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Plants build their own protein. They pull nitrogen from the soil (beans and peas get extra help from friendly root bacteria that catch nitrogen from the air) and use sunlight energy to turn it into amino acids — the building blocks of protein. When you eat beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds or grains, you eat that protein straight from the source.
Animals do not make protein from nothing either — they eat plants and rebuild plant amino acids into their own. Eating a mix of beans, grains, nuts and seeds across the day gives children every amino acid they need.
Source: British Dietetic Association, plant-based diets for children
Try to get all five food groups on one plate for the Plate Champion badge.
Tap a food to add it, or drag it onto the plate. Tap it again on the plate to take it off.
Making a real plate? Ask a grown-up to check for allergies. Children under five should not have whole nuts — use finely ground nuts or smooth nut butter instead.
Drop food here 🍽️
Your plate is empty. Add some plant power!
Add foods to see what they give you.
Food groups on your plate: 0 of 5
Follow each food step by step, from tiny seed to the thing you actually eat.
One little bean becomes dozens of foods.
1. Seed
A soybean seed is planted in warm spring soil.
2. Plant
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3. Pod
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4. Kitchen
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Always cook with a grown-up nearby. Check the allergy tags before you start.
👩🍳 Grown-up job: A grown-up should do all the slicing with a sharp knife.
Wash your hands and lay the wraps flat on a board.
Fun fact: Eating lots of colours means eating lots of different vitamins.
No. The plate is a learning model, not a prescription for portions. Soups, wraps and mixed dishes can contain several food groups together. Children need enough energy and a varied diet across the day, with advice tailored to their needs.
Pick an energy food such as rice, bread or potatoes, add beans, lentils or tofu, and include vegetables or fruit. A little suitable oil, seed paste or other fat can add energy. Respect allergies and family preferences.
Wash hands and produce. Ask a grown-up to handle hot pans, sharp knives and appliances. Read allergy labels, including on sauces. Young children need foods prepared to reduce choking risk.
Describe colour, smell and texture. Offer a small taste only if the child wants one. New foods can take time to feel familiar; finishing a plate is not a kindness test. Refrigerate leftovers promptly with adult help.
Ages 7–9
Choose a recipe and sort the jobs into child jobs and grown-up jobs before cooking.
What did everyone contribute besides eating the meal?