Why Aren't Children Eating Enough Vegetables in the UK (and What Parents Can Do About It)

emilias918
1 day ago
4 min read

Many children in the UK aren’t eating enough vegetables – and the problem starts early. According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS), fewer than 1 in 5 children aged 5 to 15 meet the “5-a-day” fruit and vegetable recommendation.

Under 5s follow a similar trend, studies finding that 55% of children aged 4 and under have two or fewer portions of fruit & vegetables a day.

Why does this matter?

The first five years of life are a critical time for shaping food preferences and lifelong eating habits.

Nutritionally, vegetables offer vital vitamins, minerals, and fibre that support healthy growth, brain development, immunity, and digestion.

From improving gut health to supporting mood regulation, a vegetable-rich diet gives young children the best possible start.

So let's jump straight into our blog: Why Aren't Enough Children Eating Vegetables in the UK.

Why aren’t young children eating enough vegetables?

There are several reasons vegetable intake may be low in early childhood:

Taste preferences – Babies are born with a natural preference for sweet flavours, and many vegetables have a bitter taste. Repeated exposure is needed before a child accepts new flavours – sometimes 10 times or more!

Texture issues – The fibrous, crunchy or mushy textures of vegetables can put some young children off.

Pressure – Pressuring children to ‘just eat it’ can backfire, creating anxiety and resistance at mealtimes.
Busy routines – For many families, it’s difficult to prepare fresh meals daily. Processed foods are often quicker and more accepted by fussy eaters.

Lack of early exposure – If vegetables aren’t introduced regularly during weaning and toddlerhood, children may be less likely to accept them later on.

What parents and carers can do: Practical ideas for ages 0–5

Boosting vegetable intake doesn’t have to be complicated – and it doesn’t mean hiding every carrot in cake. Here are age-appropriate tips for introducing and encouraging vegetables in a child’s diet.

1. Start early and go slow (Weaning, 6–12 months)

Introduce bitter vegetables like broccoli, spinach and courgette early during the weaning process, before sweeter foods like fruit.
Serve vegetables repeatedly over days and weeks – it’s normal for babies to reject new flavours at first.
Offer a variety of textures (puréed, mashed, soft finger foods) to help your baby explore and enjoy new ways to eat their veg.

2. Make vegetables visible (Ages 1–2)

Offer vegetables at every meal – even if uneaten, regular exposure helps normalise them.
Keep portions small, colourful and fun – like chopped cherry tomatoes or steamed carrot sticks.
Use dips like hummus or natural yoghurt to make vegetables more appealing.

3. Involve them in preparation (Ages 2–4)

Let your little one help wash veg, tear lettuce, or stir ingredients. Even toddlers can be helpful in the kitchen!
Try “build-your-own” meals like wraps or rice bowls where children choose their own toppings – including vegetables.
If you have a green space growing your own fruit and veg (with the help of your little one) can teach your child about how much work goes into growing them, helping them appreciate the process and learn more about nature!

4. Get creative with presentation (Ages 3–5)

Make veggie muffins, frittatas, or rainbow kebabs.
Cut veg into fun shapes or arrange them into smiley faces or animals.

What If Your Little One Refuses to Eat Vegetables?

If your child refuses vegetables, you’re not alone — this is a completely normal part of early development. The key is not to panic, but to focus on long-term healthy habits built through patience, routine, and a calm approach.

Here are some ideas that really help:

Think about portion size – For under 5s, a vegetable portion is just 1–2 tablespoons. What feels like “not enough” to us might be just right for a toddler.

Be a positive role model – Children are always watching. If they regularly see adults eating and enjoying vegetables, they’re more likely to try them too.

Avoid pressure and bribes – Saying ‘You can have dessert if you eat your broccoli’ can turn vegetables into something negative. It’s better to keep mealtimes relaxed and free of negotiation.

Stay calm and consistent – If a vegetable is refused, don’t make it a big deal. Gently offer it again in a few days, perhaps prepared differently or alongside a favourite food.

Praise curiosity, not quantity – If your child touches or even sniffs a new veg, that’s a win. Celebrate small steps rather than focusing on how much is eaten.

Use family mealtimes as learning moments – Eating together encourages social eating habits and offers chances for your child to mirror positive behaviours.

The goal isn’t to get your child to eat a perfect plate of veg today—it’s to build a positive relationship with food over time.

What to Do If You're Concerned

If your child consistently refuses vegetables (or food in general), has a very limited diet, or you're worried about their growth or nutrition, it’s always okay to seek support. Here’s where to start:

Talk to your GP or health visitor – They can assess your child’s growth, provide reassurance, and refer you to a paediatric dietitian if needed.

Connect with your nursery – Chat to your key person or nursery manager, they’ll be able to offer advice and come up with a support plan.

Easy, veg-packed recipe ideas