Ep 1. Red, White & Chew

Unwrapped is a Food Network show that dives deep into the world of food and takes a closer look at how our favorite snacks are made. The seventh season of Unwrapped kicks off with an episode called Red, White & Chew, which celebrates all things American, from red licorice to white chocolate to bubble gum.

Host Marc Summers gives viewers a brief history lesson on the origins of some of these classic American snacks, starting with red licorice. He visits the Red Vines factory in California to see how the candy is made, from mixing the ingredients to shaping the final product. The process is fascinating to watch, as the candy is stretched and twisted into the familiar vines we all know and love.

Next up is white chocolate, which Summers explains is not really chocolate at all, but a mixture of cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids. He takes a trip to the Hershey's factory to see how they make their white chocolate bars, which are loaded with chunks of macadamia nuts and dried cranberries. After watching the bars being molded and packaged, Summers gets to sample the finished product, pronouncing it "heavenly."

After all that sweetness, it's time for something a little chewier - bubble gum. Summers visits the Wrigley's factory in Illinois to see how they make their iconic Juicy Fruit and Doublemint gums. Watching the giant machines roll out and cut the gum strips is mesmerizing, and Summers even gets to try his hand - or rather, his foot - at packing the finished gum into boxes.

Moving on to something a bit more savory, the show takes a look at potato chips, a quintessential American snack. Summers visits a Herr's factory in Pennsylvania to see how they make their kettle-cooked chips, which are fried in small batches and seasoned with everything from salt and vinegar to barbecue. He even gets to try a chip fresh out of the fryer - delicious!

The final segment of the episode focuses on a classic summer treat - ice cream. Summers visits the Ben & Jerry's factory in Vermont to see how they make their famous flavors, including Cherry Garcia and Phish Food. He watches as the ingredients are mixed and churned, and gets to try some of the ice cream straight from the source. While he's there, Summers also learns about the company's commitment to using sustainable ingredients and giving back to the community.

Overall, Red, White & Chew is a fun and informative episode that highlights some of America's most beloved snacks. The show is full of interesting tidbits about the history and production of these foods, and Summers' enthusiasm and energy make for an engaging viewing experience. Whether you're a foodie or just a fan of snack foods, Unwrapped is definitely worth a watch.