This new program doesn't  guarantee it could lead to children eating Brussels sprouts and carrots, but a new show scheduled to debut this fall on Canadian television is looking to entertain young kids and broaden their culinary horizons in the process.

The show, Taste Buds, has been described by marblemedia, producers of the program, as a "food adventure series." The 30-minute program, developed for seven to 10-year-olds, is being billed as "a hands-on television and interactive experience that invites kids to be part of the entire process of food preparation - shopping, cooking, eating and even cleaning up."

Mark Bishop, executive producer for the show, said in a press release, "We created Taste Buds to inspire kids to be fearless about discovering new foods. By watching the hosts create, taste and experience new foods, viewers will discover healthy and nutritious ideas in the kitchen."

Each episode of Taste Buds follows two young co-hosts, Avery and Lily, as they explore the culture, history and other interesting back stories surrounding various foods. The kids are joined on set by adult co-host and chef Matt and the Chillbot 3000, a voice-activated computer refrigerator that provides background facts on foods along with recipes that the show's stars and audience members can prepare.

The touchscreen on the Chillbot will be reproduced on the Taste Buds' website to promote interactivity and give visitors access to video blogs, games and recipes demonstrated on the broadcast. The site will launch in August just before the show debuts.

For a preview of a Taste Buds pilot, check out page two in the show's interactive program guide: the marble monitor...

www.thisisdanielcook.com

Discussion Questions:

 Are there lessons for retailers and foodservice operators in the intent of Taste Buds to engage younger consumers and influence the foods they eat?

 What are "best in class" food retailers doing to engage younger consumers?

How does this type of engagement influence current purchasing decisions (or at least the 'Hey Ma' response) and decisions on where to shop as kids mature into adults?

Some interesting questions indeed.