Encouraging Food Exploration Through TV Shows

At Innovative Therapy Center’s Feeding Therapy Clinic, we know that helping kids become more comfortable with food isn’t just about what happens at the table. Exposure to food in fun, low-pressure ways—like books, play, and even TV shows—can build curiosity and excitement about trying something new.

While screen time is often a hot topic in parenting, the right kind of programming can be a powerful tool for introducing kids to the magic of food and cooking. Watching other children (and sometimes even puppets!) explore food can spark interest and make new ingredients feel less intimidating.

Here are some shows we recommend for encouraging food exploration at home:

👩‍🍳 Kid-Friendly Cooking Competitions

• MasterChef Junior – Young home chefs compete while learning real cooking skills. Inspiring and full of creativity.

• Kids Baking Championship – Kids ages 8–13 show off their baking talents in a supportive competition.

• The Great British Baking Show: Junior – A children’s version of the hit show that emphasizes teamwork and tasty creations.

• Be Our Chef – A Disney-themed cooking competition for families with a touch of Disney magic.

🧁 Playful & Imaginative Food Shows

• The Tiny Chef Show – A lovable puppet who cooks tiny dishes while problem-solving in silly, fun ways.

• Waffles + Mochi – Hosted by Michelle Obama, this show introduces kids to a wide range of foods and cooking traditions.

• Duff’s Happy Fun Bake Time – Chef Duff Goldman brings humor and antics into the kitchen, making food fun.

• I Draw, You Cook – Chefs compete to create real dishes based on children’s imaginative drawings.

🍲 For a Family Food Adventure

• Chopped – While not geared specifically toward kids, this show is great for seeing creative ways to combine unexpected foods. Watching together can lead to conversations about experimenting at home.

• Nailed It! – Amateur bakers attempt to recreate elaborate desserts, with plenty of laughs along the way. It’s a great reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun.

Why This Matters for Feeding Therapy

Exposure to food through TV shows can:

• Spark curiosity about new foods and ingredients

• Reduce fear of unfamiliar foods by seeing others interact with them

• Encourage conversation about cooking, textures, and flavors

• Build excitement for cooking or food play at home

Just like food play and trips to the farmer’s market, watching shows about food can be another low-pressure way to support your child’s feeding journey.

Bringing It Home

The next time your family is looking for a show to watch, try one of these food-centered programs. Encourage your child to talk about what looks yummy, what seems interesting, or what they’d like to try making. You might even spark an idea for your next family cooking adventure!

At Innovative Therapy Center, our feeding therapists use strategies like these to help children build positive, confident relationships with food. If mealtimes are a struggle in your home, we’d love to partner with you to make food fun again.

📞 Contact us today to learn more about our Feeding Therapy Clinic and how we can support your child’s journey with food, 330-595-9059.