Toddlers get better food than 20 years ago

Published 21 October 2024 at 08.37

Domestic. Young children's eating habits have improved compared to twenty years ago. The children eat more vegetables and fruit, and less red meat and sugar than before. This is according to a new survey from the Swedish Food Agency.

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The Swedish Food Agency has investigated how 1.5-year-olds and 4-year-olds eat. It is the first time the eating habits of 1.5-year-olds have been investigated, which makes the results unique. 4-year-olds' eating habits were last examined in 2003.

– It is very positive that the development is going in the right direction, that young children are eating more healthily than before. Most children eat fruit and vegetables every day and although half of 4-year-olds eat too much sugar, they eat significantly less candy, juice and snacks than children who were four in 2003, says Lotta Moraeus, dietitian at the Swedish Food Agency.

The 1.5-year-olds eat relatively more fruit and vegetables than the 4-year-olds, as fruit and vegetables account for a larger part of their food than the 4-year-olds. The 1.5-year-olds also eat significantly less sugar in various forms than the 4-year-olds.

– It would be fantastic if the 4-year-olds continued to eat as well as they did when they were younger. Now, among other things, they add more sweets, snacks and sweet drinks, but do not increase fruit and vegetables, even though they eat more food, says Lotta Moraeus.

Half of 4-year-olds eat more sugar than recommended and they most children eat too much saturated fat and too much salt. Many of both the 1.5-year-olds and the 4-year-olds eat more meat and cured meats than is healthy. Above all, many children eat significantly more cured meats, such as sausages, than what the Swedish Food Agency claims is healthy.

– Many children like sausages and it is quick and easily available food. But sometimes replacing the sausage with something else, such as fish sticks, chicken or falafel is a great step, says Lotta Moraeus.