Research shows that children ages 7 to 9 who understand nutrition better tend to like healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables significantly more than children with less nutrition knowledge. A 2026 cross-sectional study of 14,548 Polish schoolchildren found that kids who enjoyed fruits, vegetables, water, and juices scored highest on nutrition knowledge tests, while those preferring sugary drinks and junk food scored lowest. This suggests that nutrition education combined with hands-on learning experiences might help children develop healthier food preferences.
A large study of over 14,500 Polish children in grades 1-3 found that kids who understand nutrition better tend to like healthier foods more. According to Gram Research analysis, children who enjoyed fruits, vegetables, and water had stronger nutrition knowledge, while kids who preferred sugary drinks and junk food knew less about healthy eating. The research suggests that teaching children about nutrition might help them develop a taste for better foods, though more studies are needed to prove this connection works both ways.
Key Statistics
A 2026 cross-sectional study of 14,548 Polish children ages 7 to 9 found that liking fruits, vegetables, water, and juices was associated with a nutrition knowledge score increase of 3.379 points compared to children with other food preferences.
Among 14,548 first- to third-grade students in Poland, children who preferred sugar-sweetened beverages showed nutrition knowledge scores that were 1.268 points lower than children with other beverage preferences, according to a 2026 nationwide study.
A 2026 study of 14,548 Polish schoolchildren found that greater liking of energy-dense discretionary foods, such as high-calorie snacks, was associated with nutrition knowledge scores that were 0.832 points lower than children preferring other foods.
In a 2026 cross-sectional analysis of 14,548 children ages 7 to 9, liking less commonly preferred recommended foods showed the strongest positive association with nutrition knowledge, with a score increase of 4.171 points.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether children who know more about nutrition tend to like healthier foods compared to children who know less about nutrition
- Who participated: 14,548 children ages 7 to 9 years old in Poland, attending first through third grade in regular schools across the country
- Key finding: Kids with better nutrition knowledge liked healthy foods like fruits and vegetables significantly more, while kids who preferred sugary drinks and junk food scored lower on nutrition knowledge tests
- What it means for you: Teaching kids about nutrition in school might help them develop healthier food preferences, though this study shows the connection exists rather than proving teaching causes better preferences. Parents and teachers could use this as motivation to combine nutrition education with hands-on activities like cooking together.
The Research Details
Researchers surveyed 14,548 children in Poland during the Junior-Edu-Zywienie Project, asking them questions about their nutrition knowledge and which foods they liked. The children answered questionnaires about basic nutrition facts and rated how much they liked different foods. The researchers then used statistical methods to group similar food preferences together and see how these patterns connected to nutrition knowledge scores. This type of study, called cross-sectional, takes a snapshot at one point in time rather than following children over months or years.
This large sample size from across Poland gives researchers confidence that the patterns they found represent real trends in how children think about food. By studying so many children at once, the researchers could identify clear connections between what kids know about nutrition and what foods they actually enjoy. Understanding these connections helps educators and parents figure out whether teaching nutrition knowledge might naturally lead kids to prefer healthier foods.
The study’s main strength is its large number of participants from different parts of Poland, which makes the findings more reliable and representative of children in that country. The study was published in a peer-reviewed nutrition journal, meaning other experts reviewed the work before publication. However, because this is a snapshot study rather than following children over time, researchers cannot prove that nutrition knowledge causes kids to like healthy foods better, only that the two go together.
What the Results Show
Children who liked fruits, vegetables, water, and juices showed the strongest connection to higher nutrition knowledge scores. Kids who enjoyed less commonly liked recommended foods, meaning healthy options they don’t usually eat, also had significantly better nutrition knowledge. On the flip side, children who preferred sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and energy drinks had noticeably lower nutrition knowledge scores. Kids who liked energy-dense discretionary foods, which means high-calorie snacks and junk foods, also scored lower on nutrition knowledge tests. The strength of these connections was statistically significant, meaning the patterns were strong enough that they were unlikely to happen by chance.
The study found that children’s grade level in school mattered, with older children in the study showing different patterns than younger ones. Where children lived, whether in cities or rural areas, also affected their nutrition knowledge. Children who expressed interest in nutrition-related topics at school showed higher nutrition knowledge scores overall. These factors worked independently, meaning each one contributed separately to how much children knew about nutrition.
This research builds on earlier studies showing that nutrition knowledge and food preferences are connected in children. Previous research suggested these two factors might influence each other, but this large Polish study provides stronger evidence of the connection in a specific population. The findings align with educational theories suggesting that knowledge and preferences develop together, though researchers note that more studies are needed to understand whether teaching nutrition actually changes what kids like to eat.
This study shows that nutrition knowledge and food preferences go together, but it cannot prove that one causes the other. The study was conducted only in Poland, so the results may not apply exactly the same way to children in other countries with different food cultures and school systems. The study relied on children’s own reports about what they like and what they know, which might not be completely accurate. Researchers did not measure actual eating habits or nutritional health, only preferences and knowledge. Finally, the study captured only one moment in time, so we do not know if these patterns stay the same as children grow older.
The Bottom Line
Schools should consider combining nutrition education with hands-on activities like cooking classes and food tastings to help children learn about healthy foods while developing a taste for them. Parents can support this by discussing nutrition at home and involving children in meal planning and preparation. These recommendations have moderate confidence because the study shows a strong connection but does not prove that education causes preference changes. More research is needed before making major changes to school nutrition programs based solely on this finding.
Parents, teachers, school administrators, and nutrition educators should pay attention to these findings. Children ages 7 to 9 are the primary focus, though the insights may apply to slightly older or younger children as well. Policymakers developing school nutrition and health education programs should consider these results when planning curriculum. Children who already enjoy healthy foods may benefit less from this approach than children who prefer junk food and sugary drinks.
Changes in food preferences typically develop slowly in children. If schools implement nutrition education combined with hands-on learning, parents might notice shifts in children’s interest in healthy foods within a few weeks to a few months. However, developing lasting preference changes usually takes several months to a year of consistent exposure and education. Individual children will respond differently based on their age, personality, and home environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does teaching kids about nutrition make them like healthy foods more?
This study shows that kids who know more about nutrition do like healthy foods more, but it does not prove that teaching causes this preference. A 2026 study of 14,548 children found strong connections between nutrition knowledge and liking fruits and vegetables, suggesting education combined with hands-on activities like cooking might help develop healthier preferences.
What foods do children with good nutrition knowledge prefer?
Children with stronger nutrition knowledge significantly prefer fruits, vegetables, water, and juices. A 2026 study of 14,548 Polish schoolchildren found these preferences were most strongly linked to higher nutrition knowledge scores, while sugary drinks and junk food preferences were linked to lower knowledge scores.
At what age should parents start teaching kids about nutrition?
This study focused on children ages 7 to 9 in grades 1 to 3, showing that nutrition knowledge and food preferences are already connected at this age. Starting nutrition education in early elementary school appears beneficial, though younger children may also benefit from age-appropriate food education.
Can kids change their food preferences if they learn about nutrition?
This study shows that kids who know more about nutrition like healthier foods, but it does not prove learning changes preferences. Researchers suggest combining nutrition education with hands-on activities like cooking classes and food tastings may help children develop healthier food preferences over time.
Why do some kids like junk food more than healthy food?
A 2026 study of 14,548 children found that kids who prefer sugary drinks and junk food tend to have lower nutrition knowledge scores. This suggests that lack of understanding about nutrition may contribute to preferring unhealthy foods, though taste preferences are also influenced by habit, family eating patterns, and food marketing.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your child’s nutrition knowledge by noting which healthy foods they mention learning about at school each week, and record which new foods they express interest in trying. Rate their willingness to try fruits and vegetables on a scale of 1 to 10 weekly to monitor changes over time.
- Use the app to create a weekly cooking challenge where you and your child prepare one new healthy recipe together, then rate how much they enjoyed it. Link this activity to nutrition facts they learned at school to reinforce the connection between knowledge and food appreciation.
- Set monthly check-ins to review your child’s favorite foods and compare them to their nutrition knowledge growth. Track which types of foods they mention liking or disliking, and note any shifts toward healthier preferences as their nutrition education increases. Use this data to identify which teaching methods and activities seem most effective for your child.
This research shows an association between nutrition knowledge and food preferences in children ages 7 to 9, but does not prove that teaching nutrition causes children to prefer healthier foods. Individual results may vary based on age, family background, cultural food traditions, and personal taste preferences. Before making significant changes to your child’s diet or nutrition education, consult with your pediatrician or a registered dietitian. This article is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical or nutritional advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.