Children like more colour and variety in meals than adults

A US and British study has shown that adults and children have different preferences in the way food should be presented on plates and this can have implications in getting children to try new foods and to eat healthier. While children preferred at least 7 different food items on their plate with at least 6 different colours, adults preferred only 3 items and 3 colours.

Twenty three children aged 5 to 12 years and 46 students aged 26 years and over, were shown photos of food  plates which varied according to the number of food items, food colours and position of the main food component on the plate.  Children and adults were asked what plates they preferred out of the various combinations shown.

The results showed:-

• children preferred more food items and colours on their plates than adults
• children and adults both preferred plates not to be too crowded but to have some space between individual foods
• children preferred that the main component of the meal be placed on the lower right hand section of the round plate and the left side of an oval plate. Adults preferred the main component to be placed in the centre right section of the round plate and the central part of the oval plate.

Getting children, whatever their age, to try new foods and to eat more healthy foods such as vegetables can be challenging for parents. This study, while it does not test whether the child whould have actually eaten the meals  selected, does highlight to parents that children are not little adults. It provides another possible strategy whereby parents can encourage  healthy eating and acceptance of new foods. As such, food presentation on plates at meals times may need to be adjusted so that it is child age appropriate.

Reference:

Zampollo F, Kniffin K et al. Food plating preferences of children:the importance of presentation on desire for diversity. Acta Paediatria 2012;101:61-66