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Shopping with Kids

Small choices at the shop can make a big difference at home. Here are some of our top tips for simple ways to involve and engage children.

How can shopping help my child eat more veg, fruit & beans?

Get them involved before the food even gets home!

You don’t need big changes or extra time. Getting kids involved in shopping (whether in-store or online) helps them feel more interested, more confident, and more open to trying new foods later.

Try one of these easy tips to get them engaging with veg, fruit & beans while shopping.

Let them help plan

Before you shop, ask you child to help choose a meal or pick a fruit, veg or bean to add to the list. Keep it simple with just a couple of options – feeling involved makes a big difference.

Give them a job

At the shop (or at home with online orders), give them a role. They can hold the list, tick things off, scan items or help unpack. Being part of the process builds interest and ownership.

Let them choose (within limits)

Offer two or three options: “Should we get broccoli or carrots?” or “Kidney beans or chickpeas?”

Small choices help children feel in control without overwhelming them.

Make fruit & veg the focus

Ask them to help pick the ‘best’ apples, the brightest peppers, or their favourite berries. Talk about colours, shapes and textures. It all helps to make food feel more familiar.

Use labels as a game

Turn the traffic light system into a game, challenging kids to find the green or amber foods and spot the red ones to help you make healthier choices they are involved in!

Talk about food as you go

Shopping is a great time to chat, and keeps younger kids distracted. Talk about what you’re buying, how you’ll cook it, or what it tastes like. Keeping it relaxed and positive helps build familiarity over time.

Get them involved at home

Unpacking and putting food away is all part of the process. Let them wash fruit, put veg in the fridge, or stack tins of beans. It all builds connection with the food.

Shopping online? It still counts!

Children can still help plan meals, choose items, and unpack when it’s delivered. The key is involvement, not where you shop.