Over half of kids say breakfast is most important meal of the day, study finds

30 October 2023 , 12:57

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Over half of kids say breakfast is the most important meal of the day (Image: SWNS)

Over half of children (56%) consider breakfast to be the most important meal of the day – but 45% of parents say their child claims not to be hungry in the mornings, a study has found.

Indeed, 36% of youngsters cite not being hungry as their main reason for skipping the morning meal – followed by not having enough time (19%), or struggling to find food they enjoy eating (15%).

However, it seems that kids just aren't themselves without a sufficient breakfast – as they feel more tired (42%), and struggle to pay attention to their teachers at school (24%).

And two in five, of the 600 children polled, between the ages of six and 11, believe they are more likely to be mischievous at school if they start the day without a proper breakfast.

The survey was commissioned by General Mills which, in partnership with the Greggs Foundation, has funded more than 4.5 million breakfasts for kids, through its Breakfast Club programme.

Greggs, Costa & Pret coffees have 'huge differences in caffeine', says report

But more than a third are likely to skip the morning meal as they don't feel hungry enough (SWNS)

A spokesman for the food manufacturer said: “It's fascinating that children as young as six have such an awareness of how a lack of breakfast impacts them.

“Breakfast is a hugely important meal, not only for the nutrition and energy it gives through the day, but for how it can structure our mornings.

“Using breakfast as an anchor point can really help parents who can often struggle with the school run and making sure everyone is ready in the morning.”

The research also found that four in ten (39%) of the kids polled admit to sometimes, or often, sneaking food from their lunchbox, because they didn’t eat enough at breakfast.

And youngsters say PE (58%), maths (48%), and English (32%) are the subjects they find harder if they haven’t breakfasted properly.

The research also polled the children’s parents, and found that 97% encourage their children to eat breakfast every day, as 54% feel their kids are grumpier if they haven’t had breakfast – while 14% think they forget things more easily.

It also emerged 24% get frustrated when kids say they don’t want to eat the food that’s in the house, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

General Mills’ spokesman added: “Breakfast isn't just a meal, it's a learning opportunity. When kids eat breakfast, they're more likely to excel in the classroom, solve problems, and make friends.

“If you struggle to find breakfast foods your kids like, engage with them and work together to find solutions – breakfast doesn’t have to be cereal or toast, so use your imaginations.”

Andrew Young