Turning Eating into an Experience

“I’m not eating that.” – “Nothing green!” “That looks weird!” Sound familiar? Many children are extremely picky when it comes to food. This can push parents to the brink of despair. “But don’t panic,” says pastry chef, cook and food designer Harry Albel. He and his son Moritz are here to show how to turn meals into a little adventure. “I was a picky kid myself and I know that pressure doesn’t help,” says Harry. “But there are tricks to spark kids’ curiosity.”

Why are children so selective when it comes to food? This has biological and developmental reasons:

Neophobia, the fear of new things – From an evolutionary point of view, children are naturally suspicious of unfamiliar foods – especially bitter or strange-tasting ones. The protective mechanism against “poisonous plants” from the Stone Age is still within us!

Sensory sensitivity – Some children react strongly to textures, smells or colors. Mushy, slimy or grainy? Often, it’s not the taste but the texture that puts them off.

Autonomy and control – Eating is one of the few things children can control themselves. A “no” is often not about hunger, but about wanting to decide for themselves.

Taste development as a process – Some children need 10–15 tries before they accept a new food. Instead of pressure, what helps is: repetition and patience.

Tricks for picky eaters – Involve them in the process: Let them help with cooking and choose their own ingredients. Make food fun: Use playful shapes, bright colors, and dips for dunking. Offer new foods repeatedly, even if they’re rejected at first. Put a twist on familiar favorites – like pasta with a new topping!