Overview

• A University of Bristol survey of roughly 5,300 13-year-olds found that self-described picky eaters were more likely to eat meat, fish and fruit when they had a warm, school-provided lunch than when they brought packed meals, while still tending to avoid salad and vegetables.
• The researchers suggest packed lunches reflect stronger family norms, whereas canteen settings offer greater autonomy and peer influence that can shift choices.
• German experts note that warm school meals are not universal, citing 2023 RKI data showing 69% of students aged 6–17 can access a hot meal, leaving about 30% without that option.
• Specialists from DGE and TUM say shared hot lunches provide broader variety and sensory exposure, and they recommend buffet-style self-selection and flexible portions to improve acceptance.
• Coverage stresses caution on directly transferring the UK results to Germany, even as experts use the findings to argue for expanded and higher-quality school meal provision.