Channel logo

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
Free trial of discovery+

Terms apply

Prime membership required

Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - Secret Life of Ice Cream
    July 5, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    Ice cream's popularity began well before the invention of freezers and today it's everyone's favorite frozen treat.
    Free trial of discovery+
  2. S1 E2 - Secret Life of Cookies
    July 10, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of discovery+
  3. S1 E3 - Secret Life of Chili
    July 12, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    The history of chili is a spicy blend of regional specialties and hot opinions.
    Free trial of discovery+
  4. S1 E4 - Secret Life of Colas
    August 1, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    Once sold as a health tonic, cola boomed into the most popular sweet beverage on the planet.
    Free trial of discovery+
  5. S1 E5 - Secret Life of Chocolate
    August 15, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    Trace the evolution of chocolate from a ceremonial Mayan drink to a billion dollar modern industry.
    Free trial of discovery+
  6. S1 E6 - Secret Life of Candy Bars
    August 17, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of discovery+
  7. S1 E7 - Secret Life of Sandwiches
    August 22, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of discovery+
  8. S1 E8 - Secret Life of Hamburgers
    August 31, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    From its roots in Europe to phenomenal growth in the U.S., uncover the colorful history of America's quintessential dish.
    Free trial of discovery+
  9. S1 E9 - Secret Life of Pasta
    September 12, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of discovery+
  10. S1 E10 - Secret Life of Donuts
    September 19, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of discovery+
  11. S1 E11 - Secret Life of Pies
    September 26, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    Pies have been a popular for over 3000 years. This versatile pastry has gone from savory to sweet and remains a dining staple.
    Free trial of discovery+
  12. S1 E12 - Secret Life of Popcorn
    October 10, 2005
    21min
    TV-G
    Popcorn's history can be traced back thousands of years to prehistoric cave dwellers and even the first Thanksgiving.
    Free trial of discovery+
  13. S1 E13 - Secret Life of BBQ
    July 10, 2006
    21min
    TV-G
    Explore the history of Texas, Memphis and Kansas City-style barbecue and travel to the ever-popular American barbecue cooking festivals.
    Free trial of discovery+
  14. S1 E14 - Secret Life of Muffins
    October 30, 2022
    21min
    TV-G
    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.
    Free trial of discovery+

Details

More info

Subtitles
None available
Cast
Jim O'Connor
Studio
discovery plus Outrageous Food
By clicking play, you agree to our Terms of Use.