30 Foods People Wouldn’t Eat As Children But Can’t Live Without As Adults

Of course, having an aversion to certain foods isn’t the same as being a picky eater. We all have our own tastes—I, for one, can’t stand boiled beetroot unless it’s in borscht, and I have a weird dislike for ripe bananas. I actually prefer them when they’re still slightly green. Other than that, there’s not much I wouldn’t try.

As a kid, though, I was much fussier. And it turns out, I wasn’t alone—being particular about what’s on your plate is pretty common in childhood. Research suggests that anywhere from 13% to 22% of kids are labeled picky eaters by their parents, and in one study of preschoolers, that number shot up to 54%.

But why do some kids flat-out refuse to eat anything beyond their handful of “safe” foods while others will happily try whatever’s in front of them? Pediatric dietitian Emma Shafqat told Bored Panda that there are plenty of reasons.

“Genetics can play a role, as some kids are naturally more sensitive to tastes, textures, and smells. Feeding experiences early in life also make a difference—negative associations with food, illness, or pressure to eat can lead to avoidance,” she said. “I know my little girl had multiple allergies and reflux, and this affected her relationship with food. I feel it was responsible for her struggling with fussy eating.”

Some children also experience sensory processing challenges, making certain textures or flavors overwhelming, Shafqat noted. Others may struggle with the motor skills needed for chewing and swallowing. “It’s important to remember that picky eating isn’t just a behavioral issue, it often has underlying causes,” she said.

So while picky eating can be frustrating for parents, there’s usually more to it than just stubbornness.