Why Do Kids Eat Better When Their Plates Are Colourful? The Science Says… 👀

If you’ve ever handed your child a plate of beige, you probably know how that went down. (Spoiler alert: Not well.)

But give them a plate bursting with colour—bright reds, sunny yellows, vibrant greens—and suddenly, mealtime becomes a whole lot more exciting! It turns out, science backs this up: kids actually eat more when their food is more colourful. And as parents, that’s a big win! 🎉

So, what’s the deal? Why does colour have such a huge impact on how kids eat? And how can you use this little parenting hack to make mealtime easier (and healthier)? Let’s dive in.

🍽️ Kids Love Colour—And So Do Their Brains!

Research from Cornell University and London Metropolitan University found that children prefer plates with at least six different colours and seven different food items. That’s right—variety isn’t just the spice of life, it’s the secret sauce to getting your kids to eat more!

The reason? Colourful food is visually stimulating and triggers curiosity, excitement, and a sense of play—which can make kids more open to trying new foods. So instead of that “eat your veggies” struggle, you’re creating a fun, engaging experience. Win-win!

🌈 Eating the Rainbow = Better Nutrition

Ever heard the phrase “eat the rainbow”? It’s not just a fun slogan—it’s a science-backed way to make sure kids get a variety of nutrients. Different colours in fruits and vegetables represent different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help growing bodies thrive.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

🔴 Red foods (strawberries, tomatoes, capsicums) → Support heart health & immunity
🟠 Orange & yellow foods (carrots, mangoes, sweet potatoes) → Packed with vitamin A for vision & skin
🟢 Green foods (spinach, broccoli, avocado) → Boost digestion & brain power
🔵 Blue & purple foods (blueberries, grapes, eggplants) → Help with memory & cell protection

When kids see lots of colours on their plate, they’re more likely to eat a well-balanced meal without even realising it. And let’s be real—what parent doesn’t love a sneaky way to get more greens into their kids’ bellies? 🙌

👀 Presentation Matters—And So Do Their Plates!

Now, here’s the secret weapon: it’s not just the food that needs to be colourful… the plate does, too!

Studies show that kids respond better to colourful plates because they create a sense of fun, excitement, and engagement. And that’s exactly why our bobo&boo plant-based dinnerware has been a game-changer for families since 2015!

🌟 Vibrant Colours – Our range makes every meal visually appealing, encouraging kids to eat more.
🌱 Made from Plants – No nasties, just safe, eco-friendly dinnerware for your little ones.
🔥 Microwave & Dishwasher Safe – Because we know parents don’t have time for extra hassle.
🚀 Loved by Kids & Parents – Our plates are “magic” for fussy eaters, and thousands of families swear by them!

✨ Try It at Home: The Colourful Plate Challenge!

Want to put this science to the test? Try this easy challenge:

✅ Grab a bobo&boo colourful plate
✅ Serve six different colours of food (fruits, veggies, proteins, grains, etc.)
✅ Let your child mix & match, explore, and eat at their own pace

Chances are, they’ll eat way more than they would off a plain, boring plate. (And if you get a “Mum, this is so cool!” moment—well, that’s just a bonus 😉.)

🥦 Bottom Line: Colour Makes Everything Better

From boosting nutrition to making mealtimes more enjoyable, colourful food on colourful plates is the easiest way to encourage better eating habits. So why not give it a try?

👉 Check out our bobo&boo plant-based dinnerware and see why kids (and parents) love them!