Hidden Vegetables; Creating a Big Impact Without the Fuss

Vegetables are an important part of a balanced diet, especially for young, growing children, but convincing little ones to eat them can be a daily challenge for many families. At Imagine Childcare, we’re always looking for fun, creative ways to support healthy eating habits, and hidden vegetables are one of our favourites!

Children can be very selective eaters, especially when it comes to unfamiliar textures, colours, or flavours. By incorporating vegetables into meals in a sneaky yet nutritious way, children still receive the benefits of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, often without even realising they’re eating something “green.”

Hidden vegetables are also a great stepping stone towards helping fussy eaters become more familiar with the flavours of vegetables, while reducing the stress of mealtimes.

Apple, Banana, and Cinammon muffins at Imagine Childcare and Preschool Tamworth

Apple, Banana, and Cinnamon muffins at Imagine Childcare and Preschool Tamworth

At Imagine Childcare, our Centre Chefs and Educators know how to turn fussy mealtimes into vegetable victories. Here are some of our favourite ways we include hidden veggies in everyday meals:

🥕 Veggie-packed brownies – Grated carrot, zucchini, pumpkin, and even spinach are blended into brownie mixture.

🧁 Muffins with a twist – Carrot and zucchini muffins are a big hit with little tastebuds and a smart way to add extra fibre.

🍕 Homemade pizza with blended vegetable bases – We love using vegetable-rich tomato sauces on pizza. Children typically also have the option to add mushrooms, pineapple, capsicum, and other colourful fruits and vegetables to their toppings as well.

At Imagine Childcare, our approach to healthy eating isn’t just about what’s on the plate, it’s also about how children feel about food. We create a positive mealtime environment where children are encouraged to try new things without pressure. Through hands-on gardening activities, children plant seedlings, nurture them as they grow into herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and then help harvest and cook with them. When children are involved in the process from garden to plate, they feel proud of their contribution and are far more likely to taste and enjoy the final dish.

Cooking our own carrot cake with fresh produce at Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Southport

We also use every opportunity to talk about food in fun and engaging ways such as discussing colours, shapes, and even where veggies come from. Through play-based learning, gardening activities, and sensory experiences, children build positive associations with healthy food.

Creating a fruit market stall to give children the autonomy to pick their own healthy snack at Imagine Childcare and Preschool Blueridge Park

Hidden vegetables are a great place to start, but the ultimate goal is helping children appreciate vegetables in all their crunchy, colourful glory. By combining creative cooking with positive food experiences, Imagine Childcare supports children in building a healthy relationship with food that lasts a lifetime.

Follow us on Facebook to see other ways our Imagine Childcare centres incorporate healthy eating habits into everyday curriculums.

Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Smithfield, Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Melton, and Imagine Childcare and Kindergarten Andergrove are opening soon. Follow them on Facebook to receive regular updates on their progress.

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