Sliced Bread
BBC Radio 4
SummaryEver wondered if that latest must-have gadget or viral wellness trend is actually a game-changer, or just another clever marketing illusion? Sliced Bread is your dedicated investigation into the promises made by the products and brands that fill our lives. Whether it is the science behind ergonomic workspaces, the reality of fitness fads like vibration plates, or a deep dive into why beloved high-street retailers and household products rise and eventually fall, this series gets to the truth. Each episode brings in researchers, industry experts, and clear-eyed analysts to dissect the claims, crunch the data, and separate fact from hype. We explore the lifecycle of consumer trends, looking at why some innovations truly transform our daily routines while others struggle to find their footing in a changing market. From the chemistry of food storage to the strategic shifts behind famous brand transformations, we peel back the layers of the products you use every day. This is a show for the curious consumer who wants to make more informed decisions. By testing the boundaries between genuine utility and empty promises, Sliced Bread empowers you to spend your time and energy on what really works. Join us as we look past the packaging to find out what is actually worth your attention. Tune in to discover if those hyped-up trends really are the best thing since sliced bread, or just another story sold to the public.
Updated Jul 6, 2026
Episodes
Toast: Toast - Orange
From its 1990s rise as a household name to its strategic sunset, discover why the iconic Orange brand became toast.
Toast - Izal Medicated Toilet Paper
Explore the rise and fall of Izal, the iconic yet infamously scratchy medicated toilet paper that dominated for decades.
Toast - Paperchase
Paperchase turned from a creative stationery icon into a retail cautionary tale of failed sales and lost momentum.
Toast - EasyCinema
Stellios Haji-Ioannou attempted to disrupt the cinema industry with a low-cost, no-frills model that ended in failure.
Toast - Series 7: Toast - EasyCinema
Stelios Haji-Ioannou attempted to disrupt the cinema industry with a low-cost, no-frills model that ended up as toast.
Toast - Wilko
Wilco failed to adapt to changing retail trends, losing its value-driven identity as competition crushed its profits.
Food Containers
Plastic containers leach chemicals and microplastics over time, making glass or stainless steel safer alternatives.
Cat Litter
Switching to a fine-grained clumping litter offers the best odor control and paw comfort for your indoor cat.
Ergonomic Keyboards and Mice
Ergonomic keyboards and mice can reduce strain by promoting neutral posture but prioritize movement over gadgets.
Vibration Plates
Vibration plates can boost muscle strength and bone density, but only high-quality machines deliver these benefits.
Hair Removal Devices
Do home IPL hair removal devices actually work, or are they just expensive, time-consuming marketing hype?
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas offer genuine health perks like better heart health, but marketing claims often overstate the benefits.
Earwax Removers
Are DIY earwax removal kits and home remedies effective, or are they just expensive, risky marketing?
Collagen (2026 update)
Can collagen supplements really fix skin and joints, or is the science behind the hype still just marketing fluff?
Dough - Food
Experts and industry leaders explore how climate change, technology, and AI will reshape the food on our plates.
Dough - Eyewear
Smart glasses are moving beyond vision correction to become powerful AI-driven tools for everyday life and health.
Dough - The Office
Experts discuss how the future office will evolve through hybrid flexibility, AI management, and human-centric design.
VPNs
VPNs effectively mask your IP address, but they are not a substitute for basic cybersecurity or anti-malware tools.
Kefir
Kefir is a fermented milk drink rich in beneficial microbes, but marketing claims often outpace scientific evidence.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Investigating the science, risks, and reality behind testosterone replacement therapy for middle-aged men.
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