New research from the UK’s leading children’s food brand, Organix, reveals that over a third of parents are hesitant to sample their baby’s food, with texture emerging as a key factor in this reluctance. The study highlights that 34% of parents admit to almost never tasting their child’s food, with 58% citing personal aversions to certain textures as a significant influence on their food choices for their baby.
This hesitation is particularly pronounced among younger parents, with nearly half (42%) of those aged 18-24 avoiding their baby’s food due to concerns about texture and taste. Despite these concerns, the research shows that many parents do taste their child’s food, with 37% doing so out of anxiety about its nutritional value, and 50% driven by curiosity to experience the flavour and quality.
Hollyoaks star and new mother Jessica Fox, along with dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine, founder of Mummy Nutrition, is spearheading a campaign to encourage parents to embrace the textures of baby food. The ‘Taste the Texture Challenge’ aims to make introducing diverse textures and flavours to babies a fun and interactive experience for both parents and their little ones.
Jessica Fox, mother to 11-month-old River, shared her own experiences with the weaning process, noting the pressure parents feel to make the right nutritional choices for their children. “Feeding my baby has been a daunting responsibility, and I understand why some parents might be hesitant to try baby food—the texture can be off-putting. But it’s so important to taste the food we’re giving our most precious little ones,” she said.
Organix’s research underscores the importance of parents engaging in the act of trying their baby’s food. The study found that 84% of children mimic their parents when eating, highlighting the role of shared experiences in shaping a child’s eating habits and fostering a deeper connection between parent and child.
Jessica added, “No parent has a perfect weaning journey, but I’ve realised it’s about exploring textures together. It’s a shared adventure that connects us. Organix is a brand I genuinely love and trust. Their meals have become our go-to because they offer the perfect texture and taste for each stage of the weaning journey.”
The research also reveals that many parents are unsure about the appropriate feeding practices during weaning. A fifth of parents lack confidence in knowing what to feed their baby at each stage, and 20% mistakenly believe that delaying texture progression will not lead to feeding challenges later on.
Nichola Ludlam-Raine, who has been a fan and ambassador for Organix, emphasised the importance of introducing a wide variety of textures during weaning. “Exposure to new tastes and textures is crucial for the initial acceptance of foods and the development of healthy eating behaviours. It’s important to remember that no two weaning journeys are the same, but gradually increasing texture is key for optimal development.”
Organix’s award-winning range of baby meal pots is designed to introduce a wide variety of tastes, textures, and flavours for every stage of development. The meals, packed with over 55% vegetables and pulses, follow planetary health principles and come in recyclable pots, making them both nutritious and environmentally friendly.
For more information and tips on introducing texture during weaning, parents are encouraged to visit www.organix.com and take part in the ‘Taste the Texture Challenge’ to help their babies explore new tastes and textures.