In previous work we have shown that odors presented with taste stimuli can modify neural responses to taste in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of the rat. These results suggest that neurons in the NTS might respond optimally to stimuli that combine multiple chemosensory modalities, i.e. food. In this study, we describe the response of NTS neurons recorded as a rat approaches and consumes various foods. These “solid food responses” are also compared to neural responses in a freely licking paradigm. Though the minority of neurons were not taste responsive in the lick paradigm, the majority were responsive to solid food. Within the solid food paradigm, some neurons increased their firing rate as subjects approached food. Lastly, even though stimuli were more complex, neurons were able to discriminate between solid food stimuli.