Best kids cooking shows

BUHLE MBONAMBI

GETTING children involved in food preparation is an easy way to get buy-in and for them to taste their own creations. Not only that – preparing easy snacks and recipes together is a good way to lay a strong nutritional foundation. Getting them involved leads them to adopt healthier eating habits, with more fruits and vegetables.

One way of getting them interested is to watch cooking TV shows for kids. Here’s our pick to help release their inner chef.

Disney Cookabout DISNEY CHANNEL

This local kids cooking show uses food preparation, cooking and outdoor exploration to showcase local ingredients and a fun-filled approach to healthy eating. It’s also a competition, where each contestant is sent on an excursion to find supplies, allowing them to explore South Africa’s fresh produce. Once the ingredients are collected, the team is transported to the Cookabout Kitchen to cook up a storm.

MasterChef Junior VARIOUS DSTV CHANNELS

Is there another cooking show as popular as Masterchef? Well, Junior is even better. The world recently mourned the untimely passing of Ben Watkins, a rising young culinary star in the sixth season of MasterChef Junior who died from a rare form of cancer. The show sees some of the best young cooks show off their skills and have fun in the kitchen.

Top Chef Junior SHOWMAX

Even though the show has long been cancelled, you can still stream it, which is awesome. Like it’s adult version, Junior has 12 competitors. They cook up anything from sweets to five- course dinners. Want to improve your gourmet cooking? This is the show for you.

The Big Family Cooking Showdown NETFLIX

This show sees 16 families compete for the top spot. The competition takes place over eight heats, three semifinals and one final, with each heat split into three categories. As the rounds go on, the families have to impress judges to progress in the competition before one family claims the crown.

Good Eats AMAZON PRIME

This is for children with an interest in not just cooking, but the science behind it. Hosted by Alton Brown, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s equal parts educational and playful. The show has engaging demonstrations and makes cooking much easier to understand. Brown is able to make even the more complicated aspects of food science approachable to young viewers.