what is food labs?
Food Labs is a free collection of playful food experiments for children aged 4–11.
It helps children build confidence and familiarity with food by giving them space to explore at their own pace. As “Food Scientists”, they investigate foods through their senses, notice what they discover and ask questions, with no pressure to taste or eat.
Families can explore together at home, while professionals can bring Food Labs into the work they already do with children and families.
for families
Try simple food experiments with your child, at your own pace.
for professionals
Find flexible activities and guidance to use in your setting.
food labs at home:
Explore food together in a way that works for your family.
The free Food Labs at Home booklet offers simple experiments using everyday foods, with ideas for helping your child notice, ask questions and make discoveries. You can choose an activity that interests them and take it at your own pace.
Download the booklet to get started.
food labs for professionals:
how to get started
1. Download and explore the Food Labs resources
Start with the How-to Guide, which introduces the Food Labs approach and provides practical guidance to help you deliver Food Labs in your setting. The accompanying slide deck is designed to be displayed during sessions, helping you introduce each Food Lab and guide children and families through the activities.
2. Watch Discover Food Labs – if you’d like a guided introduction
The optional 30-minute recording below talks you through the Food Labs approach and resources, with practical ideas for adapting them to your setting.
3. Try your first Food Lab
It’s time to start experimenting! Whether you try a whole Food Lab or start with individual activities, you can adapt the resources to suit your setting, age group and families.
the how-to guide
the slide deck
Discover food labs recording
We really enjoyed delivering the session and children found it so exciting
Park Community School
frequently asked questions:
Select a question below to reveal the answer.
Can I use Food Labs with children under four?
Food Labs has been designed primarily for children aged 4 to 11, but many of the activities can be adapted to suit younger children, different settings and varying confidence levels. The resources include practical ideas for tailoring sessions to different needs, so you can shape the experience around the children and families you support.
Do I need to buy special food or equipment?
No specialist equipment is needed. The activities are flexible, so you can use foods and basic equipment you already have, choose affordable ingredients and start with just one experiment. Costs will depend on what you choose to try and, for groups, how many children take part.
Is Food Labs expensive to run?
Costs vary depending on the activity, group size, foods selected and equipment you already have. The format is deliberately flexible, allowing you to use small quantities, choose affordable or seasonal foods and begin with just one activity rather than delivering a whole session.
Do I need experience to run Food Labs with a group?
No. The how-to guide includes step-by-step activities, suggested timings, equipment lists and ideas for adapting the Labs. The slide deck gives you visual prompts to use with children, and the optional Discover Food Labs recording offers a guided introduction.
Why does Food Labs refer to ‘picky eating’?
‘Picky eating’ was the phrase families in Hampshire most commonly used to describe the challenges they were experiencing, and Food Labs was developed in response to those experiences. We use the term because it is familiar to families, but never as a judgement or label. Food Labs recognises that every child experiences food differently and focuses on building curiosity, confidence and familiarity through positive, low-pressure exploration.
