Researchers looked at 12 different studies to understand why children in Mediterranean countries are eating less healthy Mediterranean food and more fast food instead. They found that parents have the biggest influence on what kids eat—more than anything else. The study shows that when parents eat Mediterranean food, kids are more likely to eat it too. Other factors like how much kids exercise, how much time they spend on screens, and where they live also matter, but not as much as what parents do. This research suggests that to get kids eating healthier, we need to help parents make better food choices first.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What makes some kids in Mediterranean countries eat healthy Mediterranean food while others eat more junk food instead
  • Who participated: Analysis of 12 research studies about children ages 3-8 years old living in Mediterranean countries (mostly in Europe, with some from the Middle East and North Africa)
  • Key finding: Parents’ eating habits and attitudes toward food are the strongest influence on whether kids eat Mediterranean food. The studies showed that parental influence matters much more than a child’s age, gender, exercise habits, or screen time.
  • What it means for you: If you want your child to eat healthier Mediterranean food, focus on eating it yourself first. Kids learn by watching what their parents eat. However, remember this is based on reviewing other studies, not testing this directly with a large group of children.

The Research Details

This is a systematic review, which means researchers looked at all the available scientific studies on this topic and summarized what they found. The team searched three major scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) for studies about children ages 3-8 in Mediterranean countries and how well they followed the Mediterranean diet. They included 12 studies that measured what kids actually ate using validated food questionnaires. The researchers followed strict guidelines (called PRISMA) to make sure they did this fairly and didn’t miss important studies or include studies that didn’t fit their criteria.

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that includes lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, fish, and olive oil—foods that are traditional in countries around the Mediterranean Sea like Greece, Italy, and Spain. The researchers wanted to understand what factors help or hurt kids’ ability to stick with this healthy eating pattern.

By reviewing all the available research together, scientists can see patterns that might not be obvious in just one study. This approach helps identify what the most important factors are for getting kids to eat healthier. Understanding these factors is crucial because childhood eating habits often continue into adulthood, so helping kids eat well now can benefit their health for life.

The researchers checked the quality of each study they included using a standard tool called the NCCMT scale. Most of the studies they reviewed had weak quality scores, which means the research wasn’t as strong as it could have been. This is important to know because it means the findings should be viewed as helpful guidance rather than definitive proof. The fact that only 12 studies met their criteria also suggests this is an area where more research is needed. Most studies focused on how parents influence kids’ eating, with fewer studies looking at other factors like where kids live or how much they exercise.

What the Results Show

The biggest discovery from this review is that parents are the most powerful influence on whether kids eat Mediterranean food. This includes what parents eat themselves, their attitudes about food, and how they encourage their children to eat. When parents value healthy eating and model it by eating Mediterranean foods, their children are much more likely to do the same.

The second most important factor was the child’s own characteristics, including their age and sex. Interestingly, older children and children of different genders sometimes had different eating patterns, though the studies didn’t always agree on exactly how.

Physical activity also appeared to play a role—kids who were more active tended to eat better. However, kids who spent a lot of time playing video games or on screens tended to eat less healthy food. This might be because screen time often involves snacking on unhealthy foods, or because active kids develop better overall health habits.

Where children live (urban versus rural areas) also made a difference in their eating habits, though this was studied less often than parental influence. Some studies suggested that kids in certain areas had better access to Mediterranean foods or lived in communities where these foods were more common and affordable. The review also noted that very few studies looked at other environmental factors like school food policies, food prices, or how easy it is to find healthy foods in different neighborhoods.

This research fits with what scientists already know about how kids develop eating habits. Previous research has shown that parents are the main teachers of food preferences and eating behaviors in young children. This review confirms that finding and shows it’s especially true in Mediterranean countries. However, the review also highlights that we don’t know as much as we should about other factors like the environment and community influences on kids’ eating habits.

Several important limitations should be kept in mind. First, most of the studies reviewed were weak in quality, meaning they might not have measured things perfectly or might have missed important information. Second, most studies only looked at parental influence and didn’t study other factors as much, so we might be overestimating how important parents are simply because that’s what was studied most. Third, the studies came mostly from European Mediterranean countries, so the findings might not apply as well to Mediterranean countries in other regions. Finally, this review looked at what factors are connected to eating Mediterranean food, but it doesn’t prove that changing one factor will definitely change eating habits—that would require different types of studies.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a parent wanting to help your child eat healthier Mediterranean food: (1) Eat Mediterranean foods yourself and enjoy them—kids learn by watching you, (2) Involve your child in shopping for and preparing Mediterranean meals, (3) Make Mediterranean foods available and easy to eat at home, (4) Encourage physical activity and limit screen time, (5) Talk positively about healthy foods. These recommendations are based on the available research but should be combined with advice from your child’s doctor or a nutrition expert. Confidence level: Moderate—the research points in this direction, but stronger studies are needed.

Parents of young children (ages 3-8) in Mediterranean countries should pay special attention to this research. It’s also relevant for teachers, school administrators, and policymakers in these regions who want to improve children’s nutrition. Healthcare providers working with children can use this information when counseling families. However, if you live outside Mediterranean countries, the specific foods mentioned might not apply, though the principle that parents influence children’s eating is universal.

Changes in children’s eating habits don’t happen overnight. Research suggests it typically takes several weeks to months of consistent exposure to new foods before children become comfortable eating them. You might see small changes in willingness to try foods within 2-4 weeks, but establishing a real habit usually takes 2-3 months of regular practice. Be patient and consistent.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily Mediterranean food servings for both parent and child (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, olive oil). Use a simple checklist: Did parent eat Mediterranean foods today? Did child eat Mediterranean foods today? Aim for at least 3-4 servings per day for each person.
  • Set a weekly goal to cook one new Mediterranean recipe together as a family. Use the app to log which recipe you tried, how your child reacted, and whether they’d eat it again. This creates positive associations with healthy cooking and involves your child in the process.
  • Use the app to track the correlation between your own Mediterranean diet adherence and your child’s over 8-12 weeks. Create a simple graph showing both parent and child intake to visualize the connection. This reinforces the research finding that parental modeling matters most.

This research review provides general information about factors that may influence children’s eating habits and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice. The findings are based on reviewing existing studies, some of which had quality limitations. Every child is unique, and eating habits are influenced by many factors including allergies, medical conditions, and individual preferences. Before making significant changes to your child’s diet, consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance based on your child’s individual health needs and circumstances. This information is intended to support conversations with healthcare providers, not replace professional medical advice.