New findings from TUI BLUE reveal a generation of choosy children when it comes to food, as almost three quarters of parents (72%) say their kids are fussy eaters. And as well as beachwear, travel games and sun cream, food is high on the holiday planning list with a third of parents (27%) worrying about accessing little one’s favourite eats when on holiday, and 28% admitting to filling the suitcase with snacks from home.
However, the study shows that family holidays can actually inspire kids to shake up their usual food choices. Over two thirds of the children polled (68%) enjoy trying new cuisines when given the chance, with spring rolls, paella and avocado being the most common foods kids have tried for the first time whilst on holiday, and one in five have even braved snails.
And despite parents calling their children fussy eaters, kids appear to be more adventurous than they are given credit for. When asked, 90% revealed the weird and wonderful food combinations they'd try if given the chance. Top choices for 6–11-year-olds include noodles and melted cheese, chips drizzled with chocolate, pizza topped with cornflakes and hotdogs sprinkled with popcorn. And although broccoli is number 3 on the least liked vegetable list, pairing It with ice cream would apparently make it more palatable, whilst ditching ketchup for peanut butter on a burger was also given the thumbs up.
