Almost half (46%) of children point blank refuse to eat their veg, according to a new study of parents.
Researchers who surveyed parents about their children’s eating habits have found that a staggering 75% of mums and dads have concerns about their little ones’ fussy eating. A further 52% claimed their child’s refusal to eat healthy foods is a major issue, according to the study.
According to the report, commissioned by Heinz in conjunction with their ‘Grow Your Own’ campaign, 66% of parents say trying to get their children to eat healthily is a stressful experience.
Overall, 82% of the parents who took part in the study claimed there are some foods that their child simply will not eat – including veg, salad, meat, fish and dairy – however according to data, vegetables are the main cause for concern, with 46% of youngsters refusing to eat them.
Greens such as cabbage (43% of children refuse it), spinach (39%) and broccoli (39%) were among the main vegetables that parents struggle to feed their children.
Mushrooms (39%) and beetroot (35%) were also revealed as foods kids are highly likely to refuse, while 13% said their child would not eat any red meat. Rather shockingly, a further one in ten said their children won’t even eat an apple.
A desperate 38% said the stress of mealtimes with their children has led to rows with their other half – with 59% saying they often feel at the wits end with the problem.
The food company undertook the poll of 2,000 parents to mark the 5th anniversary of their campaign which encourages children to grow their own tomatoes. The research revealed one of the major reasons children are picky with food is because they don’t know where it comes from, with 64% of parents saying their children have never grown any kind of vegetable at home – compared to just 36% who say they have. Interestingly, of the 36% who said they had tried to grow their own food, 32% said it made their children more willing to try new foods.
More than half of those who took part in the study say they are embarrassed when at other people’s houses because their children refuse to eat anything, while 64% admitted they have caved in and given their children something high in sugar, salt or fat – simply to avoid a scene.
The study also revealed 48% of parents say they feel pressure from other parents posting pics of their children eating adventurous foods on social media. A further 60% say they find family mealtimes stressful and a further 47% say they avoid going to restaurants with their children because they know they won’t be able to find anything on the menu their kids will eat.
Top foods children will not eat
- Cabbage 43.2%
- Spinach 39.5%
- Broccoli 39.5%
- Mushrooms 38.9%
- Beetroot 35.0%
- Kale 35.0%
- Leeks 34.0%
- Lettuce 31.6%
- Tomatoes 31.2%
- Onions 30.9%
- Peppers 30.9%
- Lentils 29.7%
- Peas 25.3%
- Carrots 23.4%
- Cucumber 23.2%
- Fish 19.8%
- Beans 19.0%
- Sweetcorn 17.0%
- Eggs 16.6%
- Oranges 14.1%
- Red meat (lamb / beef) 13%
- Potatoes 12.0%
- Bananas 12.9%
- Gravy 10.2%
- Apples 10.4%
- White meat (chicken / pork) 9.8%
Do you have a little fusspot at home? Let us know your experiences in the Facebook comments.
