Why American Kids Became Picky Eaters

Daniel N. Gullotta reviews Helen Zoe Veit's Picky, arguing that American childhood pickiness is a modern invention tied to refrigeration, milk storage, reduced hunger, schooling, and the rise of shelf-stable foods and snacks; earlier Americans ate a broad range of foods, and the ‘bland’ meals of today emerged from nutrition science, pediatric medicine, and advertising that valorized child-friendly snacks. Veit attributes the shift to structural changes—less hungry children at the table and more grazing between meals—along with cultural myths about child psychology. The book suggests reclaiming table authority: protect mealtimes, cut back on snacks, and frame healthy eating as a smart, joyful choice. Gullotta’s piece closes with a personal reflection on applying these ideas at home.