Picky Eating vs. Problem Eating: Understanding the Difference

When it comes to eating habits, many of us may encounter children or even adults who seem to have a narrow range of foods they will consume. Some may refuse to try new things, while others may outright reject meals based on texture or taste. This can lead to confusion, especially for parents or caregivers. The terms “picky eating” and “problem eating” are often used interchangeably, but there are key differences between the two. Understanding these distinctions can help in identifying the right approach to support healthy eating behaviors.

What is Picky Eating?

• Very selective about the foods eaten.

• Food jags are common (eating the same meal for a period and then suddenly refusing it).

• Commonly accepted foods may be rejected for a time but are often accepted again after a break.

• Typically starts to phase out around the 4th birthday. You may see it peak or come back in developmental leaps mirroring social and behavioral changes.

• Usually accepts 30 or more foods.

Picky eating is often a developmental phase, and many children grow out of it as they mature. In many cases, positive reinforcement and introducing new foods in a low-pressure environment can help encourage a broader range of food choices.

What is Problem Eating?

• Typically, fewer than 20 foods are accepted.

• Strong phobic reactions to new foods are common (e.g., gag reflexes, fear of contamination).

• Touching or handling foods may be difficult.

• Once a food is rejected, it may not be reaccepted, with foods continuously falling off the accepted list.

• Entire food groups (e.g., vegetables, proteins) may be entirely rejected.

• Common to have concurrent medical conditions such as:

• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

• IEE (Inflammatory Eating Esophagus)

• GI motility disorders

• Sensory processing disorder is often present.

• Anxiety or OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) may develop later in life.

While picky eating and problem eating may appear similar at first glance, there are notable differences in both their impact and persistence. Picky eating is often temporary and usually doesn't significantly interfere with overall health or development. Children may refuse certain foods, but they generally accept a wide variety, and with time, they tend to outgrow these habits.

In contrast, problem eating involves more extreme food aversions and can have lasting effects on physical and emotional health. Individuals with problem eating typically have a very limited range of acceptable foods, may have strong phobic reactions to new foods, and often experience anxiety or sensory issues related to eating

Understanding these differences is crucial as the approach to managing picky eating is very different from the support required for problem eating. While picky eating can be addressed with patience and gradual exposure to food, problem eating often requires more support, therapy, and possibly specialized interventions to ensure the person’s nutritional and emotional needs are met.

In the final blog post of this series we will look at Tips & Tricks to help your cold tackle picky and problem eating. Stay tuned!