Sensory food issues can be incredibly frustrating as a parent, especially when your child refuses food with seemingly no reason behind it.
Even if you’ve figured out the texture or sensory issue causing the problem, it can cut out full food groups, which might leave you worrying about nutrition deficiencies.
The good news is that there are ways to navigate sensory food challenges while making sure your kiddo gets the nutrients they need. Let’s break down sensory food issues and discuss some helpful strategies.
What Are Sensory Food Difficulties?
Sensory food difficulties happen when kids refuse food because of how it feels, smells, or looks.
Picky eating, on the other hand, is usually about selective food preferences based on emotions or a fear of new foods, rather than specific textures. One key difference is that most picky eaters grow out of their food preferences, but sensory food difficulties can last longer.
Sensory issues can show up in various ways:
- Refusing foods with a specific texture
- Gagging or coughing due to the smell or taste of food
- Eliminating entire food groups
- Unable to have certain textures on their plate
- Becoming emotional about specific foods
Sensory processing issues are common in neurodivergent children, as their brains may struggle to filter and process sensory information properly. This means their response to sensory stimuli, like the texture or smell of food, can be overwhelming.
Understanding this can help reduce frustration and encourage more patience when introducing new foods.
Nutrition Priorities for Kids with Sensory Food Needs
Since sensory food aversions can result in eliminating major food groups, it’s crucial to be extra mindful of their nutrition to support healthy growth and development.
Supplements Might Be Necessary
If your child’s diet is limited by sensory issues, supplements might help fill in nutritional gaps. Consider a multi-vitamin or a fiber supplement to help fill in the gaps (no need for a greens powder!). Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing new supplements.
Variety is Key
Although WAY easier said than done, try to keep as many foods as possible on your child’s “accepted” list. The more variety they eat, the more nutrients they get, which can help prevent selective eating from becoming more restrictive.
Consult with Your Pediatrician
If you’re concerned about your child’s growth or nutrient intake, it’s always a good idea to talk to your pediatrician. They can help assess any potential deficiencies and suggest a plan moving forward. If you’d like some quick advice, feel free to reach out for a 10-minute free consultation.
Healthy Options for Sensory Food Groups
It’s essential to continue offering healthy foods, even if your child struggles with certain textures. Here are some ideas for sensory-friendly foods, categorized by texture:
Crunchy Foods
Crunchy Edamame Beans
Rice Cakes
Cheese Crisps
Hippea Chickpea Puffs
Snap Peas
Freeze Dried Fruit
Crunchy Chickpeas
Jimica Sticks
Coconut Chips
Roasted Pistachios
Harvest Snaps
Roasted Seaweed Crisps
Sea Salt Popcorn
Popcorners
Sweet Potato Chips
Crunchy Corn
Moon Cheese Cheddar Puffs
Soft & Mushy Foods
Bananas
Avocado
Chia Smash Snack Bites
Potatoes (soft)
Lentils
Squeezeable Smoothie Pops
Oranges
Peaches
Scrambled Eggs
Beans
That’s It Fruit Bars
Tofu
YUMI “Nutrigrain” Bars
Yo! Bars
Nut Butter Dates
Berries
Mango
Wet & Saucy Foods
Yogurt
Noka Smoothie Pouches
Hummus
Cerebelly Pouches
Cottage Cheese
Chia Seed Pudding
Noka Smoothie Pouches
Hummus Cups
Tzatziki Sauce
Chia Seed Drink Pouches
Nut Butter Pouches
Whole Milk Kefir
Feeding Tips with Sensory Food Aversion
If your child has sensory food aversion, here are some practical tips to make mealtime easier for both of you:
1. Optimize What They Do Eat
Focus on making the foods your child does accept as nutritionally rich as possible. Add protein, drizzle with olive oil to add calories, or blend with veggies to add fiber. Examples here.
You can also use food chaining—a method where you slowly introduce new textures by gradually modifying foods they already enjoy. But go slow on this! Try changing just one aspect of the taste, temperature, texture, or time of day the food is offered. Examples of food chaining here.
2. Encourage Food Interaction Outside the Table
Let your child interact with food in non-pressure situations. This might include smelling, touching, or playing with food during craft time, cooking together, or reading books about food. This helps them become more comfortable with food without pressure!
Here’s a list of book recommendations that get your kiddo interacting with food.
3. Work with a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
If you suspect that structural issues with chewing or swallowing are contributing to food aversion, an SLP can help assess and address these concerns.
4. Use Calorie Boosters
If you’re concerned that your little one isn’t getting enough food, you can add healthy calorie boosters to the foods they already accept. Nut butters, full-fat dairy, or healthy fats like olive oil and avocado can help provide extra nutrients and calories without adding too much stress.
5. Encourage Play, Not Pressure
Researchs shows that pressure to eat only leads to lower overall food intake and more food refusals. Encourage food interaction with play and exploration.
Instead of “please take a bite, you need to eat your lunch”….try “should we have a crunching content with our carrots?”
Instead of “you can have a cookie if you eat all your brocolli….try “how do you think a bunny rabbit would bite this broccoli? What about a kitty cat?”
The less pressure you put on your child, the more likely they’ll feel comfortable trying new foods.
6. Assess Their Stimulation Levels
Before offering food, check on your kiddo’s sensory state.
If they’re overstimulated, help them meet these sensory needs with calming music, turning off any loud cooking utensils, or wearing head phones.
If they’re understimulated, try a fidget toy, playing fun music, letting them stand at the table, or allowing them to play for 5 minutes before the meal.
Assessing stimulation allows your kiddo to come to the table with supported sensory needs to help them focus on the food.
7. Offer New Foods During Low-Stress Times
Try introducing new foods at snack time or during dessert. These times tend to be less stressful, so your child may be more willing to try something new without the pressure of a full meal.
8. Talk to Your Pediatrician About Medications
If you think medications might be affecting your child’s appetite, discuss this with your pediatrician. They can provide guidance on how to manage any changes in hunger levels.
If your child struggles with sensory food aversion, remember it’s okay to take things slow. Small, consistent steps will eventually lead to progress. Be patient, continue offering a variety of textures, and always keep the focus on positive food experiences.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or alone in the process – let’s work together! As a pediatric dietitian specializing in neurodivergent kids, I’d love to help your family craft a game plan. Schedule a free 10 minute consultation here.
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