Study Suggests School Lunches May Help Picky Eaters Improve Their Diets

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol indicates that school lunches might play a significant role in encouraging picky teenagers to diversify their food choices. The findings, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, suggest that opting for school meals instead of packed lunches could lead to healthier eating habits among adolescents.

The research examined the eating behaviors of children who were identified as picky eaters during their preschool years. It was found that when these children had the opportunity to select their own meals from school lunch offerings, they were more likely to try a broader range of foods compared to when they brought lunch from home. This study marks a significant advancement in understanding how lunchtime food choices influence picky eaters in a social environment, separate from familial influences.

According to the study, picky eaters were less inclined to choose traditional sandwich fillings like meat or fish and were more likely to select options such as marmite, peanut butter, or cheese spread in their packed lunches. In contrast, when consuming school dinners, these children did not shy away from trying meat, fish, or fruits, leading to a more varied diet that closely matched that of their non-picky peers.

The research team analyzed data from over 5,300 children participating in the longitudinal Children of the 90s study. They reviewed multiple datasets collected at various preschool ages and again at age 13, to track changes in picky eating behaviors over time.

Of the participants, approximately half regularly consumed packed lunches, while more than a quarter opted for school dinners most days. Notably, around one-quarter of the children admitted to skipping lunch occasionally. The frequency of school dinners versus packed lunches showed no significant difference between picky and non-picky eaters.

While picky eating typically peaks around the age of three, this study revealed that some children who displayed selective eating behaviors as toddlers continued to exhibit similar patterns by age 13. However, the findings indicate that school lunches could provide an avenue for these children to experiment with new foods and improve overall health.

It is widely recognized that picky eaters tend to consume fewer fruits and vegetables compared to their peers. The study further noted that nearly all children involved were not meeting the recommended intake of vegetables, which are essential for providing the necessary fiber, vitamins, and minerals crucial for healthy growth and development, as well as for preventing long-term health issues.

Lead researcher Dr. Caroline Taylor, an Associate Professor in Nutrition at the University of Bristol, emphasized the individuality of children's dietary needs. She noted that while school dinners could enhance dietary variety for picky teenagers, various strategies exist for parents to promote healthy eating habits. These encompass enjoying family meals together, modeling a balanced diet, and involving children in meal preparation.

Dr. Taylor and her team are now looking to analyze data from the Children of the 90s study to investigate how picky eating patterns may continue into adulthood and their potential impacts on health.

This research was conducted at the Center for Academic Child Health, part of Bristol Medical School, which has been tracking the lives of over 14,500 individuals since the study began in the early 1990s.