# Most UK kids aren't eating enough fish

> A survey of 2,000 parents found 87% of children miss the NHS fish target, and fussy eating is only part of the story.
- Title: Most UK kids aren't eating enough fish · MadeForMums
- Summary: A survey of 2,000 parents found 87% of children miss the NHS fish target, and fussy eating is only part of the story. Start small and familiar: flake mild…
- Keywords: parenting, nutrition, fussy eating, child health, food, Most, kids, aren't, eating, enough, fish, MadeForMums
- Source: MadeForMums — https://madeformums.com/news/family-news/87-of-children-arent-eating-enough-fish-new-research-finds
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: parenting, nutrition, fussy eating, child health, food
## Almost no child hits the target
A survey of 2,000 UK parents by Regal Fish found 87% of children don't eat the NHS-recommended two portions of fish a week, including one oily portion.
## One in five eat none
21% of children are eating no fish at all. Not a small amount, not the wrong kind, none.
## Fussy eating tops the blockers
30% of parents said refusing to try new foods was the single biggest barrier to serving healthier family meals. Another 39% said quick family recipes would help.
## Dads doubt the prep
20% of dads said they lack confidence preparing fresh fish, compared with 10% of mums. Skill gaps show up at the counter, not just the table.
## Mums face the bargaining
29% of mums said serving fish involves active negotiation versus 21% of dads, and mums were nearly twice as likely to report outright refusal, 15% to 8%.
## The link parents haven't heard
51% of parents didn't know about research tying low seafood intake in early childhood to weaker prosocial behaviour like sharing, empathy and cooperation.

> Our research highlights a clear gap between what children need for healthy cognitive and social development and what is actually reaching the dinner table.
## Five fixes that actually work
Swap fish into a dish they already love, keep portions tiny, stock frozen and tinned, plan leftovers into a second meal, and change the texture before giving up.

> Keep servings small and pressure-free, and celebrate little wins such as touching the food or trying a single bite.
## Texture, not taste
Rejection is usually about mouthfeel. Panko breadcrumbs, a herb crust or a light oven-baked batter give the crunch many children prefer.

> When children push fish away, it is rarely just about the taste.
## London leads, South West lags
Regional gaps are wide: 19% of London children hit the twice-weekly target against 9% in the South West, with most regions clustered around 11 to 14%.
## Key takeaway

Start small and familiar: flake mild white fish into a meal your child already loves rather than serving a whole new dish.