School dinners may push picky teenagers to eat better, reveals new study

School lunches may help reduce picky eating in teens, according to a new University of Bristol-led study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Researchers found that 13-year-olds who were fussy eaters as preschoolers were more likely to eat a wider range of foods when they had school dinners compared to packed lunches.

Using data from over 5,300 participants in the "Children of the 90s" study, the research showed picky eaters with packed lunches tended to avoid meat, fish, fruit, and salad. However, those who ate school meals chose more varied options and behaved more like their non-picky peers.

While fussy eating often peaks around age three, the study revealed that some habits persist into adolescence. School meals may encourage better dietary variety, especially important since most children aren't eating enough vegetables, vital for healthy growth. Lead author emphasized the value of promoting balanced diets through school meals and positive habits at home.

18-05-2025