For millions of parents, it’s a familiar struggle: You serve a nutritious dinner full of fresh vegetables, but the kids push it away and demand frozen chicken nuggets instead.
The popular processed food is loved by children and adults alike, and Americans eat 2.3 billion servings of chicken nuggets each year.
The obsession with children’s nuggets became evident in early November when Tyson Foods recalled about 30,000 pounds of dinosaur-shaped “Fun Nuggets” because of traces of metal in the patties.
On social media, parents panicked, worried about how their children would cope without their favorite treat.
It was long thought that the sky-high sugar, salt and fat content in nuggets made them irresistible to young taste buds. However, nutritionists now say that this is not the case.
Both kids and adults love chicken nuggets, and Americans eat 2.3 billion servings of them each year
Ali Bandier, a registered dietitian and founder of Senta Health, said the biggest factor is their bland taste.
“Chicken nuggets don’t have a strong flavor profile and can often be perceived as bland,” she told Yahoo Lifestyle.
“Fried foods such as chicken nuggets, pasta and bread often appeal to children who are sensory sensitive, reluctant or picky.”
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Diana Rice, a registered dietitian from Oklahoma, added that nuggets are “easier to chew than other protein sources,” such as: B. a tough steak or a chicken breast.
This is important for children who do not yet understand how food works.
Children may be wary of more complex, multi-layered meals, but they can “find their way” with the nuggets, Rice told Yahoo Life.
And nuggets are familiar to children.
“Kids are used to it [nuggets] because we serve it to them from childhood.”
Ms Bandier added: “Children are more likely to accept the food that is offered to them the most.”
“Chicken nuggets tend to be offered much more often than, say, meatballs. Repeated exposure of chicken nuggets makes them feel safe for children.”
Some children may only eat a certain type of nuggets because of “sensory loyalty,” Ms. Rice said.
“There is a certain neophobia among children.” [the fear of anything new]”What happens if I try this new thing and it’s an experience in my mouth that I don’t enjoy?”
Chicken nuggets, on the other hand, are “predictable.”
The experts say parents should not feel guilty about turning on the freezer on busy days. Ms. Bandier even says it in lump form Chicken can make children feel full and satisfied and is a good source of protein.
She adds that air-frying nuggets or looking for fried options with lean chicken can be healthier choices worth considering.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
