Why the 5 Main Food Groups Matter in Nursery Meal Planning
13th August 2025
By Charlotte Stirling-Reed
When we think about feeding little ones in a nursery setting, it’s easy to focus on the logistics such as the timing, hot meals, menu plans, allergies, seating, equipment, snack time chaos etc. But underneath all that, one thing that is important to get right is what actually goes on the plates, and more importantly, what it’s there for.
That’s where the four main food groups come in. We group foods into the four main food groups: starchy carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, proteins, dairy (and alternatives), to make it easier to build a balanced diet. Each food group offers a different set of nutrients and so plays a different role in a child’s growth and development. When the food groups are offered in the right amounts and are combined across the day, they can help ensure they are provide the full range of nutrients kids need to play, grow and also reach their full potential.
So let’s break down the food groups to show their importance…
1. Starchy Foods (Carbohydrates and wholegrains)
Think: bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, couscous, crackers
Starchy foods give children the energy they need to explore, climb, build block towers, and learn at nursery. This energy also helps their bodies and brains to grow. Wholegrains and carbohydrates are also a source of fibre, B vitamins, and sometimes iron and zinc too.
At nursery: Starchy foods should be offered at every meal. Wholegrain options are great too include such as wholewheat pasta or brown bread. Balance is key—too much fibre in young children can reduce the absorption of key nutrients or fill up their tummies before they’ve had enough. Including some wholegrains throughout the week is a great idea though.
2. Protein-Rich Foods
Think: lentils, beans, chickpeas, eggs, fish, meat, tofu.
Protein is essential for growth, repair, and the development of muscles, cells, and tissues. It also helps children feel full and satisfied after a meal.
At nursery: A protein source should be included at lunch and tea. Variety is important—especially with more children following plant-based diets, and including plant based sources of protein regularly is also a positive idea. Oily fish like salmon or mackerel provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development. Oily fish should be offered at least 1x every 3 weeks.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
Think: carrots, peas, bananas, apples, peppers, broccoli—the more variety and the more colour you add, the better!
These are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre—and are vital for immunity and healthy digestion. Plus, eating a rainbow of fruit and veg helps build good habits early on.
At nursery: Ideally offer a portion of fruit and/or veg with every meal and snack. Exposure matters a lot with young children, who may need to see a food multiple times before even trying it. So, keep offering without pressure to eat it!
4. Dairy and Alternatives
Think: milk, yogurt, cheese, calcium-fortified plant-based drinks and yogurts
This group provides calcium, protein, iodine, and vitamin B12—all important for healthy bones, teeth, and nervous system function.
At nursery: Include a dairy food or suitable alternative once or twice across the day. If using plant-based alternatives, make sure they’re fortified and unsweetened.
5. Fats, salt and sugar
The new guidelines from EYFS recommend keeping any added salt or sugars to a minimum
Foods and drinks high in free sugars (like cakes, biscuits, sugary cereals, and fruit juice) should be avoided. It’s better to use ingredients such as fruits to sweeten foods and avoid using added sugars where possible.
No salt should be added and processed foods high in salt such as ham, sausages should be limited.
Saturated fat should also be kept to a minimum too, pastries, fatty meats and butter and oil should be used sparingly.
Why Balance Matters
As we can see each food group offers a different set of nutrients and it’s the balance together that is really important. When nurseries plan meals that include the four main food groups throughout the day , they’re helping children develop lifelong healthy eating habits, experience a range of tastes and textures, and build strong foundations for growth and learning.
Remember feeding kids is all about variety, balance, and a positive food environment that helps children feel safe, curious, and confident with food.
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