Environmental and social influences on young children's food preferences

Three studies examined children's responses to novel foods. In Study 1, initially novel foods were served during a typical preschool snack period. Two dried fruits were used, with one fruit packaged in a plain box and the other in a fancy box with a prize. Each box was distributed five times, for ten sessions total. Measurements included: Likert ratings, forced choice preferences, and consumption data. Children gave slightly higher Likert taste ratings for fancy packaged fruit. Children slightly preferred plain packaged fruit over fancy packaged fruit. More of each dried fruit was consumed in the first two sessions and consumption declined over time. Studies 2 and 3 examined how young children used others' reactions to novel food to guide their own behavior. Each study used video clips showing separate scenes of a mother and peer model noticing a novel food and then reacting. In Study 2, preschool children watched the models notice the novel food, taste it and then comment that it tasted good or bad. A familiar food was present but never tasted. Results showed that children accurately remembered the models' comments, but novel food taste ratings were not affected. Children always preferred a familiar food over a novel food. In Study 3, more model reactions were added. Models either tasted or refused to taste the novel food. If the food was tasted, the model said either it was good or bad. The models reacted either with the same response or differently. No familiar food was present. Results showed that children were more influenced when models gave the same reaction. Children significantly refused to eat the food only when both models refused to eat the food. Children gave slightly higher taste ratings if one model liked the food and highest ratings when both models liked the food. In a forced choice test, the children's responses were influenced by the models' message. Children's most favorite food was the food for which both models gave a positive reaction and their least favorite food was the food for which both models refused to eat. These studies show that children's responses to novel food are multiply determined.