long war for dominance ensues as Kellogg's and General Mills battle it out with new innovative cereals, resulting in the creation of the number one cereal in the country.
Penny Candy Craze
6. Penny Candy Craze
March 31, 2024
In the early 1900s, an underestimated confectioner creates the first wrapped penny candy--the Tootsie Roll. Meanwhile, an unemployed salesman transforms medicinal hard candy into a fruit flavored, multipack designed purely for fun with Tropical Charms. The two go on to kickstart an entire industry of nationally branded candies and transform the lollipop into a global icon.
Let Them Bake Cake
5. Let Them Bake Cake
March 24, 2024
During the mid-20th century, two unlikely characters find themselves in competition to simplify the lives of homemakers across the country by creating a tasty but easy boxed cake-mix. America's sweetheart and the original foodie go head-to-head to make baking easy.
Sunshine in a Glass
4. Sunshine in a Glass
March 17, 2024
A scientist and businessman team up to develop a Vitamin C rich war ration for the troops fighting in World War 2, which unexpectedly leads to the development of a frozen concentrated orange juice that tastes great and allows for the widespread distribution of OJ for the first time in history. Soon after, a fruit salesman develops a process of flash pasteurizing fresh orange juice that turns the fledgling industry on its head. The two companies will go on to battle it out for domination.
Soda Rising: Birth of Pop
3. Soda Rising: Birth of Pop
March 10, 2024
In the late 1800s, two pharmacists 1500 miles apart race to create healthy, non-alcoholic beverage options, kickstarting the entire soda industry with their breakout hits: Hires Root Beer and Dr. Pepper.
Ice Cream Revolution
2. Ice Cream Revolution
March 3, 2024
A cab driver turned ice cream entrepreneur comes up with the idea to mix name brand candy into high quality ice cream to create new novel flavors. After opening an ice cream shop to share his mix-in creations, his concept skyrockets.
All American Marinara
1. All American Marinara
February 25, 2024
Imagine a world where marinara sauce isn't part of the American palate. That was true nearly sixty years ago, when food conglomerate Campbells kickstarts what will become an Italian American food staple.
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Where to Watch The Food That Built America
The Food That Built America is available for streaming on the History website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Food That Built America on demand at Apple TV Channels, Discovery+, Amazon Prime, Philo, Amazon, Hulu, Vudu and History Vault, Microsoft Movies & TV, Sling, Google Play, Apple TV and History.
  • Premiere Date
    August 11, 2019
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (1,618)
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