Table Stakes - Kraft Heinz

On the final episode of season two, we explore one of the most iconic and interesting products from the U.K: Salad Cream! We'll learn how this Zingy condiment (or is it a dressing?) came to be, and how it sparked one of the most outrageous food controversies in recent history.

Today we present a special Olympic edition of Table Stakes, featuring track star and Kraft Heinz employee Margaret Bamgbose.  Margaret takes us behind the scenes of her incredible Olympic journey and the life lessons it taught her.  

For this latest episode of Table Stakes, you’re going to want to pop some Tater Tots in the oven, pull out the ketchup, and eat as you listen. We discuss all things French Fries and Tater Tots with spud veteran Bob Pedracini.

What does it take to grow an incredible amount of tomatoes in an unlikely place? In this episode celebrating our 1-year anniversary of the Table Stakes podcast, Peter chats with Slawek Paszkier to learn his secret to growing tomatoes in Poland,  but not before we explore its ancient origins. (Hint - it's not Italy) 

Are you brave enough to taste Indonesian hot peppers?  Meet pepper buyer Max Ricardo, who has been eating them since the age of 3. In our latest episode, we discuss and taste test ABC’s famous Sambal hot sauce, as well as its potent cousin, Sambal Extra Pedas!

On this episode, we dive into that world-changing, life-giving nectar, Coffee! Whether you french press, pour-over, drip, or percolate, we'll take a look at the legendary origins of this essential drink. We talk with Aaron De Lazzer, a coffee expert from Ethical Bean who shares ways to squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of a handful of roasted beans!

Welcome to Season 2 of Table Stakes! We kick things off with an episode going behind the scenes of an incredibly fun job: taste tester. That's right, you actually get paid to eat! Peter traces the evolution of this profession, from the banquet halls of ancient Rome to the modern day, and discovers why it is so important for food companies to have these super tasters on staff.

In this bonus episode, Peter speaks with leaders in Kraft Heinz procurement about the challenges of buying enough raw materials during a pandemic to make iconic foods such as Kraft Mac and Cheese, Heinz Ketchup and Heinz Beanz. They chat about lessons learned and how this applies to the company’s focus on sustainability.

On this bonus Veteran's Day episode, we'll explore the importance of going home, as we speak with Sergeant Bradley Thomas and Rusty Carroll about one veteran and his battle to create a home for himself and his family after serving in Afghanistan. 

This week, Peter ventures north to Canada on a quest to get his kids interested in trying new dishes! Peter speaks with a Canadian corporate chef about some innovative new food trends, and finds a recipe he thinks his kids will love.