London, UK - 2 September 2024: New research from MSC Cruises reveals that children in Birmingham are considered some of the UK’s fussiest eaters, while kids in London stand out for being the most adventurous at the dinner table.
In a survey of 2,000 parents of children aged six to 16, the research dished out the details on which UK cities have the pickiest and most adventurous eaters. Birmingham took the top spot for pickiness, followed by Newcastle and Leicester, where mealtime negotiations ruled the dinner table.
The findings also revealed that 37% of parents frequently struggle with dinnertime dramas, due to their children’s limited tastes, with 83% finding it even more challenging while on holiday abroad. This is where MSC Cruises, with its global fleet, steps in, offering a solution that keeps every family member happy. MSC Virtuosa, one of the line's most popular ships, boasts 10 different restaurants, from the elegant main restaurant to world-class dining concepts and authentic gastronomic experiences, the ship caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters find something they love.
To help parents navigate these challenges, MSC Cruises not only provides a variety of onboard dining options but also curates shore excursions that introduce families to new culinary experiences in a fun and engaging way. Whether it’s a pizza-making class in Italy or a chocolate-tasting tour in the Caribbean, there are plenty of opportunities for even the pickiest eaters to expand their culinary horizons.
And to bring the research to life, MSC Cruises created an interactive map of the UK which reveals how picky kids are across the nation, when it comes to food and how this affects families’ holiday plans. Check out which town has the trickiest tastes by viewing the interactive map here.
The study also revealed that 22% of parents are driven to frustration by their kids’ refusal to try new foods on vacation, while 18% are left wondering why the pasta abroad doesn’t look like the one back home. It’s no wonder that 63% of parents admit that food options play a big role in where they choose to travel, with 14% so stressed out by the thought of limited choices, that they’d actually cancel a trip.
Antonio Paradiso, VP of International Sales and Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland: “From our research, it’s interesting to see what an important role food preferences and cuisine play in holiday habits and travel itineraries. It’s apparent that parents have their work cut out for them to keep their youngsters happy – whether that’s here at home or further afield. We’ve also observed that kids can be pickier on holiday as they can’t always access the food they can get at home, and this can have a real impact on family travel.”
“For parents, going somewhere they know they’ll have options can be a load off the mind. With a wide variety of restaurants on board our ships, ranging from international cuisine to relaxed buffet experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. MSC Cruises offers parents the chance to truly unwind, leaving the cooking and meal planning to our experienced cruise chefs. We want parents and kids to be able to indulge in all their favourite food choices – and focus on creating memories together.”
To try and get kids more interested in food, the South-West is the place most likely to get kids into the kitchen at a young age to help cooking, with residents of Bristol and Plymouth opting for this tactic (58%). But 45% of Liverpudlian parents will use sweet treats or familiar foods as a negotiation tactic to encourage their children to try something new.
But not all parents can keep their temper when it comes to tastebuds – in fact, one in four parents admit to losing their cool when their kids refuse to taste a dish, they believe their children would enjoy. The study also gathered insights directly from the children, with 54% admitting they’ve declined to try a new food simply because it 'looked weird,' and nearly six in 10 (59%) confessed they’d eat pizza on holiday every day, if they could.
For families looking to explore new destinations without the stress of finding suitable dining options, MSC Cruises offers a variety of routes throughout the year. From the sun-soaked Mediterranean and the scenic Norwegian fjords to the exotic Caribbean islands, guests can explore the world through their taste buds with MSC Cruises offering of traditional favourites and sumptuous new flavours, with the comfort of knowing that even the most selective eaters will be well catered for.
The interactive map of the UK's holiday food habits is available here.
For more information on MSC Cruises’ family-friendly routes and onboard dining options, visit https://www.msccruises.ie
1One Poll Survey of 2,000 people commissioned by MSC Cruises in August 2024
