Are families tired of 'beige food' on kids' menus?

Would families in Guernsey like to see more vegetables and fewer "beige" options such as chicken nuggets on children's menus?

A healthy living charity is asking the question as the spotlight on more nutritional food in schools widens to the hospitality sector and eating out.

Cat Tyrrell, who is an eat well officer at the Health Improvement Commission for Guernsey and Alderney, said the organisation was to survey parents, carers and children on the subject before working "collaboratively" with restaurants on a healthier approach.

"It's about rewriting the narrative and asking the children what they want to see - and giving them choice," she said.

While healthy foods were "in the minority" at restaurants, "beige foods" - fried meals like chicken nuggets and chips - were "typical", she added.

Meanwhile, anecdotal evidence showed parents were "tired" of seeing the same menu across all establishments and "cared deeply" about more healthy options for their children, said Tyrrell.

Suggesting there was a "narrative in our society and culture" that certain foods were "easier to get into children", she said healthy food projects in schools had proven children would reach for fruit and vegetables when given the chance.

Seamus Duggan, who runs restaurant Pier 17 in St Peter Port Harbour, said he was among restauranteurs already breaking the mould.

He said the "younger guests menu" eschewed processed options in favour of fresh pasta and homemade chicken goujons, while the mini fillet steak was the most popular dish.

He said: "What we've observed is children like to eat what the adults are eating."

He said offerings such as homemade leek and potato soup were also "cost-effective".

Meanwhile, at Oatey and Joeys' Playbarn in Les Gigands, director Hilton Ruch said their most popular dish was the "100% chicken" nuggets, while healthier options such as fruit, yoghurt and eggs were available.

He said they were launching a new offer where fries could be replaced by salad at a parents' discretion - but noted "a lot of kids prefer fries".

"I've always been keen to try and offer as much healthy options as possible," he added.

"Whether the children prefer it or not, I'm not sure. It's up to the parents.

"We need to do what we can to try and make children healthier."

Some parents told the BBC they would support a shift toward more healthy options, while others said eating out was a "treat", so children could reach for the fries or nibble a nugget here and there.

Hannah Kandini, who has two children aged 19 and nine, said it was "sometimes a struggle" to find healthier options but, as their diet was usually home-cooked food, they could choose chicken nuggets as a treat on "special occasions".

Diane Reegar said some menus were healthy, but it was down to parents' choices - although she conceded it could be hard to "find veg" on a children's menu.

Phil Leahy said his youngest child would opt for chicken nuggets if it was on the menu.

Meanwhile, Tyrrell said the goal of the survey was to "open up a conversation" to "co-develop" healthy options on menus.

Describing collecting the data as "first step" she said they would then consult with businesses "rather than pointing fingers".

She said: "Children are amazing - we'd like to talk to children as well and see what they would like to see.

"You'd be surprised how much they want to have healthy options as well."

In a move billed by UK Education Secretary Lucy Powell as "once-in-a-generation", new school food standards are due to require increased fibre and wholegrains, nutrition rules for breakfast clubs, and a reduction in sweet desserts and cake.

The changes, which the UK government said would be funded with existing money for schools, are due to come into effect from 2027.

Follow BBC Guernsey on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk.