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!

In this third episode of Season 2, we focus on Brazil's diverse regional cuisines and Quero, the powerhouse Brazilian food brand. Along the way you'll learn what makes hot dogs unique in Brazil (mashed potatoes, anyone?) and the secret ingredients in Quero ketchup. 

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.

On this episode, Peter discovers a food that defines an entire nation's childhood and finds that to sometimes the best way to become a classic, is to never stop evolving.

On this episode, Peter takes a trip to the epicenter of the tomato universe, to learn all about this amazing and adaptable berry (yes its a berry!) and the people who are making sure we have delicious tomatoes for years to come.

In this Episode, Peter heads to an ancient town in the Netherlands to discover the future of culinary tastes in Europe and chats with people who have real life sensory superpowers! They introduce him to Seriously Good Mayonnaise, a recent European invention that tries to appeal to very different tastes.

In this episode, Peter speaks with a man who has dedicated his life to perfecting the combination of four simple ingredients: Salt, Vinegar, Sugar, and Tomatoes! While pursuing this passion, he and his team haven't just helped the world become a little more delicious, they've made it a little more harmonious as well!

In the United States, Heinz means Ketchup, but in the United Kingdom it means something completely different: BEANS! In this episode, Peter explores how these two countries take completely different culinary approaches to this simple side-dish, and how a tin of beans can mean so much more than just a delicious snack!

In the first episode of Table Stakes, Peter wants to know if you were an Oscar Mayer Wiener, would everyone be in love with you? To discover the truth, he talks to two people who would know better than anyone, an amazing due who spent an entire year driving across America in a 27 ft. long hotdog-on-wheels!

Welcome to table stakes! A podcast that explores the true value of food by telling the behind-the-scenes stories of Kraft Heinz. On the first season listeners will be transported across the globe from ketchup factories in Russia, to the Highlands of Scotland, and the suburbs of Chicago. Make sure you subscribe to hear all the fun and fascinating episodes of our inaugural season!