Sliced Bread
Sliced Bread is a BBC Radio 4 series that investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Host Greg Foot speaks to experts, dives into data, and performs tests to determine if these products live up to the hype. New episodes are released weekly on Thursdays, with early access on BBC Sounds.
Episodes
Toast - Series 7: Toast - Orange
Orange was once one of the most recognisable brands in Britain — a mobile network with its iconic slogan “The future’s bright, the future’s Orange”, it helped turn mobile phones from elite business tools into everyday essentials.But while the Orange name still exists globally, its mobile service disappeared from the UK. So what happened?BBC Business journalist Sean Farrington investigates how Oran
Toast - Series 7: Toast - Izal Medicated Toilet Paper
Izal medicated toilet paper was once a staple of British bathrooms - a curious cultural icon, remembered as much for its distinctive feel as for its antiseptic promise. Produced for decades by the Sheffield‑based company Newton, Chambers & Co., Izal became woven into the fabric of schools, hospitals and public buildings across the UK.So how did a product that was everywhere for so long, end up
Toast - Series 7: Toast - Paperchase
Why did the popular stationery chain, Paperchase, end up closing all of its shops?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates in the company of resident entrepreneur, Sam White. Paperchase was founded by two former art students in the late 1960s and went on to become the design darling of the high street, known for its charming greeting cards, wrapping paper, stationery, gifts and a
Toast - Series 7: Toast - EasyCinema
The EasyJet founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Iannou, tried to shake up the cinema industry by introducing low-cost movie theatres. Tickets were priced as low as 20p for customers who booked in advance. So, why didn't EasyCinema take off?Stelios speaks to the BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, reflecting on his attempts in the early 2000s to bring to UK cinemas the same dynamic pricing that had re
Toast - Series 7: Toast - Wilko
Wilkinson - or Wilko as it became known - was a privately-owned family business that had been successful for decades, offering low-priced household products from its chain of high street stores. So why did it falter during a cost-of-living crisis when people were looking for value? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates how its stores ended up toast, in the company of resident
Sliced Bread - Series 16: Food Containers
Is it ok to store food in plastic containers?That's the question put by listener Joe Tattersall in this, the last episode in the current series of 'Sliced Bread'. Joe's noticed scuffs and abrasions on his reusable plastic containers and is concerned about whether that increases the risk of 'chemical leaching' into his food, or ingesting microplastics. He's keen to know if alternatives like glass,
Sliced Bread - Series 16: Cat Litter
What kind of cat litter is best for cats, owners and the environment?After we looked at dog poo bags for an episode, it's only right that we answer some questions for the cat lovers, around cat litter. Listener Ella got in touch to ask about it, after adopting her Sphynx indoor cat, Mr. Big (short for Mr. Bigglesworth). She wanted to know: what is the most absorbent cat litter that doesn't smell,
Sliced Bread - Series 16: Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice
Do ergonomic devices like split keyboards and vertical mice help with comfort and health?If you're a heavy computer user there are an increasing variety of weird and wonderful options to help improve your comfort and reduce the risk of aches and pains associated with 'Repetitive Strain Injury' (RSI).Listener Tim is curious whether ergonomic tools—such as split keyboards, alternative layouts, or ve
Sliced Bread - Series 16: Vibration Plates
Can Vibration Plates help with fitness, bone density, and even lymphatic drainage?They've been around for a while but vibration plates seem to be having another 'moment'. Originally touted as a piece of fitness kit for the gym or home, the latest ads on social media seem to be promoting claims around benefits to bone density and lymphatic drainage.Listeners Natasha and Steve got in touch wanting t
Sliced Bread - Series 16: Hair Removal Devices
Can Intense Pulsed Light devices really "zap" away your unwanted hair? You may have seen IPL devices advertised on social media - that promise painless hair removal using light to "zap" away body hair.Listener Karen got in touch to ask if these "Zappers" could possibly free her from having to shave her legs in the summer? How are they supposed to work, are they safe to use, and is it worth the inv
Sliced Bread - Series 16: Infrared Saunas
Are infrared saunas as effective as traditional ones?If you've ever sat sweating on a wooden bench in a traditional ('Finnish') sauna wondering if there was an easier way, could infrared be the answer? Infrared saunas work at lower temperatures, ostensibly making it easier to stay in there for longer. Listener Paul got in touch after trying one and wants to know if infrared saunas give you the sam
Sliced Bread - Series 16: Earwax Removers
Almost everyone is guilty of fiddling with their ears, especially if they can feel a build-up of earwax in there. But what actually works to get rid of it, and should we be messing with them in the first place?Listener Martin got in touch after finding out his earwax build-up was returning - and wanted to know if drops alone would solve his problem, or if he needed to seek professional help to rem
Sliced Bread - Series 16: Collagen (2026 Update)
What's the latest on collagen?The new series of Sliced Bread kicks off with an update on one of the wonder products most-requested by listeners. Presenter Greg Foot first looked at collagen in 2022 and returns to the subject to find out what has changed in the scientific landscape since then. Could there be new evidence that it really can do what the manufacturers claim: rejuvenate skin, nails and
Dough - Series 4: Dough - Food
What will the food of the future look like? Greg Foot finds out.Greg Foot, host of BBC Radio 4’s Sliced Bread, returns with Dough — the series exploring the rise of future wonder products that could transform the way we live.Each episode examines the emerging technologies and innovations poised to shape tomorrow’s world. Greg speaks with experts and entrepreneurs to uncover the trends influencing
Dough - Series 4: Dough - Eyewear
Could smart glasses with built-in video cameras become widely accepted?Greg Foot, host of BBC Radio 4's 'Sliced Bread' brings you 'Dough', examining the rise of future wonder products.Greg is joined by experts, entrepreneurs and industry innovators to discuss the trends we're seeing today and where they may lead us tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be
Dough - Series 4: Dough - The Office
What will the office be like in future? Greg Foot, host of BBC Radio 4's 'Sliced Bread' brings you 'Dough', examining the rise of future wonder products.Greg is joined by experts, entrepreneurs and industry innovators to discuss the trends we're seeing today and where they may lead us tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be like within five, ten and fifty
Dough - Series 4: Dough - Trains
Could ticketless travel and satellite connectivity be coming to our rail network? Greg Foot examines the rise of future wonder products.He's joined by experts, entrepreneurs and industry innovators to discuss the trends we're seeing today and where they may lead us tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be like within five, ten and fifty years.In this episo
Dough - Series 4: Dough - Mobile Phones
What will mobile phones be like in future? Greg Foot investigatesGreg Foot, host of the BBC Radio 4 show 'Sliced Bread', brings you 'Dough'.Each episode explores future wonder products that might rise to success and redefine our lives.Experts and entrepreneurs discuss the trends shaping what today's everyday technology may look like tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on w
Sliced Bread - Series 15: Baby Sleep Products
Sleep deprived parents everywhere are tempted to reach for anything that might help them get a little more sleep overnight – but can products promising to encourage babies to snooze for longer – really do that? And is there any science to back it up?That is exactly what tired Dad-of-three Dave wanted to know – and whether there were any future implications from using these gadgets, docks, blinds a
Sliced Bread - Series 15: Kitchen Knives and Sharpeners
Which knife is best for the kitchen and how do you keep it sharp?After buying various knives over the years that ended up blunt, listener Susan is looking for one that will last. She's seen an array of different types and materials: Damascus steel, Japanese Gyuto knives, as well as alloys and additions that promise a sharper edge. They vary hugely in price - anything from £50 to £1,000. And if you
Sliced Bread - Series 15: VPNs
Do you really need a VPN?Listener Andrew has seen and heard lots of adverts for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and wants to know if they'll beef up the security on his computer. Will they provide extra protection from malware or hackers?To get the answers, presenter Greg Foot is joined in the studio by Professor Victoria Baines, fellow of the Chartered Institute for IT.All our investigations star
Sliced Bread - Series 15: Kefir
Listener Amanda was Kefir curious, and got in touch with Sliced Bread to ask if the Kefir she was consuming for breakfast every day – was really having an impact on her health, cognitive function, and her gut?She wasn’t the only person to get in touch about kefir either, with others saying they keep seeing the benefits of fermented foods crowed about on social media. Greg Foot talks to head of the
Sliced Bread - Series 15: Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Can taking testosterone help with low libido and energy?It's all over social media and is often touted by celebs - both male and female - but is testosterone replacement therapy the answer to listener Clive's low energy levels? Clive got in touch after sending off for a blood test with an online health firm which showed he might have low testosterone and could be a candidate for therapy. But to bu
Sliced Bread - Series 15: Dark Chocolate
Listener Jenny, who enjoys a 90% cocoa bar from time to time, got in touch to ask if some of the reports that dark chocolate can have a positive effect on things like circulation and mood - have any truth behind them? But Jenny also told Sliced Bread that since she read reports that heavy metals such as lead and cadmium could be in dark chocolate - she's been unable to enjoy her regular bar, until
Sliced Bread - Series 15: Weight-loss Injections
Is it ok to stay on weight loss injections?They have been nothing short of a pharmaceutical phenomenon. But for people like listener Lynn who've had huge success on weight loss drugs like Mounjaro, the question now arises about the implications of using them long-term. Could there be a 'maintenance' dose that would potentially allow for use over many years, or even a lifetime? And as scientists st
Toast - Series 6: Toast - Farepak's Christmas Hampers
What led to the collapse of the Christmas savings club Farepak? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates with the entrepreneur, Sam White, alongside him.It's our Christmas special and we're turning the clock back to the mid 1960s…. and looking at a business which started from humble beginnings in a Peckham butcher's shop, and went on to change Christmas for tens of thousands of
Toast - Series 6: Toast - C&A's UK Stores
The fashion chain C&A continues to thrive elsewhere so why did it shut all its UK stores? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates how they ended up toast, in the company of resident business expert and entrepreneur, Sam White.C&A used to be one of the biggest fashion retailers on the UK's high streets until a shock decision in 2000 led to the stores' sudden closure.To he
Toast - Series 6: Toast - Skype
Why did Skype fall out of favour in a world of global video calls?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates with the entrepreneur, Sam White, alongside him.Sam never knows what's coming so, at the end of every episode of Toast, she gives her off-the-cuff and authentic professional opinions on why a brand disappeared based on what she has just heard and her own business knowhow. In
Toast - Series 6: Toast - Dasani Water
Dasani water, a bottled water from Coca-Cola, proved a big hit in the U.S.A so why did it last for less than 6 weeks in the UK?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates how it ended up toast, in the company of resident business expert and entrepreneur, Sam White.In the early 2000s, Coca-Cola had entered the growing bottled water market and was hoping to turn its hit new brand in A
Toast - Series 6: Toast - BlackBerry Smartphones
How did the company behind the revolutionary BlackBerry smartphone lose its grip on the handset market?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates with special guest, Sir Stephen Fry, who has remained 'faithful' to the BlackBerry brand. Alongside them is the entrepreneur, Sam White, who at the end of the show has to reach her own conclusions on why BlackBerry handsets disappeared, b
Sliced Bread - Series 14: The Sliced Bread Christmas List 2025
The team has gone through 30 episodes over the past year, and carved out five potential present worthy products that may well be heading down a chimney to you this Christmas. (We wanted to give you plenty of time to include them in your letters to Santa.) Greg Foot will share with you the key points from experts we’ve spoken to on Nail Polish & Gel Nails, Chopping Boards, Lip Balm, Smart Scale
Sliced Bread - Series 14: Cough Medicines
Are cough medicines any better than just taking honey and lemon?When Listener Sally sent in a croaky voicenote to our Sliced Bread Whatsapp number (07543 306807 - put us in your contacts!) we knew we had to tackle this one. Sally didn't think the medicine she used for her cough did very much, so she joined presenter Greg Foot and Jacky Smith, Professor in Respiratory Medicine at the University of
Sliced Bread - Series 14: Car Shampoos and Coatings
Are special shampoos and coatings any good at cleaning and protecting your car? They're all over Instagram: washes, foams, and ceramic coatings in a rainbow of coloured bottles that promise to give your car that showroom shine. For listener James - a driving instructor - the question is whether they're worth the money, or if an ordinary bottle of washing up liquid will do the job.
To find out Gr
Sliced Bread - Series 14: Fake Tans
Listener Julie has been reaching for the fake tan every spring to add a "bit of colour" to her legs, but after much trial and error with foams, lotions and gels, she got in touch with Sliced Bread to ask what is actually IN fake tan? How does it work - and is there a particular kind that might suit her best?Greg Foot is joined by Consultant Dermatologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ma
Sliced Bread - Series 14: Toenail Fungus Treatments
Can anything stop toenail fungus in its tracks?It's one of the most-requested but least-talked-about topics, so listener Julia speaks for many as she joins us to ask about treatments for toenail fungus. She's keen to know if the laser-light devices shes's seen on social media really do work, as well as over-the-counter lacquers and prescription drugs. To get the answers Greg and Julia are joined i
Sliced Bread - Series 14: Scar Gels and Oils
Greg Foot speaks to Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon Dr Emma Craythorne - who has plenty of skin in the game - to find some answers for listener Phil about about scars, how they occur, the different types, and what might help make them less obvious. Each episode Greg investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener.
Sliced Bread - Series 14: Creatine
Can creatine boost your body and mind?Listener Simon has been taking the fitness supplement creatine and wants to know if the science backs up the claim that it can make you stronger and faster. He's also heard that it can help with cognitive function. To find out if creatine can boost body and mind, presenter Greg Foot is joined by Graeme Close, Professor of Physiology at Liverpool John Moores Un
Dough - Series 3: Dough - The Future of Flight
Can supersonic air travel make a comeback?Greg Foot, host of the BBC Radio 4 show 'Sliced Bread', now brings you 'Dough'.Each episode explores future wonder products that might rise to success and redefine our lives.Experts and entrepreneurs discuss the trends shaping what today's everyday technology may look like tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be l
Dough - Series 3: Dough - The Future of Clothing
Could 'smart' clothing monitor our health?Greg Foot, host of the BBC Radio 4 show 'Sliced Bread', now brings you 'Dough'.Each episode explores future wonder products that might rise to success and redefine our lives.Experts and entrepreneurs discuss the trends shaping what today's everyday technology may look like tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be l
Dough - Series 3: Dough - The Future of Housebuilding
Could your future home be built by a robot bricklayer?Greg Foot, host of the BBC Radio 4 show 'Sliced Bread', now brings you 'Dough'.Each episode explores future wonder products that might rise to success and redefine our lives.Experts and entrepreneurs discuss the trends shaping what today's everyday technology may look like tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what lif
Dough - Series 3: Dough - The Future of Home Parcel Delivery
Will delivery drones and robots make popping to the shops a thing of the past?Greg Foot, host of the BBC Radio 4 show 'Sliced Bread', now brings you 'Dough'.Each episode explores future wonder products that might rise to success and redefine our lives.Experts and entrepreneurs discuss the trends shaping what today's everyday technology may look like tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their
Dough - Series 3: Dough - The Future of Cars
Will your car be driving you by 2050?Greg Foot, host of the BBC Radio 4 show Sliced Bread, now brings you Dough.Each episode explores future wonder products that might rise to success and redefine our lives.Experts and entrepreneurs discuss the trends shaping what today's everyday technology may look like tomorrow, before a leading futurist offers their predictions on what life might be like withi
Sliced Bread - Series 13: Smart Doorbells
Is it worth getting a Smart Doorbell?Greg Foot pushes all the right buttons as he gathers consumer and crime experts to get answers for listener Derek, who's keen to learn more about the various features, prices and security elements in the growing market of smart doorbells. Each episode Greg investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and gr
Sliced Bread - Series 13: Salt
Is expensive salt better for your health?Greg Foot gathers the experts, dives into the data and crunches the numbers to get the answers for listener Sally.Each episode Greg investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Are they really 'the best thing since sliced bread' and should you spend your money on them?All of our episodes st
Sliced Bread - Series 13: Nail Polish and Gels
Greg Foot gathers the experts, and "chips" away at the science for listener Helen.Each episode Greg investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Are they really 'the best thing since sliced bread' and should you spend your money on them?All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product
Sliced Bread - Series 13: Standing Desks
Greg Foot gathers the experts, to find out which claims "stand up" to scrutiny for listener Bede. Each episode Greg investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Are they really 'the best thing since sliced bread' and should you spend your money on them?All of our episodes start with YOUR suggestions. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or
Sliced Bread - Series 13: Dehumidifiers
Can dehumidifiers dry out your house - and your clothes?Greg Foot gathers the experts, dives into the data and crunches the numbers to get answers for listener Rhys.Each episode Greg investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Are they really 'the best thing since sliced bread' and should you spend your money on them?All of our e
Sliced Bread - Series 13: Chopping Boards
Which chopping board material is best for hygiene and the planet?Greg Foot gathers the experts, dives into the data and crunches the numbers to get answers for listener Simon.Each episode Greg investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Are they really 'the best thing since sliced bread' and should you spend your money on them?Al
Sliced Bread - Series 13: Water Filters (Live at Cheltenham Science Festival)
Can jug or under sink filters, promising to soften tap water and improve taste, really take out what they claim?Greg Foot gathers the experts live at Cheltenham Science Festival, dives into the data and crunches the numbers to get answers for listener Elaine.Each episode Greg investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Are they r
Sliced Bread - Series 13: Dog Food (Live at Hay Festival)
Is more expensive dog food worth it?Greg Foot gathers the experts, dives into the data and crunches the numbers to get answers for listeners Izzy and Pete. Each episode Greg investigates the latest ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener. Are they really 'the best thing since sliced bread' and should you spend your money on them?RESEARCHER: PHIL SANS
Toast - Series 5: Toast - Homebase
Homebase was once one of our leading home improvement chains so, why did it have to close all of its stores?The BBC Business journalist Sean Farrington investigates.Alongside him is the entrepreneur Sam White, who at the end of the show has to reach her own conclusions, based only on what she has heard and her own business acumen.Homebase was established by the supermarket chain Sainsbury's and a
Toast - Series 5: Toast - FHM
FHM was the men's magazine that sold vastly more copies than any of its competitors but still ended up toast. So, why did its publishers stop printing it while other men's magazines survived? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, charts its highs and lows in the company of four of FHM's former editors.Alongside them is the entrepreneur, Sam White, who has to use her business acumen to reac
Toast - Series 5: Toast - Nike's FuelBand
Nike's FuelBand was among the first fitness trackers to be launched and was worn by sports stars including the tennis player, Serena Williams. So, why did Nike give up on it so soon after its launch?The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, is joined by Nike's former Vice President of Digital Sport, Stefan Olander, to get the inside story on what happened to the successful product. Alongside
Toast - Series 5: Toast - Freeserve
Freeserve rapidly became the UK's number one internet service provider within months of its launch in 1998, yet the brand disappeared almost as quickly. So, what happened? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, investigates. Alongside him is the entrepreneur, Sam White, who at the end of the show has to reach her own conclusions, based only on what she has heard and her own business acumen.
Toast - Series 5: Toast - Woolworths
Woolworths was once a family favourite with well over 1,000 UK stores selling everything from kitchenware to pick and mix. So, why did the business collapse when other general retailers were on the rise? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, charts the company's highs and lows before asking 'what went wrong at Woolies?'. Alongside him is the entrepreneur, Sam White, who at the end of the s
Sliced Bread - Series 12: Menopause Supplements
Can supplements claiming to make menopause symptoms more bearable, really help? Going through menopause can result in a myriad of symptoms, leaving women stressed, exhausted, and desperate for anything that might make it easier to deal with. In recent years, a huge range of products have become available in supermarkets, pharmacies and online, all promising to help alleviate some of these symptoms
Sliced Bread - Series 12: Vagus Nerve Stimulators
Do Vagus Nerve Stimulators help your mental health?The vagus nerve could be one of the most important body parts you might never have heard of. It's a large nerve that connects major organs like the heart and lungs to the brain and studies have found that stimulating it with electrical pulses can lead to dramatic improvements in some people with depression and other mental health conditions. Those
Sliced Bread - Series 12: Lip Balm
When staring at shelves full of sticks, tubs and tubes all promising us the perfect pout, how do you know which Lip Balms will really help keep chapped lips at bay?Listener Kiran is a regular lip balm applier - saying she often suffers with dry or cracked lips, and recently splashed out on an expensive lip balm after seeing celebrity endorsed adverts for it online. But she isn’t sure it’s any bett
Sliced Bread - Series 12: Sleep Headbands and Sleep Bars
Which products are best for bedtime listening?According to a YouGov poll nearly half of us listen to music or podcasts to help us get to sleep and there are a range of products designed to do just that.Listener Nick has seen wearable sleep headbands with speakers woven in to the fabric which he hopes will stop him waking up in the middle of the night with headphones or earbuds digging into his ear
Sliced Bread - Series 12: Plant-Based Meat Alternatives
You may have heard health warnings around too much red or processed meat, and considered trying a plant based meat alternative as one of your midweek meals instead. But after looking at the ingredients on the packet and spotting salt, additives and flavourings, wondered if they really are the healthier choice?That’s exactly what listener Graham did, as he hunted for an alternative to his beloved s
Sliced Bread - Series 12: Jet Lag Products
Are there products that can help you avoid or ease jet lag?If you've travelled long-haul you'll know the feeling; your body feels completely out of sync with the new time zone, leaving you tired, disorientated and quite possibly a tad irritated!So is there anything you can do? Listener Moira suffered the effects of jet lag on a recent work trip to India and with another one coming up to the USA, s
Sliced Bread - Series 12: Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners appeal to anyone with a sweet tooth looking to cut down on their sugar intake. They’re not only for use in our cups of tea or coffee, but they’re also in fizzy drinks, low calorie products, sweets and baked goods. But are they really a better alternative?Greg is joined by a leading scientist from the World Health Organisation, as well as a Professor of Gastroenterology who ha
Sliced Bread - Series 12: Home Allergy Tests
Can home tests tell you if you have an allergy or a food intolerance?We're back with a new batch of investigations and kicking off this series is one of our most popular requests: home allergy tests. The companies that make them claim they can help you work out if you have an allergy or intolerance to certain foods. The idea is the information can help you decide what to eliminate from your diet.
Dough - Series 2: Dough - Watches
What is keeping the traditional watch industry ticking over?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a new appreciation
Dough - Series 2: Dough - Lawn Mowers
Could the next generation of lawn mowers create any image you like on your lawn?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives
Dough - Series 2: Dough - Bicycles
How can the bicycle industry recover from sales that plummeted after the pandemic?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge giv
Dough - Series 2: Dough - Washing Machines
Could washing machines soon be cleaning our clothes without using any water?The entrepreneur, Sam White, hosts Dough - the BBC Radio 4 series which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next.In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry experts whose inside knowledge gives a n
Dough - Series 2: Dough - Game Consoles
Game consoles have come a long way since the 1970s but could their days now be numbered?The entrepreneur, Sam White, returns with a new series of Dough - the BBC Radio 4 show which looks at the business behind profitable everyday products and where the smart money might take them next. In each episode, Sam, and the futurist, Tom Cheesewright, are joined by product manufacturers and industry expert
Sliced Bread - Series 11: Hearing Aids
Listener Angela is a musician, and long-time wearer of Hearing Aids – but as her parents and friends have started reaching an age where they might need them, she’s wondering what advice to give them - and whether paying more for a hearing aid, and potentially going private – would really help?There’s no question – Hearing Aids are Sliced Bread – but can the top end products really deliver on claim
Sliced Bread - Series 11: Plant Food
Edinburgh gardener Alan got in touch with Sliced Bread, to ask if he really needs to be spending money on buying and applying plant food or fish, blood and bone meal to his roses and woody perennials? He was keen to know what is in these commercial plant foods that come as a solid, liquid or granule, how often he is supposed to use them, whether they make as much of a difference as they claim, and
Sliced Bread - Series 11: Boiling Water Taps
Do Boiling Water Taps save you money?They're often seen in offices but boiling water taps are increasingly popular for the home kitchen too. They hold hot water at a constant temperature in a tank under your sink and claim to save you money compared to boiling a regular kettle. But does the evidence back up the marketing hype?Listener Jenny got in touch with Sliced Bread because she's upgrading he
Sliced Bread - Series 11: Grounding Sheets
Grounding Sheets - do they really work?It's perhaps the most-requested product in Sliced Bread history but is there any real science behind grounding (or 'earthing') sheets? The claims made for them are wide and varied - from reducing inflammation and pain, to helping with sleep. How do they do this? Proponents say grounding sheets connect you to the Earth's own electrical field and dissipate elec
Sliced Bread - Series 11: Cooking Oils
Which cooking oils are best for your health?Listener Sarah got in touch after seeing claims on social media that more expensive oils are better for you than regular vegetable, or rapeseed oil. And listener Kamal sent us a voicenote asking about coconut and avocado oil - both touted as healthier alternatives to other types of oil. Are they worth the extra cost? And what about health concerns if cer
Sliced Bread - Series 11: Protein Powder
Listener Helen from Manchester got in touch to ask about Protein Powders, as she considered replenishing her supply that she’s been taking after long distance runs. She wanted to know if Whey or Plant-based protein really can help her build and repair muscle, whether there’s a set amount she should be having, if one type is better than the other, or if she could just get the protein she needs from
Sliced Bread - Series 11: Smart Scales
Listener Steve got in touch with us after trying out a set of Smart Scales himself. He wanted to keep an eye on his protein levels – which his scales claimed to do – for health reasons, and because he’d heard that we need more protein as we get older. His scales also promised to show him his body fat, muscle mass, and bone mass via a corresponding app on his phone. However, some of those readings
Sliced Bread - Series 11: Insulation Hacks
Can you insulate your home for less than £100?With winter setting in listener Robin got in touch with Sliced Bread to find out if there's a way he can insulate his very old, very cold Victorian house on a budget. He's seen plastic films that go over the windows and silver foil-type backings that go behind the radiators. Do any of them work to keep the cold out and more of that precious heat in? An
Sliced Bread - Series 11: The Sliced Bread Christmas List
The team has gone through over 100 episodes of Sliced Bread, and carved out five popular products that may well be heading down a chimney to you this Christmas. Greg Foot will share with you the key points from experts we’ve spoken to on Air Fryers, Mascara, Perfume, Running Shoes, and DNA Ancestry Tests - as well as their conclusions in one handy festive slice! We’ve also updated some of the topi
Sliced Bread - Series 11: Hair Loss Products
Can wonder products halt hair loss and grow back luscious locks?We're back with a new series of Sliced Bread and a fresh batch of investigations into your suggested wonder products. First up this time are lotions and pills that promise to stop hair loss - and even grow it back. For this episode Greg is joined at our Salford studios by two listeners, Ian and Kimberley. Ian got in touch about two pr
Toast - Series 4: Toast - Phones 4u
The mobile phone retailer, Phones 4u, was hugely profitable, so why did it have to close all of its 700+ shops? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington and the entrepreneur, Sam White discover how Phones 4u ended up toast with help from expert guests including:John Caudwell - Phones 4u founder Nikki Barrow & Chris Papageorgiou - former Phones 4u staff membersIan White - editor of Mobile
Toast - Series 4: Toast - Dan-Air
Dan-Air was one of Britain's biggest airlines and took millions of people on their first package holidays. So, why did such a successful business end up 'toast'? The BBC Business journalist, Sean Farrington, and the entrepreneur, Sam White look into it. They are joined by:-Graham Simons - Dan-Air historian and author of the book 'The Spirit of Dan-Air'-Jackie Stacey & James Hoffmeister - forme
