Ah, the celebration of food. Thanksgiving is the ultimate foodie holiday to chow down on turkey and lots of trimmings, a day where no one will judge you when you go for seconds and then ask to take some food home with you.
But even after you're done eating a bounty of every food group, a true foodie loves to learn more about the topic they are passionate about. So whether you plan on educating yourself before your big meal, or want to continue you journey as a food connoisseur after the holiday, here are the best food documentaries streaming on Netflix right now.
Remember, this brand of binging is always guilt-free.
Food, Inc. (2008)
Director: Robert Kenner
Stars: Michael Pollan, Eric Schlosser, Richard Lobb
Perfect for: Vegetarians, Vegans
The Oscar-nominated documentary is an eye-opener for sure. Food, Inc. dives into the food industry and its harmful impact on both our health and the environment. The documentary sheds some light on the truth behind corporate controlled industry, showing how consumers can turn the tables by choosing to buy locally grown food. This might not be the ideal documentary to watch for Thanksgiving, but it's a must-see for any food lover.
Food Matters (2008)
Director: James Colquhoun, Carlo Ledesma
Stars: Vicky Blewitt, Ian Brighthope, Jerome Burne
Perfect for: Nutritionists, Organic foodies
Similar to Food, Inc., Food Matters also discusses how the food we consume can both hurt and help our health. We are a nation who loves fast food, and we are paying the price. Instead of focusing on the corporate aspects of things, this documentary features interviews with nutritionists, doctors and health journalists who weigh in on organic food, raw food, and food safety. It also discusses the pharmaceutical industry's role in the big scheme of things, as their pocket get fatter as so do we.
The Search for General Tso (2014)
Director: Ian Cheney
Stars: Ian Cheney
Perfect for: People who love Chinese food
Chances are when you're in the mood for Chinese food, you order General Tso chicken. This documentary is dedicated to this very same dish, exploring its origin and how traditional Chinese food has changed to better fit the tastes of Americans. We bet you will be dialing up your local Chinese spot for some takeout of the sweet and spicy dish while streaming this one.
Chef's Table (2015)
Director: Clay Jeter, Brian McGinn, Andrew Fried, David Gelb
Stars: Dan Barber, Massimo Bottura, Bill Buford
Perfect for fans of: Reality food shows like Top Chef
This Netflix original six-part docu-series is just what you need to stream while whipping up your own masterpiece meals. The series takes viewers inside the kitchens of six international culinary masters, revealing the way they work and the way they think about food. If you thought your commitment to ordering Seamless most of the week showed your love for food, wait to hear these stories and see the passion from the most renowned foodies around the world.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014)
Director: Kip Anderson, Keegan Kuhn
Stars: Lisa Agabian, Manucher Alemi, Lindey Allen
Perfect for: Animal lovers, Environmentalists
This documentary follows the story of an aspiring environmentalist who is on a quest to find solutions to environmental issues though sustainability. Anderson's documentary informs the viewer about animal agriculture, the leading cause of environmental disasters, leading cause of global warming, ocean "dead zones, species extinction, deforestation and pollution, and how shockingly the industry continues to be unchallenged. Cowspiracy is as humorous as it is scary, and might leave you opting for a salad instead of a burger next time you go out to eat.
The Natural History of the Chicken (2002)
Director: Mark Lewis
Stars: Janet Bonney, Johnnie L. Cochran Jr., Karin Estrada
Perfect for: Chicken lovers
While we all will be chowing down on turkey for the next few days, let's not forget about the other bird we love to eat. The Natural History of the Chicken is documentary that features interviews and funny reenactments that reveals the role of the chicken in America. This film is as fun as it is educational.
Forks Over Knives (2011)
Director: Lee Fulkerson
Stars: Lee Fulkerson, Matthew Lederman, Alona Pulde
Perfect for: Health nuts, Veggie lovers
Forks Over Knives is a documentary that will really leave you thinking about your relationship with food. It explores how processed foods is believed to led to epidemic rates of obesity, diabetes and other disease. However, these diseases can be controlled and reversed by saying goodbye to lunch meat, chips and soda and instead eating a more healthy diet of fruits and vegetables. Cue the post-Thanksgiving diet prep now.
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead (2010)
Director: Joe Cross, Kurt Engfehr
Stars: Joe Cross, Amy Badberg, Merv Cross
Perfect for: Raw foodies, Those on a juice cleanse
Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead is a great followup to Forks Over Knives or for anyone interested in how a raw diet can reverse chronic diseases like diabetes and even cancer. It follows the story of a Joe Cross, an overweight man who starts juicing to regain his health and life.
Farmageddon (2011)
Director: Kristin Canty
Stars: Linda Faillace, Adam Heifer, Mark McAfee
Perfect for: Milk drinkers
This documentary touches on a very controversial health trend: drinking raw milk. While some believe milk needs to be pasteurized in order to kill bacteria, these individuals featured in the doc represent the other side of the coin, as we lean about cases where people have been cured of allergies and asthma by drinking raw milk. While these farmers are providing a safe and healthy product, the FDA continues to shut them down. This documentary will have you craving some milk and cookies as you stream—the milk being raw completely optional.
Sushi: The Global Catch (2012)
Director: Mark Hall
Perfect for: Sushi eaters
If a typical Saturday night consists of sushi with some friends, this is a must-stream. This documentary explores sushi's humble beginnings back when it was sold by Japanese street vendors. From its history to the present day, you better make sure your chop sticks ready to devour this doc.
Vegucated (2012)
Director: Marisa Miller Wolfson
Stars: Marisa Miller Wolfson, Chloe Davis, Cody Tarlow
Perfect for: Foodies up for a challenge
If you are a major meat lover, you might want to give Vegucated a chance. It follows three New Yorkers who agree to go vegan for six weeks to learn more about the diet and if it could change their health. You might never have thought you could cut meat and cheese for even a day, but this documentary reveals what it is like for these meat lovers, and may also even change your mind.
In the meantime, get ready for your turkey dinner—and leftovers—while hopefully learning some more about the wonderful world of food.
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