Homemade history: ‘The Food That Built America’ returns with tasty new episodes
You thought you knew what you were eating — but do you really? Hear the stories behind classic, American delicacies like Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, birthday cakes and more, as “The Food That Built America” returns with its fifth season, premiering Sunday, Feb. 25, on History Channel. Narrated by Campbell Scott (“Big Night,” 1996) and with frequent presenters, including Adam Richman (“Man v. Food”), this mouthwatering docuseries uses each episode to delve into the development of popular types of food, cuisine or iconic restaurants in the U.S., all of which had major impacts on culture that continue even today.
“Many people know the products, but few know the stories of everlasting grit and determination that made these names the household brands that America knows and loves,” a series news release describes.
As the series explores the lives of those who would go on to revolutionize the world of American food, it highlights not only the business and culinary acumen needed for products to succeed, but also highlights the importance of creativity and innovation in the field, walking viewers through “trials, triumphs and tribulations,” according to A&E. Not to mention: “Viewers will also receive contributing insights and expert commentary from celebrity chefs, food writers and successful entrepreneurs.” A&E goes on to promise that this upcoming season — the series’ fifth — “will satisfy viewers’ appetites with all new origin stories about America’s most iconic food empires and the pioneers who created them. Featuring well-known brand names such as Ben & Jerry’s, Charms, Tootsie Roll, Duncan Hines, Betty Crocker and many more, this season will educate viewers about the surprising stories of the sometimes ruthless visionaries and entrepreneurs who launched some of the biggest, most lucrative food brands in American history.”
Before dissecting any corporate rivalries, however, the season kicks off with a tasty deep-dive into a kitchen staple: marinara. Aptly named “All American Marinara,” the episode turns our clocks (and our kitchen timers) back 60 years, when the giant food corporation, Campbell, kickstarted a campaign to make the good, red sauce an American food staple.
Sure to fascinate, delight and get your stomach grumbling, Season 5 of “The Food That Built America” premieres Sunday, Feb. 25, on History Channel.