Dec01
STUDY SHOWS THE POWER OF PLACING POTATOES ON THE PLATES OF SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN
Nutrients published a new study “The Effects of Potato Presentation on Vegetable Intake in School-Aged Children: A Cross Over Study” reporting potatoes on the plates of school aged children promoted greater overall vegetable consumption. Currently, recommended American dietary guidelines recommends children between the age of three and eighteen eat between 2.5 to 3 cups of vegetables daily. Vegetable consumption in this age range is currently one cup per day which is significantly lower than recommendations.
The purpose of the study was to see how the food offered to children aged 7-13 in a school meal affected eating behavior and how to encourage kids to consume a larger portion of vegetables. A cross-over study design was used in the research including sixty-five participants completing five different lunchtime conditions, combinations of MPACs, and potatoes versus a control.
During the study, children were fed potatoes in the shape of smiley faces along with peas and carrots. These children ate more of their total vegetables which suggested that pairing potatoes, a fan favorite vegetable of kids, promoted them to eat more of the vegetables they weren’t as familiar with.
