Kids are more adventurous with their food on holiday – and might even try snails

Children are more adventurous with food on vacation and don’t think twice about trying bao buns, empanadas and even snails abroad.

A survey of 600 parents and their children aged six to 11 found that 72 per cent see their little ones as picky eaters in general, but their children are open to trying new dishes abroad.

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At home, parents are used to quarreling at the dining table, trying to broaden their children’s horizons.

As a result, they’ve adopted strategies such as turning dishes into smiley faces (22 percent), “surreptitiously” mixing vegetables into meals (34 percent), and letting their kids help with the cooking (35 percent) — all to keep their kids happy Health to strengthen interest in cooking.

However, they are unlikely to need to resort to such methods when traveling abroad, as 68 percent of the children surveyed enjoy trying new, exciting cuisines.

And 43 percent of parents said their top priority when booking a vacation is finding a resort that offers a diverse range of dining options.

The study was commissioned by TUI BLUE, which created “Adventurous Appetites” – an initiative designed to inspire children to try new foods and create their own dishes.

It turned out that spring rolls are the most common foods kids have tried while they’re away, followed by paella, avocado, Greek salad and tacos.

Louise Bates, Managing Director of TUI BLUE, said: “Food is a great way to learn about new cultures – and it’s fantastic that many children on holiday in another country are open to trying new tastes.”

“Our mission with Adventurous Appetites is to show how the freedom of vacation can encourage bolder culinary choices.

“The initiative features a combination of fun family challenges and sensory food activities with lots of unusual meal combinations, and we also have some practical hints and tips on our site apartment.

“Holidays are a really liberating time, when you leave everyday life behind. So it’s the perfect opportunity to change our eating habits and habits.”

The study found that while many children are eager to try new foods, there are those who need a little encouragement.

About four in ten (37 percent) kids said they just want to eat their favorite foods while they’re away.

And of those teens who like to stick with what they know, 48 percent said they’re put off when the food “looks weird.”

Accordingly, 24 percent of parents said their children had refused to eat meals after eating out.

This could explain why 27 percent have been desperate to get hold of their children’s favorite meals while on vacation.

So it’s no wonder that 28 percent of parents filled their suitcases with their children’s favorite snacks when they traveled.

The study, conducted by OnePoll, also found that 21 percent of children believe that cooking with their parents could help them taste and experience new foods.

And 17 percent would be willing to try something new — if their parents donned a fun costume while serving.

For kids, too, mushrooms and Brussels sprouts top their list of their most hated foods, closely followed by broccoli and avocado — but they’re most likely to eat carrots, potatoes, and sweetcorn.

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