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Sliced Bread

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Sliced Bread is the series that 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'? Science presenter Greg Foot finds out. Greg speaks to experts on a bunk-busting mission to test the latest consumer trends chosen by listeners. Do they live up to the hype? Or are they just marketing BS? Greg chats to the experts, dives into the data, performs tests and crunches the numbers before putting his findings back to the listener so they can decide if it’s worth spending their hard earned money on. New episodes of Sliced Bread are released weekly on Thursdays wherever you get your BBC podcasts. But you can listen to the latest episode on BBC Sounds first, a week earlier than anywhere else. If you have a suggestion for a product to investigate, you can email the team on [email protected] or send a WhatsApp voice note via the number 07543 306807. Sliced Bread is produced by BBC Audio North for BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds.

Latest episodes

Acne Treatments

What really helps to treat acne? Listener Louise got in touch about a subject that affects thousands of people both physically and emotionally. She experienced acne from her teens into adulthood; and now with a daughter herself, is all too aware of the pressures facing young people through social media. She's keen to find out which of the vast array of over-the-counter treatments work and which in

8 Oct 2026 · 36 min
Dough - Series 5: Supermarkets

Are self-checkouts here to stay or will we soon be paying without scanning or stopping? Greg Foot examines the future of supermarkets and considers wonder products and trends that might rise to success. Greg is joined by experts and entrepreneurs to discuss what is shaping today's everyday technology and what it may look like tomorrow, before the futurist Tom Cheesewright offers his predictions on

1 Oct 2026 · 29 min
Dough - Series 5: Pets

Could advances in AI help us have conversations with our pets? Will a raccoon or a robot become the pet of the future? Or will or pets be sharing a seat beside us on the plane as we jet off for our next holiday? In this episode of Dough Greg Foot looks at pets and examines the rise of future wonder products. He's joined by experts, entrepreneurs and industry innovators to discuss the trends we'e s

24 Sep 2026 · 24 min
Dough - Series 5: Cinemas

Is streaming really killing off the big screen? Greg Foot examines the future of cinemas and considers wonder products and trends that might rise to success. Greg is joined by experts and entrepreneurs to discuss what is shaping today's everyday technology and what it may look like tomorrow, before the futurist Tom Cheesewright offers his predictions on what cinemas might be like within five, ten

17 Sep 2026 · 24 min
Dough - Series 5: Gyms

Could weight-loss jabs make gyms less relevant? Greg Foot examines the future of the fitness sector and considers wonder products and trends that might rise to success. Greg is joined by experts and entrepreneurs to discuss what is shaping today's everyday technology and what it may look like tomorrow, before the futurist Tracey Follows offers her predictions on what gyms might be like within five

10 Sep 2026 · 24 min
Dough - Series 5: Money

Could cash be losing its crown as digital money gains ground? Greg Foot looks at money and examines the rise of the wonder products and technologies emerging across the financial sector. 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

3 Sep 2026 · 24 min
Experimental Peptides

Is it OK to take experimental peptides like the Wolverine Stack? These are what bodybuilders, longevity gurus, and online influencers are all talking about: experimental peptides. They're chemicals that you can buy online, in packages with names like the Wolverine Stack or the Glow Stack. The websites say "for research purposes only" but talk about their supposed benefits for wound healing and de-

27 Aug 2026 · 27 min
Laundry Detergents

Pods, liquids and powders: which laundry detergent really cleans up? A trip down the laundry aisle can leave you faced with a welter of confusing marketing claims. From stain-busting formulas and lower-temperature washes to eco-friendly promises, every detergent seems to offer cleaner clothes, lower energy use and a lighter environmental footprint. Listener Rosanna came to Sliced Bread for help ma

20 Aug 2026 · 32 min
Pillows

What makes the perfect pillow? Nothing saying ‘waking up on the wrong side of the bed’ like a crick in your neck. With up to 70% of us experiencing neck pain at some point in our lives, sleeping in a dodgy position can lead to days of discomfort. And pillows might be part of the problem... Listener Angela has a frozen shoulder, and hoped a new pillow might provide a more comfortable night’s sleep.

13 Aug 2026 · 26 min
Air Conditioning

What's the best way to keep your home cool? As heatwave after heatwave pushes temperatures higher across the UK and Europe, air conditioning has become a serious topic. Listener Rachel is one of many people who have turned to a portable air conditioner for relief. About the size of a dehumidifier, these units cool a room by drawing in warm air, chilling it, and venting the excess heat outside thro

6 Aug 2026 · 31 min
Language Learning Apps

Can you really learn a new language from apps like Duolingo? Sliced Bread listener Nathan Phelps has been teaching himself Japanese. He’s tried textbooks, tutors, and crucially, language apps on his phone - and he came to us because he’s seen these apps claiming to be “backed by science” to help you “learn a new language, fast”. More recently he’s even seen apps boast about “AI powered features” t

30 Jul 2026 · 26 min
Kitchen Sponges, Cloths and Brushes

Which is the most hygienic for cleaning your kitchen? Most of us will be familiar with the cheap packs of coloured kitchen sponges with the abrasive tops, used for washing dishes and wiping surfaces. But could they be harbouring a host of bacterial baddies? Listener Caroline wants to know as she uses them regularly and even goes as far as running them through the washing machine to keep them clean

23 Jul 2026 · 25 min
Robotic Lawnmowers

Can robotic lawnmowers save you time without hassling hedgehogs? Listener Pat has seen adverts for robotic lawnmowers and has lots of questions: Do they cut effectively? How do they manage with edges and flower borders? And what about avoiding wildlife and other objects in the garden? To find out, presenter Greg Foot is joined by BBC Gardeners' World magazine's tech reviewer Harry Duncton, alongsi

16 Jul 2026 · 29 min
Gut Microbiome Tests

Can a test tell you what's living inside your gut - and what to do about it? That's what listener Pete Mace asked us, kicking off a brand new series of Sliced Bread! He's seen 'gut microbiome tests' advertised by ZOE, Randox Health and others. They promise to tell you about the bacteria - and other bugs - currently making your intestines their home. Many also claim they'll use this information to

10 Jul 2026 · 27 min
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,

28 May 2026 · 32 min
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,

21 May 2026 · 24 min
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

14 May 2026 · 23 min
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

7 May 2026 · 30 min
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 in

30 Apr 2026 · 29 min
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 sa

23 Apr 2026 · 29 min