- Half of parents say green vegetables cause the most resistance, followed by fish and seafood
- Mums are almost twice as likely as dads to face complete refusal when serving fish
- Dads are twice as likely to lack confidence preparing fresh fish safely
Nearly one in three parents say fussy eating is the biggest obstacle to getting their children to eat healthier foods, new research reveals.
A study of 2,000 parents, commissioned by seafood specialist Regal Fish, found that 30 per cent struggle most with their child’s refusal to try new foods.
Green vegetables cause the most arguments or resistance, according to half of parents (50 per cent), followed by fish and seafood at 31 per cent. Root vegetables and fruit both create conflict for 21 per cent of families.
When fish is served, more than a quarter of parents (26 per cent) regularly resort to bargaining or persuasion, while 12 per cent say their children refuse to eat it altogether.
The experience also differs between mums and dads. Almost three in 10 mums (29 per cent) say serving fish requires bargaining, compared with 22 per cent of dads. Mums are also almost twice as likely to face outright refusal (14 per cent versus 8 per cent).
Dads, however, encounter a different challenge, with 20 per cent say they lack confidence in preparing or cooking fresh fish safely, twice the proportion of mums (10 per cent).
“Our research highlights a clear gap between what children need for healthy cognitive and social development and what is actually reaching the dinner table,” said Hani Girgis, E-Commerce Manager at Regal Fish.
“Parents genuinely want to offer balanced meals, but fears around food waste, prep confidence, and fussy eating create real hesitation. However, almost two in five parents (39 per cent) told us that having access to quick, accessible family recipes would encourage them to introduce more seafood into their child’s diet.
“Seafood doesn't need to be complicated or stressful to prepare. By leaning on familiar family dishes and approachable cuts like mild salmon or white fish, parents can easily introduce essential Omega-3s into their children's routines without the mealtime struggle.”
Alarmingly, the research also revealed that 87 per cent of children do not currently meet the NHS recommendation to eat two portions of fish per week – with a limited awareness of different varieties of fish. More than a third of parents (35 per cent) had never heard of or seen Sockeye salmon, while 26 per cent did not know it tastes different from other salmon.
Like other oily fish, Sockeye salmon provides Omega-3 fatty acids and is a source of protein and vitamin D, which support a balanced diet.
Here are Girgis’s five ways to make unfamiliar foods feel less intimidating for kids:
1. Start with a taster portion
Instead of placing a full fillet on the plate, serve a small amount alongside familiar foods. This allows children to explore the flavour and texture without feeling pressured to finish a full portion.
2. Swap fish into a meal they already enjoy
Parents do not need to begin with an entirely new recipe. Flaking mild white fish or adding tinned tuna to macaroni cheese, pasta bakes or homemade tacos introduces a new ingredient through a meal children already recognise.
3. Keep frozen or tinned options on hand
Parents should remember that fresh fish is not the only option, especially if they are in a time crunch. Tinned fish can be added to pasta, sandwiches, or jacket potatoes, while individually frozen portions allow parents to cook only what they need, reducing the risk of waste.
4. Plan a second meal for any leftovers
Parents should try and think about how leftovers could be used before cooking as this may make trying fish feel like less of a financial risk.
For instance, cooked fish can be turned into homemade fishcakes or added to pasta, wraps and lunches the following day.
5. Change the texture before giving up
A child who rejects a soft, flaky fillet may enjoy the same fish with a crunchy coating. Panko breadcrumbs, homemade herb crusts or a light oven-baked batter can make the texture feel more familiar.
Girgis adds, “Building healthy, long-term eating habits is a marathon, not a sprint, so try not to feel discouraged if a dish gets rejected on the first attempt.
“Patience and a relaxed atmosphere at the dinner table are the most effective tools for helping children build confidence with foods.”
The findings are part of Regal Fish’s Food for Thought study, which explores children’s eating habits and the barriers parents face when introducing seafood at home.