The Food That Built America poster

TV series

The Food That Built America

2019TV-PG7 seasons7.9 / 10

The fascinating stories of the families behind the food that built America, those who used brains, muscle, blood, sweat and tears to get to America's heart through its stomach, those who invented new technologies and helped win wars.

Streaming, rental and purchase options

Where to watch in United States

Checked Jul 22, 2026

The Food That Built America is available to stream on DirecTV On Demand, Disney+, Hulu, Philo, Prime Video, Hoopla, Spectrum On Demand, The Roku Channel, and Tubi in United States. You can also buy it from Amazon, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Use the direct links below to open the provider.

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Synopsis

The fascinating stories of the families behind the food that built America, those who used brains, muscle, blood, sweat and tears to get to America's heart through its stomach, those who invented new technologies and helped win wars.

Season 1 episodes

Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.

Episode 1

Lines in the Sand

In the wake of the Civil War, a revolution takes place on the backs of visionary entrepreneurs of industry like Heinz, Kellogg and Post; they push the limits of ingenuity to launch businesses that will revolutionize industry.

Where to watch The Food That Built America

Episode 2

Best Served Cold

At the dawn of the 20th Century, a new breed of innovator rises up to expand American industry and push the limits of new technology. A trailblazer named Milton Hershey bets big on a revolutionary idea, and then a father and son duo named Mars start on a path to challenge the chocolate throne. Plus, the titans of food weather the storm of the First World War and push the boundaries of invention in the Roaring Twenties.

Where to watch The Food That Built America

Episode 3

The Spoils of War

As the Great Depression hits, the titans of food push the envelope of innovation to feed a hungry nation. Then WWII sees competing industrial empires joining the war effort in a united front to fuel the forces fighting for freedom abroad. And in Post-War America, visionaries like Harland Sanders, the McDonald brothers and Ray Kroc battle to revolutionize the restaurant industry, and pave the way for the golden age of the American dream.

Where to watch The Food That Built America

Episode information updated Jul 22, 2026

More about The Food That Built America

Cast

Jon LevineDick McDonald
Campbell ScottNarrator (voice)
Adam RichmanSelf - Tv Host
Jason LiebigSelf - Brand Historian
Carlos MorrowTourist 3
Brandon FoxJim Monoghan
Justin Andrew DavisAd Exec
Alison ChaseJournalist

Production details

Status
Returning Series
Series type
Documentary
Episodes
79
Original language
English

Networks & production

  • HistoryUnited States

Themes

enterpreneurfoodhistoryinventor