10 Delicious Fussy Eater Recipes That Kids Will Actually Love

Dealing with a fussy eater? You’re not alone! The good news is we have plenty of fussy eater recipes to help make mealtime less of a mission.

We know how discouraging it can be when little ones develop food aversions or begin putting more food on the floor than in their bellies. These challenging periods are often a phase and can be easier to navigate with a few failsafe up your sleeve.

Below, you’ll find a range of healthy meals for picky eaters to help ensure balanced nutrition while encouraging your little one to love a variety of foods. 

Simple Meals for Extremely Picky Eaters

The key to pleasing a top-tier picky eater? Keep it simple. In fact, some of the best fussy eater recipes have minimal (yet highly nutritious) ingredients and are easy to whip up in 30 minutes or less. Hidden Veggie Mac and Cheese is a healthy alternative to the much-loved pasta dish, with cauliflower and carrots for an added veggie boost. Mini Chicken Pot Pies are rich in iron thanks to chicken mince and spinach, all made in a muffin tin to save you time and washing up. Making your own burger patties and pizzas are great dinner ideas for picky eaters, too.

Healthy Food Ideas for Picky Eater Toddlers

If your toddler is a fussy eater, how you portion and present food can make a big difference. Take the pressure off and start small — bigger portions can be overwhelming and more likely to be met with a flat-out ‘no’. Cheese and Veggie Muffins can be served whole for toddlers who like to grab and go or broken into bite-sized pieces. The same goes for Banana Oat Pancakes. Start by serving one, and if you have success, you can always offer more or try topping them with fruit or yoghurt. Another great thing about these single-serve fussy eater recipes is you can freeze the leftovers.

How to Make Food Fun for Fussy Eaters

It’s true that toddlers eat with their eyes, so why not get creative? There are plenty of ways to make healthy meals for picky eaters more fun with the help of colour and cutting techniques. Rainbow Fruit Skewers are a bright way to boost their five-a-day and take only minutes to put together. Caterpillar Grapes are another goodie. Use cookie cutters to make animated snacks like Dino Dippers, or make a lunchtime splash with animal-shaped sandwiches like this Sleepy Koala or Crunchy Lion. Involving your fussy eater in the decision-making (like which shape they choose or which plate they eat on) can get them eating more, too.

Breakfast Recipes to Start the Day Right

Breakfast is often a missed opportunity to tick off some essential nutrients. But the morning meal can be made delicious and nutritious for fussy eaters — even if you’re in a rush! Fruity Overnight Oats can be prepared in advance and provide the perfect opportunity to sneak in nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds and psyllium husks. The same goes for smoothies, with ingredients you can portion out and freeze ahead of time. Or if you’re looking for a fun way to serve eggs, the Bull’s Eye Egg and Dippy Egg and Soldiers are two favourite fussy eater recipes that can be whipped up in minutes.

Lunch and Dinner Ideas to Please Picky Eaters

When thinking of lunch and dinner ideas for fussy eaters, aim to offer a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy and protein to support balanced nutrition. Easier said than done, we know, but recipes like these Hidden Veg Quesadillas and Chicken Fried Rice make light work of it. DIY lunches and dinners can also be a hit, especially if the whole family gets involved with Build-Your-Own Beef Tacos.

Quick and Healthy Snacks for Fussy Eaters

When it comes to toddlers, you can’t forget snacks! Some of the healthiest options are also the easiest, like Fruit Kebabs With Yoghurt Dip or Watermelon Fries. If your fussy eater is nuts for bikkies, try these homemade Cheese & Chia Seed Crackers. You can also pack a lot of nutrients into Homemade Muesli Bars.

Recommended Snack Products for Fussy Eaters

Getting out and about is always easier with some trusty options in your bag, which is why you’ll find nothing but wholesome ingredients in Bubs snacks and pouches. Made with fruits, vegetables and healthy grains for peace of mind.

Nutrition Tips for Kids

Good nutrition is essential for supporting your kids as they grow and learn. But it’s not always easy, especially when you have a fussy eater, meaning some foods are off the table. If you’re ever in doubt, just remember these key tips from the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

1. Keep up the variety – Offer a range of vegetables and legumes, fruits, grains, protein and dairy daily.
2. Choose what’s in season — Source fresh ingredients that are locally grown.
3. Limit ‘sometimes foods’ – Foods containing saturated fat, added salt and added sugars.
4. Offer plenty of water.

Take comfort in the fact that a fussy eater may not remain a fussy eater — every day is different. By choosing to make and offer healthy meals, you’ll increase the likelihood that one day they’ll try it — and maybe even like it! Save these fussy eater recipes so you’ve always got ideas up your sleeve.

Of course, every parent's definition of picky eating can be different. So, if you’re ever concerned about your child’s nutrition, seek help from a medical professional.