Unwrapped

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Get the skinny on classic snacks and goodies.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

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Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this educational series -- which examines how popular food items are made -- references plenty of familiar brand names, from Cocoa Puffs to Kool Aid, that are part of American popular culture. While the series is a fine choice for kids who are curious about how things are made, this subtle brand promotion often highlights the animated characters (like Tony the Tiger) associated with these products. Also, given the show's focus on "goodies" like cookies and candy, watching could leave kids craving stuff you'd rather they didn't.

  • The series offers informative explanations about how various food products are created and mass produced throughout the United States. It features many products that have become part of American popular culture.
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  • Features many popular product brand names like Pringles, See's Candies, Astro Pops, Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Crackers, Cracker Jacks, Cocoa Puffs, Kool Aid, and Campbell's Soup. Also features regional product brands and small businesses. Summers will say if items are available in stores or online but doesn't provide specific ordering information.
  • Occasionally beer, wine, or liquor is part of a recipe and is shown being poured into mixing barrels.

What's the story?

UNWRAPPED is a fun, informative series that goes behind the scenes to reveal how classic American food favorites are made. Hosted by Marc Summers, the show explores the factories and kitchens that turn out some of the nation's favorite candies, cookies, and other packaged goodies. Though careful not to reveal recipe secrets, manufacturing representatives explain what goes into their products. From potato chips to popsicles, viewers watch as ingredients are mixed and foods are frozen, cooked, cooled, wrapped, and boxed. Often, the history behind the product is also touched on, explaining how these foods have become part of American popular culture.


Is it any good?

 

Unwrapped is fun way to learn about how popular snacks are made. But because the show focuses on specific product brands -- and includes enthusiastic endorsements by company reps and die-hard collectors -- it sometimes sounds a bit like an infomercial. Still, the simple explanations give viewers young and old a chance to learn about what goes into some of the foods they love the best. (Just be sure to have some healthy snacks on hand for when you're done watching and have the urge to nibble...).


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about how the media can sometimes blur the lines between educating the public about something and promoting it. How can shows avoid endorsing products and services that they want to inform viewers about? Does seeing a product on TV make you more likely to want it? What's the downside of eating too much of the types of foods and other products profiled on this show? Families can also discuss some of their favorite classic foods. What things do you like to eat that make you wonder how it was made?


This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
my favoratie show on food network
i luv it

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Teen, 14 years old
October 19, 2009
 
Nice and fun!
Love it! I was the science kid so it makes sense, But it is fun and is great in making food, and is a family favourite!

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Teen, 16 years old
July 24, 2009
 
really interesting, eye catching, and informative
its really interesting to watch how many various types of foods are made. for both adults and young kids.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Mark Summers Rocks My World!
This show gets 10 stars!

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Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2008
 
Great Show
The Show rocks and it is the best thing to get the inside scoop on your fav. foods Deffenitly Recomend it

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Kid, 12 years old
December 20, 2011
 
The truth below.
It's the best show ever. Period.

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This review was written by Melissa Camacho
Topics:history, holidays, science and nature
TV rating:TV-G
Network:Food Network
Cast:Marc Summers
Genre:Educational

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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