I don’t want to taste that! Why do children refuse to taste new foods?

Food neophobia is defined as the rejection of new foods. It is very frequent in children between 3 and 6 years of age. But, from that moment onwards, we may encounter neophobic adults if this issue isn’t solved. Different studies link this problem with an unbalanced diet. The research project developed by Edurne Maiz and her team has observed that neophobic children have lower self-esteem and higher anxiety levels. The role of their parents is essential to prevent food neophobia from becoming a true problem.

Edurne Maiz, professor of Psychology of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, will offer a conference under the title: ‘I don’t want to taste that! Why do children refuse to taste new foods?’. The event will take place on 9 February in Azkuna Zentroa, and the lecture will be in Basque.

Zientziateka is a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Azkuna Zentroa to raise awareness of current scientific matters.

Tickets should be collected from the Azkuna Zentroa Information Point from 1 February. Entry is free.