Food News: Food Presentation Affects Kids' Eating Habits

Want your kids to eat all the healthy food you put on their plate? Think about how you're arranging it.
By: Victoria Phillips
pancake face

Kids may be picky eaters, but according to a new study from Cornell University, how food is presented to them makes a huge difference in the food they choose to eat.

Children crave a greater visual diversity on the plate, whether it’s varying colors or ingredients shaped into silly faces and designs.

According to the study, “On average, they [kids] preferred seven different items on their plates, and six different colors.”

Parents, however, found three items of different colors more appealing.

Could this trick allow for more nutrient-rich foods in kids’ diets?

Read the rest of the study. And get some fun plating ideas after the jump.

Get inspired:
breakfast pizza
Tell us: What do you do to get your kids to finish the food on their plates?

Next Up

Star in Training

The Next Food Network Star winner Aarti Sequeira takes us through the making of her new show, Aarti Party.

Food Network Stars As Kids

Browse photos of your favorite stars as you've never seen them before.

Every Day Is a New Adventure with Food Network Magazine’s Brand-New Kids Cookbook

It’s filled with 365 days’ worth of kid-friendly recipes!

What Are the Dangers of Eating Expired Food?

What that "sell-by" date really means.

New Data Suggests Intermittent Fasting May Affect Heart Health

Is this the beginning of the end for this trendy diet?

New Year's Foods from Around the World

Here are nine foods people eat all over the world to be lucky in the new year.

5 Food Safety Rules for Eating Outside During the Summer

Warmer months means spending more time outdoors. Here's what to know when you bring your meal outside.

Low-Calorie Foods

Lighten up with simple and satisfying recipes.

10 Food-Themed Kids’ Toys We Wish We’d Had Growing Up

Give the gift of imagination and love for food to the little ones in your life.

Food Network Predicts the Biggest Food Trends of 2024

The latest appliances, ingredients, culinary communities and more.