Getting kids to explore new foods doesn’t have to be stressful. When presenting new dishes, make it fun and engaging. Showcase foods with a topping bar!
Using a topping bar is an amazing way to get kids to taste new foods! This will help create a better relationship between your child and the food he eats, helping stave off picky eating.
Learn more about the science of why kids are picky eaters.
Topping Bars
A topping bar is a table dedicated to the serving of different kinds of foods. It’s a buffet-style assortment of dishes. This is the perfect way to present new sides to your child.
You can have a platter of veggies all ready to be dipped; a bar of different sweet potatoes or a plate filled with healthy dessert options, like watermelon pizza.
There are an infinite number of ways you can create a tasty topping bar that any kid will want to indulge in.
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Why this Works for Picky Eaters
Kids need about 30 or more exposures to even decide to try a new food. Using a topping bar with an assortment of different food recipes increases their exposure to these new foods.
So don’t worry if your child doesn’t try everything, even just seeing the new food is one step closer; your child may try that mushroom or explore that three bean casserole.
Let Kids Serve Themselves
Kids are also more likely to have new foods if they get to serve themselves. So don’t force feed your tots, let them experience the sights, the smells, the tastes of what they want.
Here are some great topping bar ideas for your picky eater and the whole family.
Baked Potato Bar
image credit: perfectingthepairing
Get the instruction here for this Baked Potato Bar
Dinner Salads, Kids, and Dressings
image credit: superhealthykids / Amy Roskelley
Get the instruction here for this Dinner Salads, Kids And Dressings
Kid-Friendly Soup Bar
image credit: therealisticmama / Alyssa
Get the idea here for this Kid Friendly Soup Bar
Apple Taste Test and Graph Activity
image credit: learning.innerchildfun
Get the instruction here for this Apple Taste Test And Graph Activity
Taco Bar Party
image credit: buildingourstory
Get the instruction here for this Taco Bar Party
Watermelon Pizza
image credit: momables / Kendra Peterson
Get the instruction here for this Watermelon Pizza
Toddler Mini Buffet
image credit: babygizmo
Get the idea here for this Toddler Mini Buffet
Check out our video on Nibble Trays and why we highly recommend using nibble trays!
Baked Sweet Potato Bar
image credit: homecookingmemories / brandie
Get the idea here for this Baked Sweet Potato Bar
Kids Fruit And Dip
image credit: nanacake
Get the recipe here for this Kids Fruit And Dip
Cookie Cutter Fruit Salad
image credit: witandwhistle / Amanda
Get the idea here for this Cookie Cutter Fruit Salad
Fruit Fun With Kids
image credit: martysmusings /Marty Walden
Get the instruction here for this Summer Fun With Kids
Mini Pita Pizzas
image credit: thechaosandtheclutter / Sharla
Get the instruction here for this Mini Pita Pizzas
Chicken Enchilada Cauliflower Rice Bowls
image credit: reciperunner / Danae
Get the instruction here for this Chicken Enchilada Cauliflower Rice Bowls
Green Food Taste Testing
image credit: b-inspiredmama / Krissy
Get the instruction here for this Green Food Taste Testing
