The Food That Built America

Watch The Food That Built America

  • TV-PG
  • 2019
  • 5 Seasons
  • 8.4  (1,452)

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 is currently running and has 5 seasons (51 episodes). The series first aired on August 11, 2019.

The Food That Built America
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Seasons
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.
Description
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  (1,452)