Are Kids Well Aware Of What Is Healthy?

Foodservice consultancy Technomic has found that children ages 6-12 are “health savvy” when it comes to diet. Nearly nine out of ten children consider fresh vegetables and fresh whole fruits to be healthy.

Other foods considered healthy by children included in this study are salad (78%), steamed vegetables (76%), and eggs (72%). More than half also consider fish, cheese, chicken, and peanut butter to be healthy as well.

In addition, Technomic found:

• Salads appeal primarily to children at the upper age range and are among the leading entrees on children menus.
• Kids ages 10-12 have different meal preferences than younger children. Older children are more likely to choose steak, seafood, and salads, while younger children prefer chicken fingers, pizza, and french fries.
• There are a growing number of healthy side options, particularly among beverages and organic and natural menu items.
• Fast-casual and family-style restaurants are perceived to be less kid-friendly than quick-service restaurants. Of the quick-service group, Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s rated excellent for kid-friendly attributes.
• Mothers consider the key factors in restaurant brand decisions to be food quality, restaurant cleanliness, value, and consistently good service.