How adventurous under-fives like pak choi and quinoa

QUINOA has become the baby food of choice for many families as the proteinrich grain is an unexpected hit with the under-fives.

A survey found that nearly one in 10 pre-schoolers has tried quinoa, which is often used as a superior alternative to couscous or rice. Youngsters are also tucking into other adventurous choices, including olives and hummus.

Many have their first taste of curry, aubergine and even pak choi before their fifth birthday. And one in 20 under-fives has eaten mussels.

Over half of parents of young children said their sons and daughters had a more varied diet than they do.

The research was conducted by food manufacturer Kiddylicious. They surveyed 2,000 parents, 1,000 who have an under -five and 1,000 who have children aged 20 and over.

Nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed said: “Youngsters are eating far more exotic and adventurous foods from an early age. Olives, quinoa and couscous weren’t readily available in previous generations but are now staple items in a lot of households.”