Kids are fussier than adults

and that’s OK — especially in Kiwi kitchens  

Let’s face it — getting kids to eat something other than nuggets or chicken bits can feel like an uphill battle. But here’s the truth: you’re already the hero in your kitchen. You don’t need fancy chef moves. You just need smart, tasty, fun food your kids will actually eat — and our NZ-made Angel Bay products are a great place to start.

A Kiwi reality: many kids aren’t eating enough veggies. It’s not ideal, but it is common, and it’s something most families are working on over time.

In New Zealand, it’s not just your kids. According to the Ministry of Health, less than half of Kiwi children meet the recommended fruit and vegetable intake each day. 

It’s not just about pickiness, it’s about life. Busy households. Tight budgets. Supermarket prices going up and down. Sometimes, fresh veg isn’t available or affordable. And sometimes, kids are just… well, kids. Balanced meals don’t have to be perfect. Protein and familiar foods can help anchor meals, while kids gradually learn to accept vegetables and new flavours over time.

Why kids are fussier than adults

Biology plays a big role. Research shows food fussiness is often inherited, some kids are more sensitive to texture, taste or smell, and that’s just how they’re wired. 

Fussiness can stick around. It's not always a phase; many kids stay fussy well into their teens. That’s not failure, it’s development. 

New foods can be scary. Kids are learning. Food neophobia (fear of unfamiliar foods) is super common, especially from toddlers to early school age. 

So no, your child refusing broccoli isn’t a crisis. It’s part of the process.

Make it fun & real — the wins come easy

Angel Bay Chef Liam points out a few golden rules that work for home, not just restaurants:

• Dippable, rollable, sprinkle-able food wins. Think dipping sauces, wraps, mini bowls.
• Portion size matters. Big meals can overwhelm, keep it small and simple.
• Flavour can stay, just simplify. Don’t ditch your normal meals. Just scale it.

Angel Bay patties and meatballs are perfect for this: portioned, tasty, and made right here in New Zealand. Angel Bay works best as part of a balanced meal, paired with veggies, fruit, or grains kids already enjoy.

Tips for Kiwi whānau — simple wins for tricky eaters

Here are some easy, no-pressure ideas that work when life’s full and the kids are fussy:

• Flatten Angel Bay meatballs into mini patties. Quick to cook, easy to hold. Add a dip and done.
• Use small, colourful sides. Veggie sticks, fruit chunks, cheese cubes, variety without pressure.
• Offer a “pick your own” dinner. Two dips. Two sides. One main. Kids love choice.
• Pair new foods with favourites. Like pasta + new veg, or rice + new sauce.
• Freeze-friendly meals = fewer meltdowns. With Angel Bay in the freezer, dinner’s always 10 minutes away.
• Repeat exposure. Even if they didn’t like peas last week, try again in a different way.
• Stay chill. One bite today, two tomorrow, you’re playing the long game.

You’re not reinventing the wheel; you’re simply tweaking dinner to fit real life. Less stress about “Will they eat this?” because you’ve built in fun + familiarity.

It’s real food for real life. Kids feel included. You feel good.

You’re supporting Kiwi producers and using food you trust. Angel Bay products are made in New Zealand, from premium ingredients, giving you confidence in every bite.

Final wrap up

So next time you’re staring at the freezer thinking “Ugh, what do the kids want?”, grab that bag of Angel Bay, cook up the patties or meatballs. Throw them in a bun or into some pasta. Add some veggie sticks or fruit. Sit down. Relax.

Because you’re doing it. You’re making dinner that works for your family. And yes, you’re actually smashing it.