ITHACA, N.Y.—Parents of picky eaters may be able to get their children to eat more nutritionally diverse diets by introducing more colors to their meal plates, according to a new study published in the journal Acta Paediatrica.
Researchers at Cornell University study conducted a study to determine what foods are visually appealing to children and adults. They found food plates with seven different items and six different colors are particularly appealing to children, while adults tend to prefer fewer colors only three items and three colors.
For the study, researchers presented 23 preteen children and 46 adults with full-size photos of 48 different combinations of food on plates that varied by number of items, placement of entrée and organization of the food. They found compared to adults, children not only prefer plates with more elements and colors, but also their entrees placed in the front of the plate and with figurative designs.
“While much of the research concerning food preferences among children and adults focuses on ‘taste, smell and chemical’ aspects, we will build on findings that demonstrate that people appear to be significantly influenced by the shape, size and visual appearance of food that is presented to them," the researchers said.
