British kids are getting braver from a younger age when it comes to hot food. A new survey has found that 57 per cent of children are partial to a curry whilst two thirds even enjoy the spicy dish from below the age of three.
Parenting on Female First
Research conducted by family cheese brand MU, in conjunction with Mumsnet, has discovered that children have developed a taste for stronger and hotter foods, dispelling the myth that they prefer all things mild.
The Midlands and North East are the biggest curry lovers, with 61 per cent of children enjoying the spicy dish. Children in London and the South East have milder tastes with just 52 per cent liking curry.
Over half (56 per cent) of children also love the taste of onions, a staple ingredient in curries and other popular family dishes. WhilST 62 per cent of children in the South West are more partial to the taste of onion, it is less popular in London at only 51 per cent.
Scottish kids are the most adventurous with three quarters eating curry from under the age of three. The South East are the least daring with only 60 per cent trying curry from under three-years-old and a quarter trying it between the ages of three and five. In the South East, four per cent of kids didn't try curry until they were at least 10 years old.
Beverley Glock, Children’s food expert and chef, said: “By encouraging children to try new flavours and spices from an early age, they will get used to eating the same food as adults. Parents can begin feeding their kids mild curries then increase the heat as they get older and begin to enjoy the flavours.
More that a quarter (27 per cent) of mums surveyed admitted cooking separate meals for their children, suggesting children are more open to different flavours and tastes.
Beverley added: “Children's tastes change as they grow and the trick is to introduce new foods and new levels of spice constantly and not get stuck in a rut giving children the same foods.
"If you give young children bland food, that's what they will always expect, and as they get older they may be reluctant to try new flavours. If they dislike it the first time, parents should just show their children how much they’re enjoying it themselves. Children pick up their love of food from their parents, so if they show they like something, their children are likely to enjoy it too.”
About MU
Funky cheese brand MU has gone to great care to create the perfect cheese, suitable for the whole family. With blocks available in Mild, Medium, Mature and Mature Lighter, there is something to meet everyone’s taste at mealtimes.
MU has also come up with the perfect family snack – MU Sticks. Made from 100% cheddar, MU Sticks are the perfect strength for parents and kids alike.
In a recent taste test carried out by 100 Mumsnetters, MU Sticks proved popular with the strength described as “just right”, “perfect, very nice flavour” and “ideal for lunchboxes”.
MU has also brought out MU Patz – round cheese slices made from 100% cheddar, ideal for kids to decorate pizzas with or for placing over hot pasta, jackets potatoes or in sandwiches.