Most Brit parents think it’s for kids to pick their own food, survey says

A HILARIOUS video reveals the uncensored thoughts of kids on different foods, in the style of celebrity TV judges – with a surprise appearance from Ashley Banjo.

A number of food items – from pomegranate seeds to Brussels sprouts – were given the TV judging panel treatment, with impersonators including mini-Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzingers.

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And their reactions didn’t disappoint, as their faces did their talking as much as their words.

However, their judgements were gate-crashed, as the real deal and Dancing on Ice judge, Banjo, stepped in to put a yoghurt drink to the taste test.

It comes after research of 700 parents of children aged three to nine, commissioned by Petits Filous to launch its Vitamin Rich range, found two thirds of children are more decisive and adventurous than ever when it comes to their food choices.

And 74 per cent are happy to try new foods unquestioned with little or no apprehension.

While four in 10 said their children are offered far more exotic foods than they ever were in the past, with 63 per cent letting their children make the decisions when it comes to what they eat for dinner.

Ashley Banjo said: “Children have so many more vibrant food options than we ever did as kids, and I think that’s reflected in these results.

“Now it’s easier than ever to ensure your kid gets what they need – my kids certainly know their own mind but it’s important to me that they’re still encouraged to try new things.”

Of the children who are curious eaters, 59 per cent will choose fruit and vegetables as part of their mealtime or snack.

Brussels sprouts, olives and mussels were named as foods which kids have happily consumed without kicking up a fuss, according to their parents.

Mums and dads put their child’s adventurous nature with food down to there being more options in the supermarkets nowadays, as well as foods from around the globe being more easily available and a different parental approach to a youngster’s diet.

It also emerged three quarters of parents believe it’s important to let their young make their own decisions when it comes to the food they consume.

Helping them understand that they can make their own choices, building their confidence and enabling them to have some controls were the top reasons for this.

But while the research has revealed children are typically good with their fresh fruit and vegetables, 34 per cent still encounter fuss, with 37 per cent of parents blending veggies into dinners.

Despite such hiccups, 36 per cent are confident their child gets enough goodness from what they consume.

Nicole Gommans, from Petits Filous, said: “It’s amazing to see how children have become more adventurous with their food choices, which is why we created Vitamin Rich, the only kids drinking yoghurt containing fruit and vegetables.

“It’s had the seal of approval from our Tiny Judges and will be a hit with little rascals across the UK.”