Sliced Bread

Toast - Vine

11 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why was the video sharing platform, Vine, closed down?Sean Farrington discovers what happened to the app which pioneered short, shareable videos on so...

Toast - Little Chef

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why did the restaurant chain, Little Chef, disappear from our roadsides? Sean Farrington discovers what happened to the brand which brought us Jubilee...

Mushroom Coffee

28 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This one's all about mushrooms - not so much your chestnut, button or portobellos from the supermarket, but more the likes of lion's mane, reishi and ...

Dishwashers

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it better to wash your dishes by hand or use a dishwasher? This question from listener Eve has got to be among the most hotly contested debates out...

Tens machines and circulation boosters

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Greg's getting electric for this one, as he tries out a tens machine. Tens (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a type of pain relief whic...

Milk Alternatives

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Which is the cream of the crop for your health and the planet?The supermarket shelves are fairly bulging with plant-based options for people who eithe...

Fitness trackers

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Millions of us use fitness tracker watches to count how many steps we take each day - they also claim to tell us how we're sleeping and how stressed w...

Pots and Pans

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What cookware is best for your kitchen?There is a bewildering array of pots and pans on offer: stainless steel saucepans, cast iron skillets, even 10-...

Dog dental chews

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Gum disease is extremely common in dogs - with some breeds particularly badly affected. So it's no surprise there are all sorts of products on the mar...

Face Creams

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are more expensive face creams worth it?I'm back with a new series of Sliced Bread to investigate more of your suggested wonder products and I'm start...

Sliced Bread is back!

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Greg Foot returns to investigate a whole new batch of so-called wonder products suggested by you, the listeners.Sliced Bread is back for a new series ...

Toast - Jamie's Italian

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What went wrong at Jamie Oliver's UK restaurant chain, Jamie's Italian?While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacul...

Toast - Commodore Computers

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why did the best-selling computer manufacturer, Commodore, go bust?While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular f...

Toast - Club 18-30

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why did the package holiday brand, Club 18-30, disappear?While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of...

Toast - Sunny Delight

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why did sales of the best-selling soft drink, Sunny Delight, suddenly bomb in the 1990s?While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study...

Toast - Toys R Us

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Why did Toys R Us have to close all of its UK superstores in 2018? While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular f...

Toast is back!

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sean Farrington returns with the Radio 4 series that examines the spectacular failures of wonder products and businesses which had promised so much.To...

Bedding

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can changing your sheets be good for you - and the environment? We've had loads of requests to look at the best way to make your bed - specifically, h...

Christmas Trees

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Which Christmas tree is better for the environment - real or fake?Everyone loves the smell of a freshly cut pine or spruce but the vast majority of th...

Sports Bras

27 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are expensive sports bras worth the money?Buying a sports bra can be a baffling experience, not least because of the marketing terminology which is fu...

Vacuum cleaners

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Trying to buy a new vacuum cleaner can be a pretty confusing experience. Do you go bagged or bagless? Corded or cordless? Is it worth paying extra for...

Ice Baths

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do the claims made about Ice Baths hold water?Social media appears to be filled with countless people sitting blissfully in small inflatable ‘ice ba...

Eco-friendly toilet paper

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How green can your loo roll be? Lots of companies have sprung up offering what they say are the most eco-friendly ways to wipe - and there's a lot to ...

Smart Thermostats

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Can Smart Thermostats save you money on energy bills?Temperatures are falling and conversations are already turning to whether or not the heating has ...

Motion Sickness Remedies

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Greg Foot gets queasy in the name of science as he investigates the range of products promising to help with motion sickness.Do the pills, wristbands ...

Weighted Blankets

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do weighted blankets reduce stress and help you sleep better?They’ve gone from a middle-aisle fad to being a regular fixture in supermarkets and onl...

Induction Hobs

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Induction hobs are not just a fashionable addition to a new kitchen, but are also sold as a more efficient choice than a gas hob. How do they compare?...

Vapes

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is vaping harmful to your health and to the environment?I'm back with a new series of Sliced Bread and I'm kicking off with a topic many of you have s...

Sliced Bread is back!

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Greg Foot returns to investigate a whole new batch of so-called wonder products suggested by you, the listeners.Sliced Bread is back for a new series ...

Mosquito Repellents

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you are heading somewhere tropical this summer, or just want to protect yourself from bites in your own back garden, then which mosquito repellents...

Barefoot Shoes

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This is one of your most-requested topics and as a keen runner myself I couldn’t wait to get into it. Barefoot shoes claim to encourage you to run i...

Dog Poo Bags

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Owners clearing up after the UK's 11 million estimated pet dogs have a bewildering array of bags from which to choose. Some are labelled 'degradable',...

Cycle Helmets

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Which cycle helmets give you the best protection?I’m a big fan of cycling and so when listener Migue got in touch wanting to know what cycle helmet ...

UV Sterilisers

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

During the pandemic, as people sought to protect themselves from Corona Virus, more and more products entered the market claiming to use Ultra Violet ...

Outdoor Clothing

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever made the mistake of going for a hike wearing just jeans and a t-shirt you’ll know it can be a pretty sweaty, uncomfortable experien...

Reusable Nappies

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

According to recycling charity Wrap, an estimated three billion nappies are thrown away every year in the UK. Concerns over plastic waste and a want t...

Hay Fever Treatments

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What works to help with the symptoms of hay fever?The better weather’s here but for the millions who have hay fever that just means a runny nose and...

Low and No Alcohol Beer

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sales of alcohol-free beer in the UK have more than tripled in the past five years, and you'll find more types of no and low-alcohol beer on sale in y...

Snoring Products

11 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Research suggests four in 10 of us do it and it can even get so bad it’s been blamed for the breakdown of relationships. Snoring can be a living nig...

Toast - Sinclair C5

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of wonder products and businesses which had promised so muc...

Toast - Friends Reunited

27 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of wonder products and businesses which had promised so muc...

Toast - Blockbuster

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of wonder products and businesses which had promised so muc...

Toast - Olestra

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While Sliced Bread takes a break we serve up… Toast. A study of the spectacular failures of wonder products and businesses which had promised so muc...

Toast - Google Glass

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

From the team behind the hit series, Sliced Bread. Sean Farrington investigates wonder products and businesses which promised so much to consumers.......

Introducing Toast

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Greg Foot introduces a new series from the team that brought you Sliced Bread.In Toast, Sean Farrington examines the wonder products and businesses th...

Sourdough

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is sourdough the best thing since Sliced Bread?It’s the last episode in the current series so I thought it was about time I investigated this! Liste...

Mascara

23 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mascara is a crucial element of many a make-up bag - but can mascaras really deliver on their promises of longer, fuller, or curlier lashes? Listener ...

Toothpaste

16 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do toothpastes promising to repair enamel and help with sensitive teeth really work?We've all been there - you go down the supermarket aisle to grab t...

Herbal Sleep Aids

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sleep is never more important than when you aren’t getting any. And there’s a large range of night time teas, herbal tablets and relaxing oils and...

Mattresses

02 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We spend a lot of time on them so it’s important to get the right mattress. But buying one can be confusing. Some use springs while others are made ...

Conditioners and Heat Protection Products

23 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After the Sliced Bread episode on shampoo, a number of listeners got in touch to request a follow-up episode on conditioners. So of course, we obliged...

Bottled Water

16 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Listener Isla, 11, wants to know if bottled water from the UK's biggest selling brands such as Evian and Buxton is cleaner, healthier, cheaper and gre...

Painkillers

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to shop-bought painkillers, there are rows and rows of shelves dedicated to them in supermarkets and pharmacies – ranging from own-bra...

Eco Laundry Products

02 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode presenter Greg Foot investigates three products that promise to make washing your laundry better for the planet.Listener Clare wants t...

Petrol

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Petrol is something millions of drivers around the UK rely on, but when faced with the choice of what to fill up with at the pumps, many wonder what i...

Energy Drinks

19 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Sales of energy drinks are rising and their brightly coloured cans line the shelves of almost every supermarket or grocery store in the UK. But do bra...

Shampoo

12 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Shampoo ranges hugely in price, from own brand bottles to premium products that promise to improve your hair, leaving it in better condition, stronger...

Cold Defence Nasal Sprays

05 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Two products dominate the market for nasal sprays that claim to reduce symptons of a cold - Vicks ‘First Defence’ and Boots ‘Dual Defence’. B...

Batteries

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In the run up to Christmas, many parents will be checking on their battery supplies ahead of Santa bringing gifts that require them. But do branded ba...

Perfume

08 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Smelling good can come with a hefty price tag with the price of perfumes often getting into the hundreds of pounds. But what if there was a cheaper al...

Razors

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s something most of us will have used at some point, and a product that has been around for decades in various forms. But do all the advertised f...

Collagen Supplements

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s one of the most talked-about cosmetic products but what’s the evidence that collagen supplements really do slow the visible signs of the agei...

Wake Up Lights & SAD Lamps

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With shorter days, longer nights, and bad weather leading to the winter blues for many, and for some the more severe Seasonal Affective Disorder, Slic...

Portable Heaters

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's getting colder and with the cost of living rising, how best to heat our homes in the most efficient way possible has become a big question.Listen...

Natural Deodorants

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Natural Deodorant market has recently expanded, with plenty of products out there promising to keep you fresh, and dry, without the use of traditi...

Compression leggings, Bath salts, Water softeners and filters

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can compression leggings improve performance and help your limbs recover after exercise? Do magnesium bath salts really help soothe aching muscles? An...

Dog food, Diet fizzy drinks, Mouthwash

11 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is expensive dog food better for your pooch than the cheap stuff? Are diet fizzy drinks actually ‘bad’ for you? And should we all add mouthwash to...

Paint

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We watch paint dry for you to find out if pricey paint is worth it.Domestic interior wall paint comes in many different pots, colours, types and price...

Massage Guns

28 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can massage guns from the likes of Theragun, Pulse Roll and others brands, help you warm up before exercise and recover more quickly after it?Massage ...

Fat Burning Pills

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is there really a pill that can help you burn fat? Sticking to a good diet and exercising to lose weight takes hard work and discipline, so what if th...

Sunglasses

14 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do more expensive pairs better protect your eyes? Whether you’re hoping to catch some rays here in the UK or heading abroad for summer sun, you’ll...

Manuka Honey

30 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A small jar of this sticky stuff can cost anything from around ten pounds to over a thousand. Some brands claim it can help with sore throats, skin p...

Air Fryers

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It seems like everyone’s talking about air fryers. They were recently dubbed the product that defined 2021, with sales up by 400%. But how do they f...

Air Purifiers

16 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Air purifiers have become one of the most popular home gadgets in recent years and you can spend hundreds of pounds on the top-end models. They promis...

Carbon Negative and Carbon Offsetting

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brands are promising to plant a tree for each can of beer, tshirt, or pair of trainers you buy, offsetting their carbon emissions so they can put an a...

Meal Replacement Drinks

02 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Huel and Soylent are two of the best known names in ‘complete nutrition’ drinks. More of us are trying them and you can now get pre-made bottles o...

Electric Toothbrushes (& Water Flossers)

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Take a look down the aisle of any high street chemist and the array of electric toothbrushes on offer is as dazzling as the teeth they promise to give...

Blue Light Filtering Glasses

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

According to some businesses, the laptop, phone and TV screens we use every day are causing us big problems. They claim these devices emit concentr...

Personalised Vitamin Plans

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The vitamins market is growing fast, with many companies now offering bespoke vitamin plans that claim to produce the perfect personalised prescriptio...

Running Shoes

05 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

They cost anything from less than £20 to more than £250. So how do you pick the right pair? And will paying more make you run faster?With the ‘Cou...

Air Source Heat Pumps

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

One of your most requested ‘wonder-products’ so far. Heat pumps are promising to not only make our houses greener but to also cut our energy bills...

Wagyu Beef

22 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For many beef connoisseurs, a wagyu steak is the tenderest meat money can buy. They say it literally melts in the mouth. But Pete wants to know, if a...

Sustainable Jeans

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

“Make better. Buy better. Wear it longer.” Lots of fashion brands are including claims like this in their adverts and one item of clothing that’...

Electric Cars

07 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Read Greg's blog for more info on the considerations and calculations made in this episode:https://www.gregfoot.com/post/should-you-switch-to-an-elect...

Sliced Bread is back!

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Greg Foot is back to investigate more ad-hyped products and trending fads promising to make us healthier, happier and greener.From personalised vitami...

Noise Cancelling Headphones

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it’s cutting out the background chatter to hear the radio, or drowning out the snoring coming from the room next door, the promise of noise ...

Teeth Whitening

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Teeth whitening toothpastes, strips and gizmos are more popular than ever. But what is the evidence that any of them actually work? And what about th...

Sunscreen

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

We all know that sunscreen helps to protect our skin from the sun’s burning rays, but are you sure you’re using the right one? Do you struggle to...

CBD Products (Cannabidiol)

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of the big buzzwords in health and well being products. A naturally occurring molecule of the cannabis plant, it’...

Caffeine Shampoo

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Can caffeine hair products prevent our hair from getting thinner as we get older and, even better, reverse the process? Or does this ingredient just e...

Goop Lab Special

24 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As the Goop Lab TV series lands in Netflix accounts, Greg Foot and guests look at the scientific evidence for the therapies tried out by Goop staff, i...

Sports pain: Taping

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

We’ve all seen athletes sporting brightly coloured stripes on the backs of their legs – but is kinesiology tape all it’s cracked up to be? Prese...

Sports pain: Gels and sprays

27 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Do topical pain products really relieve aching muscles? Presenter Greg Foot is joined by Olympic medallist heptathlete Kelly Sotherton, along with con...

Health drinks: Turmeric

20 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Can turmeric lattes prevent memory loss? Greg Foot is joined by Blur’s Alex James and experts to put claims about this ancient Indian spice to the t...

Health drinks: Kombucha

20 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Does kombucha boost your immune system? Greg Foot is joined by Blur’s Alex James and experts to put this fermented wonder drink to the test.Presente...

Winter bugs: Vitamin C and zinc

13 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Vitamin C is one of the most popular products used to combat the common cold. But does it work? Greg Foot reviews the evidence for both vitamin C and ...

Winter bugs: Hand sanitisers

13 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

With offices and schools set to a soundtrack of sniffles, science presenter and YouTuber Greg Foot is on mission to find 'The Best Thing Since Sliced ...

Skincare: Activated charcoal

06 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Will activated charcoal, which these days can be found in everything from face creams to smoothies, really purify your pores? Science presenter and Yo...

Skincare: Collagen

06 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Can collagen face cream reduce wrinkles and make your skin more youthful? Science presenter and YouTuber Greg Foot is on a mission to bust marketing B...

Welcome to The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread?

05 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

From kombucha to collagen, activated charcoal to sports tape, Greg Foot is on a mission to bust the marketing BS, looking for the facts behind the fad...