Half of UK Parents Say Broccoli and Sprouts Cause the Biggest Mealtime Battles

Nearly one in three UK parents say fussy eating is the biggest obstacle to getting their children to eat healthier foods, new research reveals.

A study of 2,000 parents, commissioned by seafood specialist Regal Fish, found that 30% struggle most with their child’s refusal to try new foods.

Green vegetables cause the most arguments or resistance, according to half of parents (50%), followed by fish and seafood at 31%. Root vegetables and fruit both create conflict for 21% of families.

When fish is served, more than a quarter of parents (26%) regularly resort to bargaining or persuasion, while 12% say their children refuse to eat it altogether.

The experience also differs between mums and dads. Almost three in ten mums (29%) say serving fish requires bargaining, compared with 22% of dads. Mums are also almost twice as likely to face outright refusal (14% versus 8%).

Dads, however, encounter a different challenge, with 20% saying they lack confidence in preparing or cooking fresh fish safely, twice the proportion of mums (10%).

Commenting on the findings, Hani Girgis, E-Commerce Manager at Regal Fish, says:

“Our research highlights a clear gap between what children need for healthy cognitive and social development and what is actually reaching the dinner table.

“Parents genuinely want to offer balanced meals, but fears around food waste, prep confidence, and fussy eating create real hesitation. However, almost two in five parents (39%) told us that having access to quick, accessible family recipes would encourage them to introduce more seafood into their child’s diet.

“Seafood doesn't need to be complicated or stressful to prepare. By leaning on familiar family dishes and approachable cuts like mild salmon or white fish, parents can easily introduce essential Omega-3s into their children's routines without the mealtime struggle.”

Nutritional Deficits and the Salmon Knowledge Gap

Alarmingly, the research also revealed that 87% of children do not currently meet the NHS recommendation to eat two portions of fish per week – with a limited awareness of different varieties of fish. More than a third of parents (35%) had never heard of or seen Sockeye salmon, while 26% did not know it tastes different from other salmon.

Like other oily fish, Sockeye salmon provides Omega-3 fatty acids and is a source of protein and vitamin D, which support a balanced diet.

Five Practical Ways to Make Seafood Less Intimidating

Below, Girgis shares five ways to make unfamiliar foods feel less intimidating:

1. Start with a taster portion

   Instead of placing a full fillet on the plate, serve a small amount alongside familiar foods. This allows children to explore the flavour and texture without feeling pressured to finish a full portion.

2. Swap fish into a meal they already enjoy

   Parents do not need to begin with an entirely new recipe. Flaking mild white fish or adding tinned tuna to macaroni cheese, pasta bakes or homemade tacos introduces a new ingredient through a meal children already recognise.

3. Keep frozen or tinned options on hand

   Parents should remember that fresh fish is not the only option, especially if they are in a time crunch. Tinned fish can be added to pasta, sandwiches, or jacket potatoes, while individually frozen portions allow parents to cook only what they need, reducing the risk of waste.

4. Plan a second meal for any leftovers

   Parents should try and think about how leftovers could be used before cooking as this may make trying fish feel like less of a financial risk. For instance, cooked fish can be turned into homemade fishcakes or added to pasta, wraps and lunches the following day.

5. Change the texture before giving up

   A child who rejects a soft, flaky fillet may enjoy the same fish with a crunchy coating. Panko breadcrumbs, homemade herb crusts or a light oven-baked batter can make the texture feel more familiar.

Girgis adds: “Building healthy, long-term eating habits is a marathon, not a sprint, so try not to feel discouraged if a dish gets rejected on the first attempt.

“Patience and a relaxed atmosphere at the dinner table are the most effective tools for helping children build confidence with foods.”

The findings are part of Regal Fish’s Food for Thought study, which explores children’s eating habits and the barriers parents face when introducing seafood at home.