Food FAQs: A Nursery Guide to What Parents Want to Know

26th August 2025

At Zebedees, we know how important it is for parents to feel confident about what their children eat during nursery hours. Nutritious food fuels children’s learning, growth and wellbeing, and naturally, parents have questions. That is why we have put together this guide to answer the most common food-related FAQs we hear from nurseries and families.

What types of meals do you provide?

Zebedees offers freshly prepared nursery meals that are nutritionally balanced and tailored to children in early years settings. From hearty casseroles to comforting pasta dishes and vibrant vegetarian options, our menus are crafted to be both nourishing and appealing to young palates. We operate on a three-week rotating menu cycle, helping children become familiar with meals while still enjoying plenty of variety. We provide a full nursery catering service including a hot lunch with a second course, afternoon tea (served cold or as a hot tea menu), and fresh baby purées tailored for weaning stages.

Our menus go above and beyond current EYFS nutrition guidance. We follow the Eat Better, Start Better guidelines and work closely with leading child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed to ensure meals are carefully balanced, freshly prepared and support children’s growth, development and lifelong healthy eating habits. They are low in salt and sugar, rich in fruit and vegetables, and designed to meet the nutritional needs of nursery-aged children. All meals are prepared to the highest food safety standards.

How do you cater for allergies and dietary requirements?

This is one of the most important questions parents ask. We take allergen management in nursery catering seriously. All our meals are prepared in a controlled environment, and we work closely with nurseries to manage individual requirements, whether it is a dairy-free, egg-free, halal, vegetarian or allergen-friendly option.

Do you use fresh and seasonal ingredients?

Yes, always. Our chefs use seasonal ingredients and locally sourced produce to ensure every dish is full of flavour and nutrition. This also supports sustainability and helps us maintain a high-quality nursery food service.

How do you ensure meals are healthy?

All of our menus are designed to support healthy growth and development in early years. We reduce salt and sugar, increase fibre, and incorporate a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Our partnership with Charlotte Stirling-Reed ensures our meals reflect the latest guidance on nutrition for young children.

Can parents see the menus?

Yes. We believe in transparency and keeping parents informed. Menu cards are available from your nursery so you can see exactly what your child will be eating each week. This helps families talk about food at home and gives parents confidence in the meals we provide. Children are also more likely to try new foods when eating with their peers, making nursery an ideal environment to encourage healthy eating habits.

View our menus

What if my child is a fussy eater?

We understand that many children go through phases of picky eating. Our menus are designed to include familiar favourites alongside new flavours, supporting a positive mealtime experience in nursery. Nurseries often report that children who were hesitant at first become more adventurous over time when eating with their friends and seeing others enjoy the same meals.

How do you work with nurseries to support children’s mealtimes?

We work in close partnership with nurseries to make sure mealtimes are a positive experience for every child. From detailed allergen information to portion guidance and staff support materials, we provide everything needed to help nursery teams serve meals safely and confidently. We also run regular webinars for nursery staff and parents, covering topics like nutrition, fussy eating and food safety. Feedback is always welcomed and helps us continuously improve our service for both nurseries and families.

Still have questions about food at nursery?

Speak to your nursery team or contact us directly to learn more about our meals, ingredients or catering service.