Oh, the age old arguments that occur at the dinner table. Mums urge their child to at least try a bite of what she prepared for dinner, and child refuses. While some kids will try anything, others are picky eaters no matter what tactics parents employ. A recent study offers another option for parents to employ- the use of color.
Researchers from Cornell University found that parents of picky eaters can encourage their child to try a greater variety of foods by 
introducing more colors to their meals. Colorful foods are more appealing to kids than adults, the study found. Particularly appealing to kids were plates with 7 different items and 6 different colors, while adults preferred only 3 items and 3 colors.
Study authors note that what kids find visually appealing differs greatly from what their parents find appetizing. While the predominant amount of research about children’s food preferences focuses on smell, taste, and chemical properties, the study found the people are influenced by visual appearance, size, and shape of the food presented.
A group of 23 preteen children and 46 adults were presented with full size photos of 48 different combinations of food on plates with varying number of items, organization, and placement of entrée. The children, when compared with adults, preferred plates with more elements and colors, as well as having the entrée placed in the front of the plates with figurative designs.
While the study was very small and may require additional research, it may provide a useful tool for parents of picky eaters. Adding the use of color to a child’s plate means you can ultimately offer more variety of fruits and vegetables along with a serving of an entrée. Getting a picky eater to even take a bite of a new food can be arduous so if by providing more food options results in a broader palate, it is worth a shot!
Tags: feeding picky eaters, picky eaters
