TV series
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
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.
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.
Choose an episode, then use the watch options above for the show.
Episode 1
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.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 2
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.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 3
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.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 4
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.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 5
During the mid-20th century, two unlikely characters find themselves in competition to simplify the lives of homemakers across the country by creating a tasty but easy boxed cake-mix; America's sweetheart and the original foodie go head-to-head.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 6
In the early 1900s, an underestimated confectioner creates the first wrapped penny candy--the Tootsie Roll. Meanwhile, an unemployed salesman transforms medicinal hard candy into a fruit flavored, multipack designed purely for fun with Tropical Charms. The two go on to kickstart an entire industry of nationally branded candies and transform the lollipop into a global icon.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 7
Will Kellogg is on top of the cereal industry after beating out post, but now, the king of cereal has met his match with a young flour mill executive; a decades long war for dominance ensues as Kellogg's and General Mills battle it out.
Guest stars David Mills
Episode 8
After being kicked out of the family business by his father, Forrest Mars scratches and claws his way back to create a multi-sector global empire, Mars Inc. Today that empire is worth over $47 billion dollars and a family dynasty that is the third wealthiest in America, worth nearly $100 billion.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 9
Lunchtime is one of the most enjoyable meals of every kid's day, but before the 1960s it was just another meal; then, three very different food visionaries take matters into their own hands.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 10
Kentucky gas station owner, Harland Sanders, develops a new method for making fried chicken, drawing customers from far and wide.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 11
A small-time St. Louis soda maker, Charles Leiper Grigg, takes on Coke and Pepsi by introducing a clear, lemon-lime soda he calls 7-Up. At the same time, two brothers in Tennessee, Ali and Barney Hartman, have their own, called Mountain Dew.
Where to watch The Food That Built America
Episode 12
In the 1950s, middle-aged salesman Ray Kroc is drowning in debt when he's inspired by a roadside burger stand he wants to spread nationwide, McDonald's; he creates the modern model of franchising and ignites a fast-food gold rush.
Where to watch The Food That Built AmericaEpisode information updated Jul 24, 2026
Jon LevineDick McDonald
Campbell ScottNarrator (voice)
Adam RichmanSelf - Tv Host
Jason LiebigSelf - Brand Historian
Carlos MorrowTourist 3
Brandon FoxJim Monoghan
Justin Andrew DavisAd Exec
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