Hi, I’m Dr Kirsty Porter, a paediatric dietitian with over 16 years’ experience supporting families with fussy and sensory eaters. I work with parents to make mealtimes feel calmer and more positive by using simple, evidence-based food fun activities that help children explore food without pressure.
This 2-ingredient frozen yoghurt heart activity is one of my favourite ways to support fussy and sensory eaters. It’s easy, toddler-friendly, and focuses on exploration rather than eating, making it ideal for children who feel overwhelmed by textures, temperatures, or new foods.
Why Simple Food Fun Activities Matter for Fussy and Sensory Eaters
Many children with fussy or sensory eating challenges benefit from:
- Repeated, low-pressure exposure to foods
- Opportunities to touch, smell, and play without being asked to eat
- Familiar flavours presented in new but predictable ways
Research shows that food play and sensory exploration can increase children’s willingness to interact with and eventually taste foods over time (Maiz et al, 2021; Kamarudin et al, 2023; Snuggs et al, 2023).
Frozen yoghurt activities work particularly well because they:
- Change the texture and temperature of yoghurt
- Reduce the “slimy” mouthfeel some children dislike
- Feel like a treat, not a challenge
The 2-Ingredient Frozen Yoghurt Heart Activity
This activity is simple enough for toddlers and preschoolers to help with and works well for fussy and sensory eaters.
You’ll need:
- Plain or lightly sweetened yoghurt
- Fruit chopped or fruit purée (fresh or frozen, blended smooth)
How to make it:
- Spoon yoghurt into heart-shaped silicone moulds
- Swirl in fruit purée (or keep separate for predictability)
- Freeze for 2–3 hours until set
- Pop out and serve straight from the freezer
👉 No pressure to eat — licking, touching, holding, or smelling all count as success.
How This Activity Supports Sensory Eaters
This frozen yoghurt activity supports sensory needs by:
- Offering a cold, firm texture rather than soft and runny
- Allowing children to control how they interact with the food
- Creating a clear visual shape, which helps children who prefer predictability
Studies show that adjusting sensory properties like texture and temperature can reduce anxiety and increase acceptance for sensory-sensitive eaters (Cemark et al, 2010).
Ways to Extend the Activity (Without Adding Pressure)
Once children are comfortable, you can gently build on the activity:
- Let them decorate with crushed fruit or sprinkles
- Break the heart into pieces and explore with fingers
- Pair it with a preferred food at snack time
- Offer yoghurt hearts alongside family snacks
This supports the idea of gradual exposure, which is key for children who find food challenging.
Other Simple Yoghurt Food Fun Ideas to Try
Alongside frozen yoghurt hearts, you might also try:
- Yoghurt painting on plates using food colouring
- Yoghurt dips with fruit or crackers
- Layered yoghurt pots where children choose what goes in
- Yoghurt bark for children who prefer crunchy textures
These activities help children build familiarity with yoghurt in multiple sensory forms, which research shows improves acceptance over time (Spill et al, 2019).
Simple food fun activities like frozen yoghurt hearts can be a powerful tool for supporting fussy and sensory eaters. By keeping things playful, predictable, and pressure-free, you’re helping your child build confidence around food — one small step at a time.
If you’d like personalised support to help your child with fussy or sensory eating, my 1:1 consultations offer tailored strategies based on your child’s needs and your family life.
You can book 1:1 support here to get calm, practical help with mealtimes.
References
Cermak, Sharon A., Carol Curtin, and Linda G. Bandini. “Food selectivity and sensory sensitivity in children with autism spectrum disorders.” Journal of the American dietetic Association 110.2 (2010): 238-246.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002822309018082
Maiz, Edurne, et al. “Child involvement in choosing a recipe, purchasing ingredients, and cooking at school increases willingness to try new foods and reduces food neophobia.” Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 53.4 (2021): 279-289. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1499404621000087
Kamarudin, Mohd Shah, et al. “Interventions for picky eaters among typically developed children—A scoping review.” Nutrients 15.1 (2023): 242. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/1/242
Spill, Maureen K., et al. “Repeated exposure to food and food acceptability in infants and toddlers: a systematic review.” The American journal of clinical nutrition 109 (2019): 978S-989S. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522032439
Snuggs, Sarah, and Kate Harvey. “Family mealtimes: a systematic umbrella review of characteristics, correlates, outcomes and interventions.” Nutrients 15.13 (2023): 2841. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/13/2841