Parents' Guide to

The History of Food

By Martin Brown, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Docuseries uses modern examples to spice up food history.

TV Max Educational 2021
The History of Food Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

  • The History of Food TV Show: Scene #1, The Agricultural Revolution
  • The History of Food TV Show: Scene #2, Fermentation, Preservation and Exploration
  • The History of Food TV Show: Scene #3, Fermentation, Preservation and ExplorationThe Industry of Food

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What's the Story?

THE HISTORY OF FOOD goes all the way back to before humans even really existed to look at how humans chose what things to eat and how those things affected humanity, positively and negatively. It begins in prehistoric times and travels all the way to the present, using modern examples to illustrate ancient diets, and illuminating how nutrition and humanity are forever intertwined.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

A four-hour documentary isn't going to be able to cover all of human history, but this short series goes a long way toward connecting the major dots from nutrition to human evolution to modern innovations. It leans a little too hard on present-day examples, to the point where The History of Food starts to feel a touch food tourist-y. Otherwise, the short series will likely improve most viewers' understanding of why we eat what we eat and how food shapes our day-to-day lives.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about food. Where does the food you eat come from? Why do we eat what we eat? Do you know the history of any particular foods?

  • How has food helped humans evolve over time? What were some of the food discoveries that changed mankind? Which foods had negative effects on us?

  • Does knowing food history change how you think about eating? If so, how?

TV Details

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