By: jackie.sauter

College campuses have forgone serving simple dishes like tacos in favor of crab cake sliders, mini samosas and tilapia, according to Sodexo, a food service provider to 600 campuses in the United States and Canada.

Gaithersburg, Md.-based Sodexo released a food trends menu for 2009, as compared to tastes two decades ago.

2009

1. Locally-grown fruits and vegetables
2. Crispy garlic-ginger chicken wings
3. Mac ‘n five cheeses
4. Vietnamese Pho
5. Green tea and pomegranate smoothies

1989

1. Fruit and cottage cheese plate
2. Chicken nuggets
3. Turkey Tetrazini
4. Chicken Chop Suey
5. Egg, bacon and cheese on an English muffin

It’s clear that culturally inspired food is one of the biggest shifts in contemporary palates.

“The biggest change we’ve seen is in the demand for locally-grown produce and authentic international cuisine that is made to order,” said Chef Rob Morasco of Sodexo. “Super spices, comfort food with a twist, and the new age of Asian cuisine are some of the trends we’re delivering.”

Global traveling, visiting ethnic restaurants, living abroad and cooking diverse dishes at home have contributed to the new preferences.

What types of food trends will hit it big in 20 more years? Maybe steak-flavored food capsules a la The Jetson’s? Or will college kids go “retro” with chicken nuggets?

SHERRYN DANIEL, Daily Record Web Intern