Researchers tested a digital game called Veggies4myHeart to see if it could help preschool children (ages 3-6) become more interested in eating vegetables. Kids in Portugal and Switzerland played the game during five weekly 20-minute lessons over five weeks. The results showed that children became more willing to try vegetables like lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage after playing the game. They also learned more about healthy eating. This suggests that combining fun digital games with repeated chances to taste vegetables might be an effective way to help young children develop healthier eating habits.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a fun digital game combined with tasting activities could help preschool children become more willing to eat vegetables and learn about healthy eating
  • Who participated: 84 children ages 3 to 6 years old from preschools in Portugal (39 children) and Switzerland (45 children)
  • Key finding: After five weeks of playing the Veggies4myHeart game and tasting vegetables, children became significantly more willing to try lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage. Both groups also showed major improvements in their knowledge about healthy eating
  • What it means for you: If your child attends preschool, this suggests that educational games combined with hands-on tasting experiences may help them become more adventurous eaters and learn about nutrition. However, results may vary based on your child’s age, personality, and food preferences

The Research Details

This was an experimental study conducted in real preschool settings in two countries. Researchers worked with 84 children total, split between Portuguese and Swiss preschools. The children participated in five weekly sessions lasting 20 minutes each, where trained nutrition experts led activities using the Veggies4myHeart digital game. The game was designed to teach children about vegetables in a fun, interactive way.

Throughout the study, researchers measured two main things: whether children would actually taste vegetables (lettuce, carrot, red cabbage, tomato, and cucumber) when offered them, and how much they learned about nutrition. They checked these measurements at the start, during the five weeks, and at the end of the program.

The researchers used standard scientific methods to analyze their data, looking for meaningful differences between the two countries and between the beginning and end of the program.

This approach matters because it tests a real-world solution in actual preschool classrooms rather than just in a lab. By studying children in two different countries with different food cultures, the researchers could see whether the game works across different backgrounds. Using a digital game is important because it shows how modern technology can help teach young children about healthy eating in ways they find fun and engaging.

The study was conducted by trained nutrition professionals, which adds credibility. The fact that it was done in real preschool settings (not artificial conditions) makes the results more relevant to everyday life. The study measured actual behavior (whether kids tasted vegetables) rather than just asking them questions, which is more reliable. However, the study included a relatively small number of children, and we don’t know if results would be the same in other countries or with different age groups.

What the Results Show

After the five-week program, children in both countries showed clear improvements. Portuguese children became significantly more willing to taste lettuce, carrots, and red cabbage compared to Swiss children. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it wasn’t due to chance.

Both groups of children showed major improvements in their nutrition knowledge from the beginning to the end of the program. This improvement was very strong (statistically significant at p<0.001, which means there’s less than a 1 in 1,000 chance this happened by accident). The improvements in knowledge were similar between the two countries, even though Portuguese children showed more willingness to taste certain vegetables.

The fact that children became more willing to taste vegetables suggests that the combination of the digital game and repeated exposure to vegetables (offering them to taste multiple times) was effective. This aligns with what nutrition experts already know: kids are more likely to try new foods when they’re exposed to them repeatedly in a positive, fun environment.

The study found that the intervention worked across two different countries with different food cultures and eating habits. This suggests the approach has broader appeal and isn’t limited to one specific culture or region. The improvement in nutrition knowledge was consistent between both groups, even though their willingness to taste specific vegetables differed. This indicates that the game successfully taught children about healthy eating regardless of their initial food preferences.

Previous research has shown that kids are more likely to eat vegetables when they’re exposed to them repeatedly and in positive situations. This study confirms that finding and adds something new: combining a fun digital game with tasting activities appears to work even better. The study also supports the idea that teaching children about nutrition early in life can help establish healthy eating habits that last into adulthood.

The study included only 84 children, which is a relatively small group. Results might be different with more children or in other countries. The study only lasted five weeks, so we don’t know if the benefits continue long-term or if children go back to their old eating habits. The study didn’t include a control group of children who didn’t play the game, so we can’t be completely certain the game itself caused the improvements (though the improvements were significant). The study only tested five specific vegetables, so results might differ with other vegetables. We also don’t know if the improvements would be the same for children with certain dietary restrictions or food allergies.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, preschools may want to consider using the Veggies4myHeart game as part of their nutrition education program. The evidence suggests it can help children become more willing to try vegetables and learn about healthy eating. Parents might also look for similar educational games or apps that combine fun with learning about vegetables. However, this single study provides moderate evidence, so it should be combined with other healthy eating strategies like family meals and modeling good eating habits at home.

Preschool teachers and administrators should care about this research because it offers a practical tool for nutrition education. Parents of preschool-age children (3-6 years old) may find this helpful for encouraging their kids to eat vegetables. Nutrition educators and health professionals working with young children would benefit from knowing about this approach. This research is less relevant for older children or teenagers, as the game was specifically designed for preschoolers.

In this study, improvements in willingness to taste vegetables and nutrition knowledge appeared after just five weeks of weekly 20-minute sessions. However, this is a short-term result. To see lasting changes in eating habits, children would likely need continued exposure to vegetables and reinforcement of healthy eating messages over months and years. Parents shouldn’t expect their child to become a vegetable lover overnight, but rather to gradually become more open to trying new vegetables.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly vegetable tasting attempts: Record which vegetables your child tries each week and whether they actually taste them (even just a small bite counts). Note any new vegetables they’re willing to try. This creates a simple visual record of progress over time.
  • Use the app to set a weekly goal of offering your child one new vegetable or one vegetable they previously refused. Combine this with a fun activity or game to make it positive. Celebrate small wins when they taste something new, even if they don’t like it.
  • Over a 5-8 week period, track the number of different vegetables your child will taste and their willingness level (reluctant, neutral, or eager). Create a simple chart showing progress. This mirrors the study’s approach and helps you see if the strategy is working for your family. Share results with your child’s preschool teacher to ensure consistency.

This research describes results from a specific study with 84 children in two countries and should not be considered medical advice. Individual children may respond differently to educational games and vegetable exposure based on their age, preferences, allergies, and other factors. If your child has food allergies, sensory sensitivities, or other dietary concerns, consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian before introducing new foods or changing eating patterns. This study shows promise for one educational approach but should be combined with other healthy eating strategies and professional guidance for best results.