The average five year old has already sampled food from 14 different countries, it was revealed yesterday.
As well as enjoying typically British cuisine such as sausage and mash, cottage pie and a Sunday roast, tots are regularly eating food sourced from India, France, Mexico, and China.
Indeed, one in 10 parents claims to have already given their child sushi or sashimi; meals regularly served up in Japan.
While Italian delicacies such as spaghetti Bolognese, lasagne and pizza have become common place around high chairs and dinner tables across Britain.
Deneice Harwin, spokeswoman for Philips AVENT, which commissioned the study of 2,000 parents, said: “The results of this survey are really encouraging and it can be an exciting time for parents when their children first start eating solids, opening up a whole new feeding experience.
“Allowing children to try different foods from an early age is a great way of both ensuring they are getting a balanced and varied diet but also learn to try new things.
“It’s really positive that parents are embracing foods from other cultures and so therefore are their children.
“Parents are already trying to juggle enough on their plates without having to cook several different meals every day.”
The survey shows 75 per cent of mums and dads think nothing of feeding their children meals which originate from other countries – and 47 per cent like the idea of broadening their tastes at an early age.
A further 27 per cent prefer to feed their children exactly what the rest of the family are having, for ease and convenience.
While 12 per cent just want to ensure their children get a balanced diet.
French delicacies which can regularly be found in British kitchens include quiche Lorraine, onion soup and coq au vin.
Children under five have also sampled a number of Spanish meals including omelette, fried potatoes and chorizo sausages.
Indian dishes which have made their way into British households include chicken korma, chicken tikka masala and samasos.
Many young children would also think nothing of eating Greek foods such as chicken in pitta or halloumi cheese, Chinese meals such as egg fried rice, noodles and stir fry, or green Thai curry or Spring rolls.
Mexican meals regularly served up across the country are fajitas, enchiladas and nachos, while American foods such as hamburgers and macaroni cheese are routinely served up at mealtimes.
Children have also tried food from Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and of course, Britain.
Twenty seven per cent of parents prefer to feed their children exactly what the rest of the family are having, for ease and convenience.
Seven in 10 parents say it is really important to them that their child isn’t classed as a ‘fussy eater’ and if a child doesn’t like what is put in front of them, four in 10 parents keep serving it up until eventually they learn to like it.
A further 44 per cent of adults would wait until their child was older before trying them with the same foods.
Deneice Harwin adds: “One in five parents admit that they find it difficult to find foods that their children like so broadening their tastes can certainly help
“Over half believe they are more adventurous with the food they feed their child than their own parents were which I think reflects how much easier it is now to obtain more diverse ingredients and recipes.”
BRITISH TOTS HAVE TASTED CUISINE FROM:
- Britain
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Greece
- India
- Mexico
- China
- Thailand
- American
- Japan
- Scotland
- Wales
- Ireland
