Decades of Research, One Clear Conclusion
Babies who were exposed in the womb/breastmilk were more open to eating those same foods.
Foods Tested:
And More.....
​Two Groups. Two Diets. One Big Difference.
THE CONTROL GROUP
Pregnant and Breastfeeding moms were told to avoid veggies and eat their regular diet everyday.
THE VEGGIE GROUP
Moms in this group consumed veggies like kale, beets, and carrots everyday to measure flavor impact.
Everyday Flavor Exposure Worked!
THE CONTROL GROUP
Pregnant and Breastfeeding moms who were told to avoid veggies like Kale, Beets or Carrot. Well, Their poor babies rejected Veggie Baby Food
THE VEGGIE GROUP
Pregnant and Breastfeeding moms who consumed veggie juices or capsules like Kale, Beets or Carrot. Well, their babies enjoyed the familiar flavors :)
The Difference 7 Years Later
Studies from thousands of families show that kids who were exposed to vegetables as babies continued to eat a wide variety of them by age 7. Meanwhile, those who weren’t exposed early ate far fewer — or avoided veggies altogether.
Proof Inside the Womb
This fascinating study revealed that babies can actually react to the flavors their moms eat — even in the womb. Researchers found that fetuses made adorable facial expressions, like smiling or frowning, in response to different tastes passed through the amniotic fluid. It’s a powerful sign that flavor learning begins long before the first bite!
Fun Fact:
Animals Also Learn This way
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PIGS​​
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RABBITS ​​
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CALVES​​
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MONKEYS ​​
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AND MORE...
JUNIPER RABBIT STUDY: Rabbits usually eat grass, hay, and leafy greens. In this study, pregnant mother rabbits were fed juniper berries, and their babies started to prefer that flavor when they were born old and enough to eat solid food. The young baby rabbits actively searched for juniper berries, showing that early exposure to new tastes can change what they enjoy, even if it’s different from their normal diet!
Expert Advice from Healthcare Professionals
Research shows that a diet rich in vegetables not only supports better fetal development but also aids in palate training
Prenatal Dietician
Dr. M Stokes, OBGYN
"I recommend to all mothers. Repeated veggie flavor imprinting exposure leads to preferences for those flavors experienced postnatally. Setting the tone for a diverse diet in their future."
"Supplements are a great way to make sure the flavors are still delivered to baby, when mom struggles to get whole veggies into her daily diet everyday.​​"
A Heartfelt Thank You to Julie Mennella
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to Julie Mennella and the dedicated researchers who have contributed so much to the understanding of flavor learning in humans. Julie’s pioneering work has paved the way for us to recognize the importance of early flavor exposure, and her curiosity and continued commitment to this topic continues to inspire me on my journey to combat unhealthy eating in children.
I am particularly thankful for Julie's guidance, wisdom, and the valuable feedback she has shared with me. Her insights have been instrumental as I strive to uncover the roots of dietary preferences and work towards carrying on a legacy with products designed to help moms provide the best nutrition for their children in the most convenient and resourceful way possible.
Julie Mennella's Accomplishments:
Pioneering Research: Julie has conducted groundbreaking studies on how flavors in amniotic fluid and breast milk influence children's food preferences.
Netflix Special: Featured in "Babies," highlighting her research on flavor learning and its impact on nutrition.
Awards: Recipient of multiple grants and awards recognizing her contributions to the field of sensory science and nutrition.
Published Works: Author of numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Nutrition and Pediatrics, advancing the understanding of flavor learning.
To donate to Monnell Center or for more about her research and contributions, you can explore her work through the Monell Chemical Senses Center and her publications in the Journal of Nutrition.
Thank you, Julie, for your invaluable discoveries, your guidance, and for inspiring a new generation to prioritize healthy eating habits!
Thank You So Much
Paris - Founder/CEO