Kids Won’t Eat Broccoli? Study Suggests Dip Can Soothe Bitter-Sensitivity

Post by Jodie Shield in Expert Advice , Parent Wisdom | December, 20

I’ve never met a parent who’s not familiar with the struggle to get their kids to eat better. And as a mother of three and a Registered Dietician, I know firsthand the challenge parents face to help kids make balanced food decisions, especially when it comes to fruit and vegetables.

A recent study has uncovered a reason why kids might not eat their veggies and may provide parents some peace of mind while also bringing peace to the dinner table.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, found that 70 percent of kids tested were bitter sensitive, meaning bitter foods, such as broccoli and cauliflower, have a very unpleasant taste to them. This validates previous research that your kids may not just be being picky eaters or choosing dinner time to have a power struggle with you. Thanks to a gene and young palates, the vegetables really don’t taste good to them.

The good news is that this study did provide some hope: Bitter sensitive kids who were offered a dip – in this case Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing – ate 80 percent more vegetables than kids who weren’t. The findings held true regardless of the fat content of the dip, with kids consuming as many vegetables with low-fat ranch dressing as they did with a full fat version (good news for parents concerned about offering kids too much fat).

It’s helpful – and a relief – for parents to know that there is a reason why their kids might not eat vegetables. With a little time, patience and ranch dressing, you can help your kids get the nutrients they need to grow and develop into veggie lovers!

For recipes and fun facts about vegetables, check out www.loveyourveggies.com.