Studies have found that picky eaters are discouraged from food because of the color of the utensils

In a first-of-its-kind study, scholars examined the effects of
color on picky eaters and non-picky eaters.

Previous research has shown that the smell and texture of food affects the taste of picky eaters, but little
is known about other senses.

A team of researchers at the University of Portsmouth has found that the colour of the bowl serving food also affects the sense of
taste.

The experiment invited nearly 50 people to measure their neophobia, which is unwillingness to eat or try new foods
.
Participants were divided into picky eaters and non-picky eaters, and then they tasted the same snacks
served in red, white, and blue bowls.

The results showed that people in the picky eater group were affected by both the saltiness and taste of the food, while those who were not picky eaters did not
.

Specifically, snacks in red and blue bowls were saltier compared to white bowls, while snacks in red bowls were the least popular
.
In the UK, salty snacks are often sold in blue packaging, which the team thinks may explain some of the salty findings
.

Dr Lorenzo Stafford, a researcher at the University of Portsmouth's Department of Psychology, said: "Restricting your diet can not only lead to nutritional deficiencies, but also to health problems such as heart disease, poor bone health and dental problems
.
" There are also social costs, as what is usually a pleasant moment between family members can easily turn into a stressful, anxious, and conflicting situation when picky eaters feel ashamed or pressured to eat
.

"That's why it's important
to understand what drives and pulls this behavior.
"

Picky eating behaviors are often categorized as limited diet, special food preparation, strong dislike, and difficulty accepting new foods
.
Over the course of their lives, picky eaters typically eat fewer than 20 different foods
.

The paper, published in the journal Food Quality and Preferences, says the study is considered the first insight into the interplay between color and taste, revealing the different ways
color affects the perception of food in picky eaters.

It recommends further research to see if the findings apply beyond
the food and color being tested.

Dr Stafford added: "This knowledge could be useful
to those trying to expand the range of food.
"

"For example, if you want to encourage a picky eater to try more vegetables, which are notoriously considered bitter, you can try putting them on a plate or bowl that is known to increase sweetness
.

"With further research, we can identify ways to help positively influence a person's diet, thereby affecting their mental and physical health
.
"