Effective tips for getting children to love vegetables

Updated: August 9, 2025 • 7 minute read (FAQ, tips, budget ideas).

Why Kids Don't Always Like Vegetables

If you're wondering how to get kids to like vegetables, rest assured: you're not alone! Many parents struggle with every meal. Between soup being shunned, peas being picked over one by one, or salad being left out, dinnertime can quickly turn into a battle. But why this mistrust? It's primarily a question of taste, texture, and... survival instinct! 🥗 Bitter flavors (cabbage, spinach) can be surprising, while soft or crunchy textures can throw some kids off. And let's face it, when faced with pizza or fries, grated carrots rarely hold their own...

Fortunately, there are real solutions to turn chores into pleasure. You don't need to be a Michelin-starred chef or invest a fortune. The trick: a little creativity, patience, and above all, the desire to share good times around the table. Ready to boost your meals and sow (literally!) the love of vegetables? Let's go!

Serving ideas for fun vegetables

To get kids excited about vegetables, there's nothing like playing with presentation! Colors, shapes, and serving styles make all the difference. Here are some inspiring ideas:

• Rainbow skewers: Cut cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, and peppers and assemble them on skewers. It's pretty, fun, and everyone can pick and choose as they like.
• Plates to compose: Arrange several small bowls of raw, cooked, grated, or stick vegetables. The child chooses their combinations, which encourages autonomy and the desire to taste.
• Fun soups: Mix vegetables with a blender and offer toppings (croutons, grated cheese, toasted seeds) to customize each bowl.
• Dips and sauces: Offer hummus, tzatziki, or cream cheese to dip with raw vegetables. The "aperitif" aspect is very popular.
• Fun shapes: Use cookie cutters to transform carrots or beets into stars, hearts, etc. Guaranteed success!

The secret: let your child handle, assemble, and taste without pressure. The more they feel involved, the more curious they'll be. And don't hesitate to involve them in the preparation: peeling, mixing, stirring... It's just as important as serving at the table!

Bonus: cook together with an air fryer for crispy vegetable fries, or homemade snack-style chips (great for summer!).

Tried and tested tips for making people love vegetables

Here is a collection of practical advice, tested by parents, dieticians and... children themselves! 🥦

Involve the child in the choice and preparation

Go to the market or the produce section with your child. Let them choose a "mystery" vegetable or one that intrigues them. Sometimes, just choosing it is enough to make them want to try it! At home, give them age-appropriate chores: washing, breaking beans, mixing, etc.

Propose without forcing (and accept refusal)

Present vegetables regularly, without blackmail or obligation. Sometimes it takes 10 to 15 tries before accepting a new flavor. Value every little progress, even if it's just licking a spoon! The important thing: maintain a relaxed atmosphere at the table. The child senses when it's a challenge.

Play with textures and flavors

Some children prefer crunchy (carrot, cucumber), others soft (purees, gratins). Offer different cooking methods: steamed, oven-roasted, grilled , or sautéed. Add mild spices (curry, cumin), a drizzle of olive oil, or a little homemade sauce to enhance the flavor.

Make the meal friendly and joyful

Organize a "color challenge" every now and then: everyone has to eat a vegetable of a different color. Play some music, have a picnic in the living room, or make up a story around the dish ("Who will eat the most magic carrots?"). Kids love unusual routines!

Bonus tip: incorporate vegetables “incognito”

There's no question of systematically misleading the child (trust is sacred!) but nothing prevents you from adding a few grated vegetables to a Bolognese sauce, spinach to lasagna, zucchini to a savory cake or a vitamin-packed smoothie (with a blender ). Sometimes, it's by discovering that "it's good" that we take the drama out of certain vegetables!

Eat vegetables without breaking the bank

It's sometimes a misconception that eating well is expensive. However, there are simple tips for incorporating vegetables into your menu without breaking the bank:

• Favor seasonal vegetables : they are cheaper, tastier and often local.
• Stock up at the market in the late morning: some market gardeners lower their prices to clear stocks.
• Buy in bulk or wholesale : carrots, potatoes, onions keep well and are cheaper per kilo.
• Don't neglect plain frozen foods : they help out without losing nutritional value.
• Dare to try anti-waste recipes : soups, stir-fries, leftover pancakes... everything can be transformed.

Finally, cooking yourself, even simply, is always cheaper than prepared meals. A blender or air fryer can quickly pay for itself if you want to vary your pleasures!

Frequently Asked Questions

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