Picky eating is when an individual has strong likes and dislikes about food. They might refuse to eat certain textures, only want familiar foods, or say “no” to new things on their plate. This is especially common in young kids and can improve over time with gentle exposure and patience, though people of all ages can struggle with picky eating. While picky eating can be frustrating, most picky eaters still eat enough overall to stay healthy, grow, and participate in daily activities like school, playdates, or family meals. Sometimes, picky eating can look a lot like ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and in some cases, picky eating may develop into ARFID—but they are not the same. Picky eating doesn’t usually cause serious problems with growth, nutrition, or daily life. ARFID does. If someone isn’t eating enough to stay healthy or it’s causing major stress or disruptions, it might be more than just picky eating—and is worth getting checked out by a professional.
