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Blog 27 October 2025

Why Kids Love Sweetness and How to Make Healthy Foods Fun

Did you know that babies are born with a love for sweetness?
Breast milk is naturally sweet, and in the past, sweet flavors often signaled safety and nourishment, think of ripe fruit or a bit of honey.
Fruit, milk, and some vegetables (like carrots or corn) contain natural sugars. Together with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, these sugars are absorbed more slowly, making them much healthier than added sugars.

The Short Pleasure of Something Sweet

When children eat something sweet, their brains release dopamine. This creates a brief feeling of happiness and a quick burst of energy. But the effect fades quickly, which makes children crave more sweets soon after. That’s how a little cycle begins: “more, please!”

Discovering Flavors Together

It’s important for children to explore new flavors at their own pace, without pressure. This is how you can make healthy eating fun:

  • Use spices: Cinnamon, vanilla, or cardamom add a subtle sweetness to dishes.
  • Roast vegetables: The natural sugars caramelize, making vegetables extra tasty.
  • Combine flavors: Adding fruit to a salad or yogurt creates surprising and delicious combinations.
  • Cook together: Children can wash vegetables, cut with a safe knife, or help set up a yogurt bar. This way, they learn about new flavors through play.
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Repetition is the Key

Children often need to taste a new flavor 10 to 15 times before they get used to it. That’s why it’s helpful to offer fruits and vegetables repeatedly, without any pressure. Small portions work best: it’s better to serve a little twice than one large plate that might feel overwhelming. A sip of a drink can sometimes help make eating easier.

No Rewards, Just Fun

It’s better not to reward children with desserts, because this turns food into a means rather than a goal, can create tension, and makes it harder for children to listen to their own bodies. Instead, focus on eating and tasting together, without any pressure. Encourage curiosity and enjoyment so that children discover new flavors in a playful way. Involving them actively in the kitchen also helps, turning cooking and tasting into a fun and educational adventure.

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Tips for Home

  • Let your child choose a color and go together to the market to find fruits and vegetables in that color. Healthy eating then becomes a fun treasure hunt and a cozy outing.
  • Give your young child a safe child-friendly knife so they can help with cutting or spreading.
  • Let children pick a recipe and cook together. This way, they learn about ingredients and naturally spark conversations about healthy choices.