The diet of toddlers is crucial to their future health and well-being. It plays an important role in their growth and development. This is also the age when their taste in food is slowly developed hence, what they eat during this stage is responsible for their future food or taste preference.

We've all read and heard about what we need to feed our toddlers. What is good, not good and what they should be allowed to try. However, have you ever wondered what other cultures feed their toddlers? How their tastes are developed?

Here are a few interesting facts about what toddlers eat around the world:

In Japan, rice is the main attraction; with fish, meat or vegetables on the side to enhance the flavor. A typical toddler's lunch? "...egg-flavored rice with broiled fish or seafood, a side dish of lightly cooked seasonal vegetables, and soup with tofu (commonly known as miso)."

In Israel, toddlers basically get sandwiches with olive and butter, salted cheese and/or chocolate spread (like Nutella). White bread sandwiches are served with yogurt, a fruit, juice or chocolate milk.

In Brazil, a typical toddler's meal consists of rice and beans with "some protein (ground beef, chicken, fish, or pork), and a vegetable (potato, broccoli, spinach, peas, or carrots)."

Interesting, eh? Check out the whole article for more details and information about other culture's preference.

What about you?! What do you give your toddler for lunch?!