8 Fun Ways To Serve New Food To Picky Eaters

Picky Eaters Westend61, Getty Images Because you’ll cut anything into a pumpkin shape if it means your kid will eat it. by Samantha Darby June 17, 2021

PeopleImages/E+/Getty Images Picky eaters are... particular . But lots of experts swear by presenting new foods in a fun way for kids so that they’re more encouraged to try them. Cut them into fun shapes, add a dip, or let them choose their own toppings — try something new to get them to at least touch a green bean.

Arranging snacks in a fun pattern or shape, like a rainbow, can entice your child to both “eat their colors,” and try something new. Stefania Pelfini, La Waziya Photography/Moment/Getty Images

What is it about eating things off a skewer that just feels more fun? Try this idea with fruit, veggies, protein, or even breakfast items. Tip: make sure there’s at least one “safe” food for your kid on there that they’ll eat no matter what.

Try cutting toast or another favorite bread or “base” into a fun shape and encourage your child to try out new toppings by building a car. They might be more likely to try tomatoes when they can zoom around the table. Shutterstock

Elena Yeryomenko / 500px/500Px Plus/Getty Images Dip it! Give your kid a whole bunch of different dips, and then something you want them to try, like veggie strips or a protein or whatever. If they can dip it themselves and try out new flavors, they may find a combo they like. (And they’ll feel in control.)

Look, at some point you just have to give in to their whims. But try a super fun shape of their favorite chicken nugget, and then pair it with veggies or items they’re sort of “meh” about. Let them “play” with their food. Shutterstock

Shutterstock Stick it on a toothpick ! Seriously, your kids might be willing to try new things if you hand them a toothpick to use . (Just make sure they’re big enough to use them safely.)

Gosh, I love a theme. These are Halloween-themed treats, and who knows, maybe celery with creepy monster eyes will make your kids actually want to give it a try. Shutterstock

Shutterstock Tiny containers or silicone baking cups can make a little tiny kid smorgasbord and turn into a fun snack. Feeding Littles suggested that kids might even use the containers to pour or move their snacks around and, hopefully, try them. Shutterstock

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