Did you know that less than 20% of children are getting their 5-a-day? But we're here to tell you it can be easier than you think (and you're probably doing a better job than you realise!).
If you’re currently battling vegetable refusal at mealtimes, we know firsthand just how worrying (and frustrating!) it can be. The good news? Fussy eating is incredibly common in toddlers - and small, pressure-free changes can make a big difference over time.
Read on as Lucy Upton, our resident Children’s Dietitian, shares six simple, realistic tips to help encourage your toddler to try more vegetables - and the last one might surprise you!
Six Tips to Help Encourage Your Toddler to Eat More Vegetables
1️⃣ Let children serve themselves veg at mealtimes - being in control of what and how much comes to their plate can support any further interactions with this food group.
2️⃣ Offer them in different ways - for example, try carrots as coins, batons, mashed or grated!
3️⃣ Model eating them yourself - it's age-old advice, but it's important. Children need to see adults and other children eating vegetables to support their intake.
Why do toddlers refuse vegetables?
If your toddler suddenly seems to hate every green food on their plate, you’re definitely not alone. One thing that's important to remember is that fussy eating is so common, it's been reported to occur in as many as 60% of children. So, it's almost inevitable that there will be a time when your little one will go through a phase of fussiness!
Toddlers are naturally cautious around unfamiliar foods, and vegetables can often taste more bitter than sweeter foods like fruit or carbohydrates. Appetite changes, independence and sensory preferences can all play a role, too. The important thing to remember? This phase is incredibly common - and it does not mean you’ve failed.
Which Pots for Tots meals would you recommend for fussy toddlers?
If your toddler is going through a veggie-refusing phase, you may find that our My First Meals range ideal. For some toddlers, visible vegetables or mixed textures can feel overwhelming - so we've made the sauces in this range smoother with no large chunks of vegetables, which can be a really helpful stepping stone while they continue building confidence around food.
We also recommend our Mac & Cheese - as we’ve blitzed four vegetables (butternut squash, carrot, courgette and onion) into our smooth, cheesy sauce, helping your tot enjoy 2 of their 5-a-day with minimal effort.
A gentle reminder...
If your little one isn’t eating many vegetables right now, try not to panic. Nutrition is built over time, not in a single meal or even a single week. Small wins count, and repeated exposure really works.
Looking for more support with fussy eating and mealtimes? Explore our tips for encouraging independence at mealtimes, plus Lucy answers your burning foodie questions!
