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The Secret Life Of

Season 1
All the foods we eat have a history -- a secret life that we know nothing about. Who first peeled away the layers of an artichoke or cracked open a lobster? Follow a lighthearted look at these foods and finds out why we eat what we eat.
202214 episodesALL
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Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - Secret Life of Ice Cream

    July 5, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    Ice cream's popularity began well before the invention of freezers and today it's everyone's favorite frozen treat.
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  2. S1 E2 - Secret Life of Cookies

    July 10, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    Cookies are the ultimate comfort food and the number one dessert in America. From Ancient Rome to the first cookie factory, cookies are sweetly intertwined with the history of the world.
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  3. S1 E3 - Secret Life of Chili

    July 12, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    The history of chili is a spicy blend of regional specialties and hot opinions.
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  4. S1 E4 - Secret Life of Colas

    August 1, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    Once sold as a health tonic, cola boomed into the most popular sweet beverage on the planet.
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  5. S1 E5 - Secret Life of Chocolate

    August 15, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    Trace the evolution of chocolate from a ceremonial Mayan drink to a billion dollar modern industry.
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  6. S1 E6 - Secret Life of Candy Bars

    August 17, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    Candy bars satisfy our sweet tooth and give us instant energy. This sugary industry began in mom and pop kitchens over a century ago -- and now accounts for more than two billion dollars in sales on Halloween alone.
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  7. S1 E7 - Secret Life of Sandwiches

    August 22, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    From the cheese steak to the French Dip and the Reuben, sandwiches are the number one lunch food in the country. Find out the history behind the dozens of popular varieties.
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  8. S1 E8 - Secret Life of Hamburgers

    August 31, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    From its roots in Europe to phenomenal growth in the U.S., uncover the colorful history of America's quintessential dish.
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  9. S1 E9 - Secret Life of Pasta

    September 12, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    Every year, Americans consume three million tons of pasta -- everything from penne to spaghetti and lasagna. With it's rich history and international appeal, pasta remains king of the dinner table.
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  10. S1 E10 - Secret Life of Donuts

    September 19, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    Donuts came to America as olykoeks or "oily cakes" and have taken the country by storm. From the origin of the donut in Holland to the historical roots of the donut hole, discover what the fuss is all about.
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  11. S1 E11 - Secret Life of Pies

    September 26, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    Pies have been a popular for over 3000 years. This versatile pastry has gone from savory to sweet and remains a dining staple.
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  12. S1 E12 - Secret Life of Popcorn

    October 10, 2005
    21min
    ALL
    Popcorn's history can be traced back thousands of years to prehistoric cave dwellers and even the first Thanksgiving.
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  13. S1 E13 - Secret Life of BBQ

    July 10, 2006
    21min
    ALL
    Explore the history of Texas, Memphis and Kansas City-style barbecue and travel to the ever-popular American barbecue cooking festivals.
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  14. S1 E14 - Secret Life of Muffins

    October 30, 2022
    21min
    ALL
    Found in coffee shops and corner bakeries, muffins have been popular for centuries. They first appeared as tea cakes in the 1700s, and grew in popularity over the next century as muffin men began traversing streets at teatime.
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Subtitles

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Cast

Jim O'Connor

Studio

discovery plus Outrageous Food
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