Food Channel looks at trends of last decade

The editorial staff at the Food Channel has compiled a look back at the last decade in food, giving a perspective on the top flavors, biggest foods, food influences and top food stories.

“Our chefs and editorial staff have seen a lot of changes in the last 10years,” said Kay Logsdon, Managing Editor of The Food Channel. “Food has become a story like never before, and it's interesting to look back at how its growth has impacted our society. Over the last few years, we've been able to visit restaurant after restaurant, attend the biggest food shows, and try new products, giving our editors a first-hand look at what's been happening with food.”

According to foodchannel.com editors, the biggest trends of the last decade (2000-2009) include-

TOP TEN TRENDS OVERALL

Sushi

Bacon

Cupcakes

Sliders

Gourmet Burgers made with Kobe or Angus Beef

Superfruits such as Acai, Pomegranate and Blueberry

Oils, such as olive oils and truffle oils

Whole grains, such as Kashi, polenta, risotto

Artisan foods, particularly in breads, cheeses and dark chocolates

Coffees, teas

DECADE'S TOP FLAVORS

Pomegranate

Wasabi

Cranberry

Ginger

Blueberry

Hibiscus

Bacon

Green tea

Dark Chocolate

Mint

TOP TEN FOOD INFLUENCERS OF THE DECADE

Organic foods, along with Locavore and Community Supported Agriculture

International cuisines

Food TV and Internet

Food safety

The economy and subsequent shift to home cooking

Fast casual restaurant concepts

Fair trade and artisan concepts in bread, chocolates, cheeses

Mobility/social media/Twitter notifications/underground dining

Mixology

Culinary education

TOP FOOD PEOPLE OF THE DECADE

Food bloggers

The local farmer

Celebrity chefs in general: Rick Bayless, Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, Emeril Lagasse, Gordon Ramsey, Giada De Laurentiis, Mario Batali, Alton Brown, Tyler Florence, Jaime Oliver, Ina Garten

Julia Child/Julie Powell

The home cook

Grant Achatz

Alice Waters

Thomas Keller

Martha Stewart

The local restaurant chef

TOP NEWS TOPICS OF THE DECADE IMPACTING FOOD

Food safety (tomatoes, green onions, H1N1)

Food prices

Slow food

Sustainability

Consumer generated advertising (Dorito's Super Bowl ad)

The demise of traditional publishing (Gourmet Magazine)

Organic

Private branding

Carl's, Jr.'s edgy advertising

McDonald's innovation

DECADE'S TOP RECIPES

Macaroni and cheese

Bread pudding

Risotto

Biscotti

Ceviche

Deep fried turkey

Crème brulee

Bruschetta

Tilapia

Guacamole

TOP RESTAURANT TRENDS OF THE DECADE

Fast casual concept

Tapas and shareables

Gastropub

Molecular Gastronomy

Taco Trucks

Underground dining

Fusion

DIY

Catering

Upscaling of bar food

Logsdon emphasized that all of the lists are compiled as opinion, and are not necessarily based in scientific evidence.

“We did this to create dinner table conversation as much as anything,” she said. “Food is a natural meeting place, regardless of your political, religious or personal preferences-you can always talk about food.”