Ep 9. Peanut Butter Battle

In season 4 episode 9 of The Food That Built America, titled "Peanut Butter Battle", viewers are taken back to the early 1900s when peanut butter was first introduced to the American public. The episode covers the two pioneering companies that transformed peanut butter from a luxury item to an affordable staple in the American diet.

The episode starts with the story of Joseph Rosefield, the inventor of the modern peanut butter production process. Rosefield discovered that adding hydrogenated vegetable oil to peanut butter not only increased its shelf life but also made it smoother and creamier. This innovation revolutionized the peanut butter industry, and his company, Skippy, quickly became a household name. However, Rosefield faced stiff competition from another peanut butter company, Peter Pan, owned by the Derby family.

The episode delves into the intense rivalry between Skippy and Peter Pan as they fought for dominance in the peanut butter market. Both companies engaged in aggressive advertising campaigns, launching ads attacking each other's products and making exaggerated claims about their own. The competition between Skippy and Peter Pan escalated to the point that they even hired detectives to spy on each other's operations.

The episode also explores the impact of peanut butter on the American diet and culture. Peanut butter not only provided a cheap and convenient source of protein but also became a symbol of American ingenuity and innovation. The popularity of peanut butter led to the creation of various peanut butter-based recipes, from the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich to more adventurous dishes like peanut butter soup and peanut butter stir-fry.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn about the role of peanut butter in American history. During World War II, peanut butter was sent to soldiers on the front lines as a good source of nutrition. Later, peanut butter became a staple of NASA's space program as it provided a nutritious and shelf-stable food for astronauts.

The episode ends with the legacy of Skippy and Peter Pan. Today, both brands are still popular, but they have been joined by many other peanut butter producers. However, the impact of Skippy and Peter Pan can still be felt in the peanut butter industry, as their innovation and competition continue to shape the market.

Overall, "Peanut Butter Battle" is a fascinating episode of The Food That Built America that explores the history, culture, and science behind peanut butter. It is a must-watch for all food lovers and anyone interested in American history and innovation.