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I’ve mentioned before that my kids are the pickiest eaters on the planet, right?
I’ve tried cute sticker charts, small toy rewards
, seemingly everything! But the best tactic so far has been giving my kids the job of “Taste Testing!” And pairing our taste testing activity with the colors of a holiday makes it even more fun!
GREEN Food Taste Testing for St. Patrick’s Day!
I’ve seen kids taste testing activities on other blogs, too. But I was pretty skeptical my little picky eaters would go for it. But when I put our own spin on our taste test activity by using all green foods for St. Patrick’s Day, the kids jumped right on board!
And they tried new foods, too!
Psst… Grab your FREE Taste Testing Chart HERE:
Here’s how we did our taste test…
Green Food Taste Testing Activity for St. Patrick’s Day
I went with a St. Patrick’s Day Theme and chose 9 green foods to offer in muffin tins. Muffin tins are perfect for separating the different foods, and the kids get a kick out of using them.
I included celery (with peanut butter), green grapes, broccoli, green apples, green peppers, and sugar snap peas. And I threw in a couple green-colored treats
, too, like lime Jello
, green gummy candies
, and mint chocolate chips.
I couldn’t believe how excited my kiddos were to try every one of the foods. They ate vegetables that may have never even hit their lips before!
A Free Printable Taste Testing Chart for YOU!
I made a chart with smiley and frowny faces for the kids to circle their “findings.” And I was surprised to see that Priscilla had more smiley faces circled than not. She’s even been begging to taste test red foods next!
Want to try this taste testing activity with your picky eaters, too?
Don’t forget your FREE Taste Testing Chart:
Find this Helpful? Share with your Friends!
Just click on one of the social sharing buttons at the top or bottom of the post to share on social media. I’d really appreciate it!
More Ideas for Picky Eaters from B-Inspired Mama:
- 25 Tips for Dealing with Picky Eaters
- Fun Food Presentation for Picky Eaters
- A Colorful Snack Taste Test using this FREE Printable Taste Testing Sheet!
HowtoRunaHomeDaycare says
I’m trying this out on my picky eater this St. Patrick’s Day!!!
Whozat says
This is a great idea.
My daughter has gotten really excited about eating all sorts of fruits and veggies (altho often she's only excited in theory and doesn't actually eat much) after introducing her to http://www.todayiatearainbow.com – Lots of great info and ideas, videos of an adorable 8 year old cooking fruits and veggies, and they sell a “rainbow chart” to keep track of all the “colors” that you eat.
Shabby Beach Nest says
Hi Krissy!! I just wanted to know that I was inspired so much by your idea that I included it on my own blog. Seriously, this is SO. STINKIN'. BRILLIANT!! Thank you again for sharing; I'm going to continue doing this with all kinds of themes and colors. If you want to check out my post, you can find it here: http://www.shabbybeachnest.com/green-taste-testing/
Lots of <3,
~Nicole @ http://www.shabbybeachnest.com
Elizabeth says
Thank you so much for sharing this fun activity! My home daycare kids had a blast trying all of their green foods today. The just 3 and under needed some help with their forms, but that was ok! We did a total of 10 foods and I shrunk your sheets down to make little booklets. Sadly my “picky eater” was not willing to try out anything but the mint chips or the green goldfish 🙁 I thought saying he could not make a smile or frown circle would push him to take a small taste, but no. Here is the list of foods that we did: Green Goldfish, Green Grapes, Green Pepper, Kiwi, Lime Jello jigglers, cucumber, celery with PB, Lime Yogurt, Guacamole + chips and mint chips. We washed it down with some green milk! I used ice cube trays for the foods which worked really well too. Thanks again! Elizabeth
LessonPlans-CraftGossip says
This is such a great idea!! I'm searching my fridge right now to find all things green:) Just posted on Craft Gossip!!
http://lessonplans.craftgossip.com/?p=5727
Ness says
What an awsome idea! I pinned/linked all over the place – on my own board, a collaborative kids co-op board, and I've featured this as one of my faves from last week's Kids Co-op link up party. My son despises green food. I'm going to give this a try!
Kangaroo Mama says
This is an awesome idea! I will have to share this with my friends that say their kids are picky eaters and keep this for my future reference when my daughter gets older! I will be following you to see more from your blog. Hope you'll come by for a visit at http://www.mommykangaroo.blogspot.com!
Adelina Priddis says
alright you are brilliant! Just the colors will intrigue my kids, but add in the chart? my kids are going to be hooked!!
My Little Bit of Life says
What a wonderful idea, I love it! Does it work on husbands too?! 🙂
Jewellz says
Awesome idea! I love avocados and some of my kids like all that you have picked. I tell my kids they MUST try everything or don't get anything. Starving kids in Africa don't get their choices so they better be happy. But if I know they truly hate the food I don't make them eat it.
jenivieve says
Love this idea and keeping it in mind for the future. MY 21 month old is starting to get picky. i love the green theme:)
Jamie O. says
Fantastic Idea, I will be trying this out soon!
Tracy @ usingtimewisely.com says
Cool idea! Thanks for the free download.
Karren says
You have come up with a great idea for taste testers, they need chef hats for this job, I went searching and found a bunch so if you sew or no-sew and from paper of cloth. http://www.ehow.com/how_7738460_chef-hat-tutorial.html
http://whipup.net/2012/01/17/whipup-tutorial-chefs-hat/
http://youcanmakethis.com/products/featured-products/FREE-Child-and-Adult-Size-Chef-Hat.htm
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I'm enjoying your blog and wont stop, I have come from Blogelinas 100 comment hop, I have added your blog to share and now continue to hop!! Now that we met come follow me…… on my….. GFC….Oh! My Heartsie
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Karren
Janet K says
I love this!! My husband is a former chef of 20 years and it drives him crazy when our 4 year old won't taste something. We recently convinced him to eat some green veggies and he's loving them. This is such a fun activity that I know my two chefs will LOVE!!
Melanie says
You sneaky mama, you. 😀
This is brilliant.
-Melanie from Melanie's Musings
SalemMomma says
What a great way to get your kids to try new foods! This is a great activity for non-picky kids as well.
sarah says
What a fun idea! My son is only on rice cereal, but I'll have to keep this in mind for when he's older.
Victoria M says
That is such a cute idea! I will have to do it for the grandkids. Thanks Easy2Save
Katy @ Experienced Bad Mom says
My son hates most green foods…but will eat frozen peas! My daughter is more adventurous and will eat some green beans and broccoli. Can't wait to try the taste test thing! Fun idea.
Mariah @ Formula Mom says
I love how you turned this into a game! This is definitely an idea to file away for when my son is a little older!
Judith says
Fantasti idea! My boys are too old to be “tricked” like that, but it's a brilliant idea that would have worked at the time.
Now, are you letting the kids choose one of the foods they gave a “smile” to, for their next meal? 🙂
My SoCal Life says
PURE GENIOUS!!! that's ideal! so going to do this
See You In the Garden says
Love it. I would have never thought to approach it from this angle. Who knew. It is amazing some of the things we are willing to try when we forget that we don't like them. =)
Julee says
How fun is this! Thankfully I don't have picky eatin' kiddos…it's the hubby that's Princess Pansie when it comes to trying new things. Maybe I'll try this trick with him! 😉 Thanks for sharing the fun!
Jessica, The Debt Princess says
GREAT IDEA! I have a child with eating problems. He's 9, has general anxiety and a food phobia but I'm wondering if maybe I could do this with him. Maybe make a chart for him to share with his therapist.
Thank you for such a great post!!
Dawn Storey says
What a brilliant idea… I love it! Very creative. 🙂
Jill says
What a FABULOUS idea! I wish I'd seen this when my kids were younger!!
penguinsandladybugs says
I've put a couple drops of food coloring in scrambled eggs before…does that count? This is a great idea…wonder if I can try with my teenagers…
Layne says
No kids here, but still a great idea! Glad they liked all their green food!
Tiffany says
What a great idea!!!
Carrie says
This is a great idea! I love your photos; so cute! Thanks for sharing.
I liked your Facebook page so I can keep following!
Viva says
Very creative! My daughter's not a picky eater, but I think she'd have a blast with this exercise anyway. I'll have to try it.
-Viva recently posted Homemade Pizza Dough
Mrs. Accountability says
What a great idea! I just love all the shades of green in the cupcake tins. Very creative!
April says
This is such a great idea! I'll have to give it a try, it's so hard for me to get my daughter to try new foods!
Jacqui Gonzales says
That's very cool! My older daughter isn't a picky eater, but my younger one is. Fortunately, they both like most fruits and veggies we've put in front of them.
My solution has been nothing more than persistence. My daughter generally decides she doesn't like something before she eats it. So if I try a new dish and it's a hit with everyone with her, it joins out list of regular meals and eventually she'll give it a shot (I don't make separate meals or give a substitute normally). It took over two years before she eventually tried spaghetti but now she loves it!
Brenda says
I am lucky because my son has never been a picky eater, but I love this idea. It is really cute and turns trying new foods into a fun activity. What color foods are you going to try next?
Tabitha (a.k.a. Penny) says
I like doing taste tests with my picky eaters too. We have done grapes and eggs, never anything like this and I love this idea! You chart is so simple too. Wonderful. I'm pinning this to my Picky Eaters board. 🙂
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks for the pin, Tabitha. I'm off to check out your Picky Eaters board. 🙂
Jing Jing says
wow! awesome! awesome! awesome!!!!!!!! you should pin this idea!!!!!
Dianna @ practicingfrugal says
Great idea and including St Patrick's day was even better. Might have to try this with my picky eaters.
Khairy says
This is a brilliant idea, I've never heard of anything like this before?! Love it! How soon can you start using this (what age)?
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Well, I think it just depends on the child. My daughter is 3 and I had to help her write the names of each food on her chart, but she circles the smile or frown faces all by herself. Even if a younger child wouldn't understand the chart, you could still offer up choices in a muffin tin and have them give you a thumbs up or thumbs down maybe.
LaVonne @ Long Wait says
What a great idea! I love it. Thanks for sharing. I should do this with my 4 year old. She is starting to get more picky the older she gets.
AMBER EDWARDS says
This is brilliant! I need to do this with my kids as they are ALL picky eaters and I cant' even get them to eat foods which they have always professed to love! Let alone green veggies! Thanks for the wonderful idea!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Let me know how you make out if you try it!
Clarissa D says
I LOVE this idea!! Very creative and fun!! I am going to add this to Pinterest 🙂
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks for the pin, Clarissa.
Amanda says
Great idea! Like you, I'm not sure my kids would go for it, but I might give it a shot.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
It's worth a try. 🙂
Katie says
This is a great idea. I wish my parents tried something like this with me!
Lea H @ Nourishing Treasures says
What a super-cute idea!
My kids don't get enough greens (neither do I) which is why we all take “Berry” Greens.
Maura says
Super Fun Idea – LOVE it!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Maura!
QueenB says
what a fun, cute, and POSITIVE way to get kids to try things!! i'm so borrowing this idea :o)
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I hope you do! Let me know how it goes. 🙂
bakergirl says
I guess I have been pretty blessed. I havent expereinced picky eaters. My kids loved all kinds of things. I am not saying they didnt have their moments of dislike, but most of the time they ate what I put in front of them. I think they have developed dislikes as adults and I am not sure why. Best wishes on your journey of the difficult eaters. Have a blessed day.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
You must've done something right, mama! Way to go!
Johnnie says
This is genius! What a great way to address your children's nutrition. Thanks for the tip.
Printable Decor
Saved By Love Creations
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Johnnie!
Corinne Rodrigues says
This is so very creative and a great way to get kids involved in their food. When we were young, we had no choices you either ate or you didn't – but that's eons ago!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I know, Corinne. That's what their grandma keeps saying. “Don't give them the choice!” But I'm just not that kind of mama. I can't let them go hungry and their so stubborn that they would! lol
Jeanette says
I will defiantly have to try this! I can't get kiddo to eat any “fridge” food except cheese. Thanks for the tip!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Let me know how you make out if you try it!
Katrina - Edelweiss Patterns says
So creative! I think kids eat much easier when there's something exciting involved.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Yes, I was surprised that they got so into filling out the chart! They loved it!!
Suzy Myers says
What a great idea! My children are big veggie eaters, in fact they are not fans of meat. If I didn't know better, I'd think they were adopted! ha!
Thanks so much for sharing!
suzy
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
My son is that way, actually. He hates all meat… unless it's in a taco! I can hide almost anything in a tortilla and call it a taco and he loves it!
Shelly@ Frugal Family Home says
I am fortunate that my kids are not picky eaters. They will eat almost any veggie or fruit I give them to try. My son is a little reluctant to try some but will try it and usually will like it. We grown veggies in the garden and I think kids are more apt to try something they grew themselves.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
You're so right, Shelly! I think it really does help to have them grow it themselves. We're going to try to grow a garden this year, too. Can't wait!
Marian says
When i was still a kid my mom promised me to buy a bicycle when we eat veggies. Everyday they'll mark the calendar showing our progress.Unfortunately I didn't get my bike. 🙂
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Awww, poor girl never got her bike?! Bribes and rewards don't always work in my house either…
Yannie says
I love your idea! I'll remember this and someday when I have my own kids I will apply this trick to my kids. 🙂
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Yannie! 🙂
marye~ says
What a fantastic idea! My are getting much better the older they get. They both eat sushi and boiled crawfish, but not much fruit. I wish they were young enough to be taste testers too.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Sushi – I don't even eat Sushi! You must've done something right, mama!
Making Our Life Matter says
What an awesome idea. I am emailing this to my best friend, who has picky eaters. Mine grew out of that stage, thankfully.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I can't wait until mine grow out of it, but with having a newborn now, I guess I've got quite awhile to go!
krystle says
Such a cute idea! I may need to try that with my picky eaters 🙂
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Krystle!
Kecia says
This is a cute idea! My son can be picky at times. We may have to let him be a taste tester if he continues to be picky as he gets older.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Kecia. I hope your little guy doesn't get worse. It can be so frustrating!
Katie says
I am definitely going to download the taste testing chart. The taste testings a great idea maybe I'll be able to get my youngest one to eat a vegetable now.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Let me know how you make out when you try it, Katie!
Lyndsy says
This is a cute and your kids are adorable. Good idea.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks so much, Lyndsy!
mammamilk says
Love this! I follow a blog that does muffin tin mondays and it always looks so creative and interesting! I really need to try it! Nice post presentation!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks so much! I know of that blog and love it! So creative. 🙂
Becca@CreatingFamilyConnections says
Those muffin tin foods look yummy! I'm not a mom, so I can't speak from experience, except my childhood. As a kid, if Mom and Dad wanted to get us to eat veggies (I remember this about carrots), they'd tell us we need to eat, “one carrot for each eye.” I grew up to love my veggies, so it must've worked!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Very clever! lol Maybe I'll try that one, too..
The Cookinglady says
What a great idea, trying to get your kids to healthy any way can be a chore. Any time of trick you can use, use it!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks! I do what I can. 🙂
Starlene says
Awesome, this is a GREAT idea. I love the healthy foods and all of them green. And the bonus is your kids liked! Have you ever heard of the GAPS diet? A lot of parents that come to GAPS have children that are picky eaters and this tendency can be caused by gut dysbiosis. I have become much less picky since working on my gut flora. Just wanted to mention in case you hadn't heard of GAPS. 🙂
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks for the heads up, Starlene!
Mary @ The Mommy Job says
OH WOW!!!! This is fabulous! I think I'll be trying this soon for my twins! thanks!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Mary! Let me know if you try it and how you make out.
Anjanette says
This is awesome! My kids aren't super picky, but they would LOVE this activity! Fun way to celebrate St. Patty's Day!
Other foods I thought of: green pumpkin seeds, sliced cucumbers, pickles, kiwi!
I'm pinning this on Pinterest if you don't mind! 🙂
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I can't believe I didn't think of those foods. We even had pickles in the fridge!
Erin @ My Mommy World says
This is a great idea! I can't believe I never thought of it before! My kids are so funny when they insist that a certain food is horrible and then I make them taste it and they say, “Oh, I like it!” I'm sure this would be easier than threatening them with no tv like I usually do 🙂
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I know what you mean! That's what is so frustrating. When I KNOW my little ones will like a food but they just refuse to try it. I know it's probably more about them asserting their independence than the food itself. But it drives me nuts!
Lou Lou says
This is something I'll have to remember… my 18 month old enjoys most things but we is getting pickier by the day… my days without the muffin tin are numbered I feel…
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I hope your little one remains a good eater for you. Picky eaters are so frustrating! Good luck!
Britni @ Our Eventual Homestead says
What a cute idea! Fortunately our 3 year old loves her green foods. She just tried asparagus this week and ate it all!
Our son is only 2 months old so time will tell…
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I hope you are blessed with another great eater! You must be doing something right if she likes asparagus. Way to go, Mama!
Wendy @ AMFT says
What a fabulous idea!!!! I am totally trying this with my kids. Love linking it to the holiday. Why did I not think of this?!?!?!
BTW: I love your site.
Wendy
Around My Family Table
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks so much, Wendy! I LOVE your blog, too. I've pinned those St. Patrick's Day Rice Krispies. Great photography, btw!
Michelle says
I have been blessed with good eaters so far! However I will keep this idea filed!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
You're lucky! I hope they keep up the good eating for you. Picky eaters are very frustrating!
Shannon says
That's a great idea! I'm going to try it with my boys!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Shannon! Let me know how you make out if you try it.
Kerry Fountain says
What a cool idea! I do think that many kids would like the whole idea of rating food like that.
My kids went through a picky stage (heck they still occasionally have picky stages but now that they are older I tell them tough) and I always told them that certain food was only for the big people. Then they wanted to try them…..
Thankfully my oldest loves all food- and still loves to try new things. The other two are old enough now to make their own food if they don't like what I am serving..
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
GENIUS! I bet that would really work for my kids, too. Of course they would want what they “can't have.” lol
Just Jaime says
Looks like such a fun idea. I love the chart!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks, Jaime! I think the chart was what made them really want to do it.
andrea says
makes me hungry at this hour -but looks yummy! 😀
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks for visiting, Andrea!
Nikki says
I love this idea! My son is very picky, but he does like a challenge. He's almost 7, so I could even take him to the store to pick out the green foods he wants to try. Thank you!!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
YES! Taking them to the store to pick them out is such a great idea. I think I will have my little ones help pick the foods next time, too. Let me know how you make out if you try it.
About JollyJilly says
What a great Idea my son us 31 this year and he lived on chocolate spread lol. Fun post
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Chocolate spread?! Am I missing something?! Is that Nutella? I've actually never tried it. I'm kind of afraid to… I might get hooked!
Julie says
Very creative. Cudos to finding ways around their pickiness.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks! I do what I can. 🙂
life...just saying says
Haha. Loved it! Great idea.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks! And thanks for visiting. 🙂
kirstin & tricia says
Oh my goodness, I LOVE this! I wasn't ever picky, but my kids are both WRECKS. I love trying to help them be not-so-picky!
kirstin & tricia says
Oh my goodness, I LOVE this! I wasn't ever picky, but my kids are both WRECKS. I love trying to help them be not-so-picky!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I know – I understand that they won't like everything, but I want them to be a bit more adventurous and at least try things, you know?
Emily says
Great idea! Somehow I ended up with good eaters. Ask me how to get them to sleep and I have no idea! 🙂 When trying something new I let them see me eat it and how much I like it and they usually want to try it.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I guess I lucked out in that department, because my kiddos are pretty good sleepers. 🙂 Maybe we should talk and learn from eachother. LOL!
Kelley says
this sooo beats my green eggs and ham that I was thinking! Thanks for the idea.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks! Hope you try it and have fun. 🙂
Julie says
I love this idea… green is the color that my kids try to avoid… what a great way to get them to try it out!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
I know what you mean about them avoiding green. That's why I was sure that my little ones wouldn't participate. But I think it helped that I included some green treats along side the veggies.
Eleni Poulakou says
Such a great idea!
I'm so, so sorry I didn't come up with it when my picky eater was younger!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Well, maybe it will still come in handy some day. 🙂
Erin O'Riordan says
I don't have kids, but this is a wonderful idea! When I worked in a school, we did once make a green dessert “pizza” with kiwis and other sweet green things. The kids loved that.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Oh, a green dessert pizza sounds amazing! We haven't done a dessert pizza in a long time. Thanks for the reminder!
Glenda says
This is a wonderful ideal and I think I will try it on both hubby and son but I may nee to try it on my too as I do not like Fruit and if I expect him to try it then I should be willing to. Correct?
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
LOL – yes, you have to try it, too. 🙂
Hopkins family says
This is a GREAT idea. Thank you for sharing and St. Patties day is upcoming! I will try it.
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks for visiting! Let me know how you make out if you try it. 🙂
Warrior MAMA says
This is SO cute! I “pinned” it!
My daughter is GFCF {Gluten free Casien free} and she could eat this whole tin {minus the chocolate chips}
Thanks for a great March idea!
🙂
Lisa
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks for pinning and visiting! That's awesome that it would nearly all be foods that your daughter could eat. But of course it could be entirely customizable, too!
Stephanie @ One Sleepy Mom says
Fantastic idea! I have always been lucky to have kids that will eat ANYTHING, but I know a lot of parents who struggle with getting their kids to try veggies. Or in my case, my hubby who struggles to get ME to eat veggies! Pinning this as well!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks for the visit and the pin! You certainly are lucky!!
Eschelle says
oh my goodness what i GREAT idea i should do this with teh daycare kids they would flip over this idea i am sooo pinning this for later!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks for visiting and thanks for the pin. I'm sure the daycare kids would have fun!
Krissy Sherman Bonning says
Thanks for the feedback everyone – I was shocked with how much they enjoyed it. LOL – maybe it would work on the hubbies, too!
Deedra Hickman says
What a great idea! Wonder if this would work on my husband?
Anonymous says
😀
Angie Nelson says
This is such a fabulous (tricky) idea. I love it!
Betsy B. Honest says
This is GOLD. I love tricky stuff like this.