Opinion | There’s a Reason American Kids Are Such Picky Eaters

NYT Homepage

by Helen Zoe Veit

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

American children have become increasingly picky eaters over time, a shift that contrasts sharply with past generations when kids were known to enjoy diverse and adventurous foods like raw oysters, spicy sauces, and unusual salads. Historian Helen Zoe Veit highlights how 19th-century children relished bold flavors and varied textures, often expressing excitement about garden produce like turnips or cabbage. This curiosity about food has faded, with many modern kids preferring narrow palates and struggling to enjoy a wider range of tastes. The rise of mass-produced junk food is largely responsible for this change. Food companies began marketing products specifically designed to appeal to children, such as sugary cereals, salty snacks, and processed meals like SpaghettiOs. These foods targeted biological preferences for sweetness and saltiness, creating a culture where "child-pleasing" became a key selling point. By the mid-20th century, grocery shelves were filled with tempting, calorie-dense options that made kids less interested in healthier or more varied meals. This shift has significant implications for children's health and family dynamics. Picky eating often leads to nutritional deficiencies and anxiety around mealtime. Veit argues that this phenomenon is not natural but a result of marketing strategies that have reshaped food preferences. Understanding this history can help address the issue, encouraging healthier eating habits and reducing reliance on processed foods.

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/15/2026