In the News, Spring 2025: Improving Food Choices for Picky-Eating Teens

A study from the University of Bristol (UK) found that when 13-year-olds who had been picky eaters as preschoolers ate school lunches instead of packed lunches, they consumed a greater variety of foods. For example, those who had been picky youngsters were not as likely as their peers to have fish or meat sandwich fillings or to eat fruit, salad, and other vegetables in packed lunches. However, when eating school lunches, they made similar choices to their contemporaries in terms of meat, fish, and fruit.

The researchers utilized questionnaire data from over 5,300 children in the Children of the 90s study. Data from multiple preschool ages and age 13 were analyzed to track behavior changes over time.

Picky-eating behavior was characterized as “an unwillingness to eat familiar foods [or] try new foods, and/or strong food preferences.” While the behavior peaks at around age three and then tends to decline, some characteristics can persist. Although picky eaters are well-known to consume less vegetables and fruit than others, the study found that almost all the children were not eating enough vegetables, which provide vitamins and minerals needed for healthy development.

Lead researcher Dr. Caroline Taylor, said: “We found that school [lunches] could be a good option to increase variety in the diets of picky teens, but there are plenty of other things parents can do to encourage a healthy diet. Whether that is enjoying family meals together, modeling a balanced diet yourself, or involving them in meal preparation, it all helps.”

SOURCES:

School dinners may encourage picky teenagers to eat better, says new study. University of Bristol, May 15, 2025. bristol.ac.uk/news/2025/may/picky-eaters.html.

Kemp A, Emmett PM, Taylor CM. Do children who were preschool picky eaters eat different foods at school lunch when aged 13 years than their non-picky peers? Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetic. 2025; 38(3). DOI: 10.1111/jhn.70063.