If you’ve ever tried serving a child a plate of lentils and watched them stare at it like it’s from another planet… you’re not alone. 

Kids can be picky. That’s true whether you’re feeding them meat, veggies, or anything in between. But the good news is that plant-based meals can be just as fun, tasty, and familiar as their usual favourites – sometimes they won’t even notice the difference! 

Here’s how to make plant-based eating kid-friendly (and actually eaten). 

Pasta is a kid classic, and it’s super easy to make plant-based. 

Kid-approved ideas: 

• Tomato and hidden veg sauce: blend carrots, peppers and courgettes into the tomato base so they never see them coming 

• Vegan mac & cheese: creamy sauces made from cashews, sweet potatoes, or dairy-free cheese work brilliantly 

• Pesto pasta: keep it bright and fresh, and throw in some peas for extra greens 

You don’t have to ban fun foods, just swap the ingredients. 

Kid-approved ideas: 

• Lentil or bean burgers served with chips and ketchup 

• Store-bought vegan nuggets 

• Vegan fish finger sandwiches 

Pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and plant-based versions are just as delicious. 

Kid-approved ideas: 

• Use a dairy-free cheese that melts well

• Let the kids choose their own toppings: sweetcorn, mushrooms, pineapple and peppers

• Try pita bread or wraps for mini DIY pizzas

Wraps are hands-on and fun to build, which instantly makes them more exciting for kids. 

Kid-approved ideas: 

• Bean and sweet potato quesadillas with vegan cheese 

• Hummus and veggie wraps (thinly sliced cucumber, peppers and carrots) 

• Breakfast burritos with tofu scramble, hash browns and salsa 

Sometimes you just need the cosy, familiar meals. 

Kid-approved ideas: 

• Bangers and mash: vegan sausages with creamy plant-based mash and peas 

• Shepherd’s pie: made with lentils and topped with fluffy mash 

• Jacket potatoes: loaded with baked beans and a sprinkle of vegan cheese 

Plant-based doesn’t mean no dessert. 

Kid-approved ideas: 

• Banana “nice cream”: frozen bananas blended with cocoa or berries 

• Dairy-free brownies or flapjacks 

• Fruit skewers with a drizzle of melted vegan chocolate 

• Start with the familiar: swap meat for plant-based alternatives in dishes they already love 

• Make it fun: cut sandwiches into shapes, let them build their own wraps or pizzas 

• Get them involved: kids are more likely to eat something they helped make 

• Don’t sweat the misses: not every meal will be a hit, and that’s okay 

• Going 50 per cent plant-based as a family doesn’t have to mean mealtime battles. With a little creativity and a focus on flavour, you can serve up meals that kids will love, and you’ll feel good about. 

  And remember, every plant-based swap is a win for your family’s health and the planet.