Neophobia: the fear of tasting new foods

Food neophobia is a phase in which children refuse foods and dishes they are not familiar with. This fear of new foods, known as neophobia, does not occur in all children and it can vary in intensity and duration. Neophobia is not an eating or behavioural disorder, but is part of the child's development; nevertheless it can be exhausting to deal with for adults.

Forcing and punishing the child can reinforce the neophobia and turn mealtimes into a real struggle. Patiently and repeatedly offering foods in the presence of familiar people can have a positive influence on neophobia. Most of the time, neophobia disappears after a while. Recent studies on food neophobia show the value of persisting in learning new flavours.

It often takes 7 to 10 attempts before the child appreciates the new taste. Don't give up, but never force it: By repeatedly offering a certain food in a friendly atmosphere, you will see the reluctance disappear over time.

Some studies suggest that selectivity can be limited by offering a wide variety of tastes from the beginning of diversification, for example by changing the foods offered daily. Encourage food diversity by letting your child choose fruit and vegetables when shopping, or help prepare meals, for example. Allow the child to touch and taste all the foods on offer. If the difficulty persists, seek advice from your paediatrician or doctor.