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Period: 1100 to
Native Americans
Locally living tribes gathered berries and grew crops such as corn and maize. Corn continues to be a base for many popular foods like cereals eaten by college students today. -
1493
Arrival Of Sugar
Columbus brought sugarcane to the new world. College students relay on sugar in products they consume for energy and snacks. -
Coffee
Dorothy Jones of Boston was the first licensed coffee trader in America. Coffee is the fuel that keeps many students moving and getting out of bed in the morning. -
Early Makings of Carbonated Drinks
Joseph Priestley invents carbonated water. Sodas and shelters are commonplace in college students' diets and are served in the campus dining halls. -
Threshing Machine Inproves
Andrew Meikle invents the threshing machine, which in modern-day is replaced by better machinery and methods this made the gathering of grains easier. Though it may at first seem unrelated, advancements in grain growing and gathering give many foods eaten by college students a wider appeal at a lower price. -
Preserving Jar Invented
Francois Appert invents the preserving jar for food. Nonperishable canned foods also find their way into many college students' diets and are unique because they do not require refrigeration. -
First Soft Drink
The first soft drink was invented. Sodas and shelters are commonplace in college students' diets and are served in the campus dining halls. -
Othello Pollard
Othello Pollard of Cambridge MA noted in an 1802 advertisement, “Harvard flourishes and Othello lives.” The restaurant had a heavy showing from nearby colleges and their students. Other restaurants in "college towns" often try and seek a similar appeal for students. -
Soda Fountains
Samuel Fahnestock patents a "soda fountain". Sodas and shelters are commonplace in college students' diets and are served in the campus dining halls. -
Dishwasher Patented
Joel Houghton was granted the first dishwasher patent. Though not in most resident halls here at UNH, dishwashers of many varieties help college students complete the sometimes mundane task of doing the dishes. -
Food In A Can
J. Osterhoudt patents the tin can with a key opener. Whether is cat food or tuna, cans like this are used by many almost every day. -
Paper Drinking Straws
Marvin Stone patents the spiral winding process to manufacture the first paper drinking straws. Though plastic straws are still used in many places on campuses, paper drinking straws are the favorite for many due to their biodegradable properties when taking in mind the environment. -
PB&J
The first ever recipe combining peanut butter and jelly came about. A popular sandwich for picnicking and for a quick and easy snack or meal to have between classes. -
Hershey Bars
Released the company’s first Hershey milk chocolate bar. The famous Kisses came along a little later, in 1907. As a popular filling for smores and special treats, everybody knows Hershey. -
Popcorn Popularized
The Pan-American Exposition had popcorn carts and it is believed popcorn gained its mass appeal as a result of the event. Popcorn is a popular and simple snack amongst college students today. -
Oreos Released
This popular sandwich cookie was introduced by Nabisco. Just like Hershey, everyone knows about Oreos, they are another popular snack. -
Wrigley’s Doublemint Gum
Wrigley’s Doublemint gum is released with a powerful mint flavor. Gum is chewed all over campuses, just look under some of the desks... -
Bubble Gum
Bubble gum was invented by Walter E. Diemer and it remains a popular option for students. -
Frozen Food
The frozen food process is patented by Clarence Birdseye. Sold on and off campus frozen foods are another cornerstone of college cuisine. -
Microwave Oven
The microwave oven was invented by Percy Spencer. Rented or brought, there is a microwave in most college rooms. -
Tupperware Invented
The popular leftover container is invented and introduced to the world. I popular vessel for college items and leftovers. -
The Golden Arches
Ray Kroc started Mcdonald's. Though it will not be a chain restaurant until the next year, Mcdonald's and fast-food restaurants like it are very popular among students looking for fast food at low prices. -
Something For Your Coffee
The nondairy creamer was invented. A new flavoring for your morning coffee, even if you cannot drink dairy. -
Food Processor Invented
The food processor is invented, and nowadays it is an appliance seen in many resident halls at countless colleges. -
Capri-Sun In The US
Popular drink Capri-Sun and many of its flavors come to the US as part of market expansion. Ask just about any student what they had for class parties in elementary school and what they buy in bulk from the super market and it might just be Capri-Sun. -
Bagel Bites
The popular snack launches into becoming a household name and popular item in college freezers. -
Impossible Burger
In a partnership with Burger King, Impossible Burgers are released widely. Impossible burgers are enjoyed by students who are in search of vegan options. -
A Different Kind Of Delivery
It was January 2019 when George Mason University became the first college campus in the United States to offer autonomous food delivery through Starship Technologies. Though UNH does not see traffic from these robotic friends, I feel like it could be an interesting thing to pass on the way to class.