The History of Food
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
The History of Food
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The History of Food is a documentary series that traces the evolution of eating from prehistoric times to the present. The broad overview gives viewers a general understanding of food and nutrition, how certain dietary staples came to be, and how food and the economy are connected. In order to place many of the concepts into context, The History of Food has chefs and other food experts draw parallels between ancient history and the present day.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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?
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
- Premiere date: May 9, 2021
- Cast: Toby Ricketts
- Network: HBO Max
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Cooking and Baking, History, Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: April 18, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi
Lovely series explores varied food culture of America.
-
Salt Fat Acid Heat
Global-minded food show concentrates on the basics.
-
Chef's Table
Documentary series on chefs and food is thoughtful, diverse.
For kids who love food and history
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate