Forget bedtime or homework, many parents will face no greater opposition from their children than when they serve up vegetables at the dinner table.
The battle to bulk up a plate of chicken nuggets or spaghetti with some broccoli, carrots or peas is one that has spanned generations of family households.
But after years of struggle, a new survey suggests that youngsters are finally taking more of a liking to veg – even displaying a palette for so-called “superfoods” such as celeriac and kale.
And researchers say there is more chance of getting children to try vegetables that are brightly coloured.
Almost a quarter (24%) of British children aged between four and nine are said to have eaten kale, with 22% having tried out aubergine, 16% sampling celeriac and 10% giving artichoke a go.
Advertisement
In news that will no doubt stun mums and dads up and down the country, 32% of parents say their children will try any vegetable they put in front of them.
That compares to 29% who say they struggle to get their kids to eat any veg whatsoever.
Carrots, peas, sweetcorn and broccoli are ranked as some of the most popular options, with peppers, cauliflower and green beans also faring well in the survey.
The survey of 1,000 children and parents was carried out for frozen food firm Birds Eye, with help from clinical psychologist Dr Elizabeth Kilbey.
She said: “Healthy eating has become a huge part of popular culture. Children learn through observation and are heavily influenced by what they see adults around them doing.”
But there are still those who still face opposition in their quest to ensure their children get their five-a-day.
The research found that 24% had to use bribes like extra TV time to get their kids to eat veg, while 12% offered extra pocket money as a reward.
