Some 70% of 11-14 year olds agree that it is important to eat a balanced diet, Are girls more concerned about healthy eating and body image than boys?

Eating fresh fish, vegetables and fruit declines as children get older, what are the most popular children's foods?

Are parental attitudes towards healthy eating important to a child's diet?

Mintel has previously looked at children's eating habits as part of its Market Intelligence series, the most recent being in June 1999. This, however, is the first time that it has taken the opportunity to focus deeper into this area in a specific Special Report.

The report concentrates on what, where, when and with whom children actually eat. Some markets which are especially important for children are examined as part of the report, but due to the impossibility of determing just how much consumption is exclusively down to children, an overall market value has not been given. Throughout this report, Mintel will examine the theme that:

"Even when it comes to eating habits, girls mature quicker than boys."

A survey was commissioned by Mintel from BMRB among a nationally representative sample of housewives with children aged under 16 exclusively for this report to look at attitudes towards a range of eating issues. Other Mintel research has been re-analysed. The report also makes extensive use of the TGI Youth survey of 2001.

Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

After-school Snacking, Market Intelligence, September 2001

Children's Snacks, Market Intelligence, July 2001

Pocket Money, Market Intelligence, June 2000

Character Merchandising in Food and Drink, Market Intelligence, December 2001

Marketing to Children aged 7-10, Special Report, 2001

Marketing to Children aged 11-14, Special Report, 2002.