When children have a busy academic schedule, they don’t have time to play for long or even sit and talk for a long time, like they do on occasion, as life in the world is quite busy. If you as a parent ask a kid at the dinner table after a long day or in a classroom as a teacher how the day was, they would reply to you in simple words like “normal,” “good,” or “bad,” but they don’t continue the conversation. For this reason there are many good suggestions to keep the conversation ongoing, and the top one is this or that food game.
Food is a universal thing for children, and most importantly, every child has a different opinion on whatever dish they get on the plate. Some kids will debate, like, “Are waffles crispy as compared to pancakes?” like a seasonal lawyer. Others would say apples should be cut into wedges or served whole.
The main advantage of this or that food play is it has no barrier. There are no hard rules, no need for a board, and no right or wrong answer pressure. These questions give a structure and low-pressure environment where children easily make decisions, understand their sensory preferences, and practice active listening.
In this guide, we will break down the steps on how to play this or that food game at home and in school, with 120 categories of based questions with age recommendations, preparation time, sample answers, and follow-up so you get everything you want easily in a single guide.
How to Play “This or That Food” at Home?
If you are planning to play this or that food at home, then you are on the right track, as these questions don’t need any preparation and work perfectly for busy families. However, implementing a correct guideline can change the game from funny to an enjoyable household routine. The first thing you need to do is start the game at the family dinner table before the dinner arrives, in a car while on a long travel, or even in a grocery store trip. You can also play this with kids while making something in the kitchen with them.
Give two options clearly and prefer a quick response. Parents should accept kids’ choices instead of criticism, like if the kid selects sugary cereal over oatmeal, accept it. You can play the game in turns, as kids will become more engaged if adults are also participating and behave friendly.
How to Play “This or That Food” at School
If you are a teacher and looking for something that keeps the students interested for long, then again, this or that food game is a perfect tool for class management and emotional learning. You can use this game to help students to burn excess energy. You can play the game by four-corner or two-sided movement, stand up or sit down play, and/or by whiteboard voting. The benefits of this or that food game include that it will help the introvert students to share the opinion, the teacher will respect the student opinion, and the voting result helps in learning math like percentage calculation, bar graphs, and Venn diagrams.
120 Categorized “This or That Food” Questions Chart
The table below lists 120 questions in a structured format categorized into six key food groups. You’ll see suggested ages, estimated activity time, picky-eater suitability levels, sample follow-up prompts, and sample child responses to help guide your family or classroom discussions.
1. Breakfast Food Debates
| # | This or That Question | Target Age | Activity Time | Picky Level | Sample Answer / Debate Angle | Follow-Up Prompt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pancakes or Waffles? | Ages 4–9 | 2 mins | Low | Waffles! (The syrup pools perfectly in the little grid pockets.) | “Is it because of the syrup pockets or the edge crunch?” |
| 2 | Scrambled Eggs or Fried Eggs? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Scrambled! (They’re fluffier and easier to eat with a fork.) | “Do you like them soft or cooked extra firm?” |
| 3 | Crispy Bacon or Soft Sausage? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Crispy Bacon! (The salty crunch makes it impossible to stop at one.) | “What makes that crunchy sound so satisfying?” |
| 4 | Oatmeal or Yogurt Parfait? | Ages 6–12 | 3 mins | High | Yogurt Parfait! (You get cool creamy yogurt mixed with crunchy granola.) | “What three toppings would you build on top?” |
| 5 | French Toast or Pancakes? | Ages 4–9 | 2 mins | Low | French Toast! (It’s warm, eggy, and tastes like breakfast dessert.) | “Do you prefer cinnamon or extra powdered sugar?” |
| 6 | Bagel with Cream Cheese or Toast with Butter? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Bagel! (It’s chewy, filling, and holds way more cream cheese.) | “Plain bagel or everything bagel?” |
| 7 | Cereal with Cold Milk or Dry Cereal? | Ages 4–10 | 3 mins | Medium | Dry Cereal! (No soggy cereal, plus you can eat it out of a baggie in the car.) | “Do you dislike soggy cereal or just love the crunch?” |
| 8 | Blueberry Muffin or Chocolate Chip Scone? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Blueberry Muffin! (The top muffin lid is sweet and cakey.) | “Do you eat the muffin top first or save it for last?” |
| 9 | Breakfast Burrito or Avocado Toast? | Ages 8–12 | 3 mins | High | Breakfast Burrito! (It wraps bacon, eggs, and cheese into one hand-held meal.) | “What three ingredients MUST go inside?” |
| 10 | Fresh Donuts or Cinnamon Rolls? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Cinnamon Roll! (Unrolling the sticky center is the best part.) | “If you created a new donut flavor, what would it be?” |
| 11 | Hot Cocoa or Fresh Orange Juice? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Hot Cocoa! (It warms you up on cold mornings and has marshmallows.) | “Marshmallows on top or whipped cream?” |
| 12 | Strawberry Smoothie or Fruit Salad? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Strawberry Smoothie! (You can drink all your fruit through a straw in seconds.) | “What color does your ideal smoothie turn out?” |
| 13 | Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Hash Browns! (Shredded crispy potatoes beat chunked potatoes every time.) | “Do you dip them in ketchup or eat them plain?” |
| 14 | Peanut Butter Toast or Jam Toast? | Ages 4–9 | 2 mins | Medium | Jam Toast! (Fruity, sweet, and slides right across warm buttered bread.) | “Strawberry jam or grape jam?” |
| 15 | Crepes or Thick Belgian Waffles? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | Low | Crepes! (Paper-thin and rolled up with Nutella or strawberries inside.) | “Folded like a pocket or rolled up like a log?” |
| 16 | Croissant or English Muffin? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Croissant! (Flaky, buttery layers that melt in your mouth.) | “Flaky and buttery or soft and warm?” |
| 17 | Fruit Loop Cereal or Cocoa Puffs? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Cocoa Puffs! (Turns the bowl milk into chocolate milk at the end.) | “Does it make the best leftover cereal milk?” |
| 18 | Ham & Cheese Omelet or Veggie Omelet? | Ages 8–12 | 3 mins | High | Ham & Cheese! (Melted cheese combined with savory ham slices.) | “What kind of cheese makes it melt best?” |
| 19 | Warm Apple Fritter or Cream Donut? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Low | Apple Fritter! (Cinnamon glazed dough filled with real apple chunks.) | “Do you like the fruit pieces or the sweet glaze?” |
| 20 | Breakfast Sandwich or Breakfast Pizza? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Breakfast Pizza! (Eating pizza at 8 AM feels like breaking a rule.) | “Would you eat pizza for breakfast every day?” |
2. Lunch & Dinner Classics
| # | This or That Question | Target Age | Activity Time | Picky Level | Sample Answer / Debate Angle | Follow-Up Prompt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Cheeseburger or Chicken Nuggets? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Nuggets! (Bite-sized, crunchy, and perfect for dipping.) | “Dipping sauce: Honey mustard, BBQ, or Ketchup?” |
| 22 | Cheese Pizza or Pepperoni Pizza? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Pepperoni! (Adds a spicy, savory kick to plain melted cheese.) | “Do you eat the crust or leave it on the plate?” |
| 23 | Macaroni & Cheese or Spaghetti & Meatballs? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Mac & Cheese! (Ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and easy to eat.) | “Boxed macaroni or baked homemade macaroni?” |
| 24 | Grilled Cheese Sandwich or Quesadilla? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Grilled Cheese! (Golden buttery toasted bread with stretchy cheese.) | “Do you cut it into triangles or rectangles?” |
| 25 | Hard Shell Tacos or Soft Tortilla Tacos? | Ages 5–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Soft Tacos! (Everything stays inside the taco instead of shattering.) | “How do you stop a hard taco from breaking in your hands?” |
| 26 | Hot Dog or Meatball Sub? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Hot Dog! (Classic park food, quick to eat on a bun.) | “Relish, mustard, ketchup, or totally plain?” |
| 27 | Chicken Noodle or Creamy Tomato Soup? | Ages 5–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Tomato Soup! (The ultimate companion for dipping grilled cheese.) | “Do you dip your grilled cheese directly into the soup?” |
| 28 | Meat Loaf or Fried Chicken? | Ages 7–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Fried Chicken! (Super crunchy seasoned skin with juicy meat.) | “Drumstick, wing, or chicken breast?” |
| 29 | Fish Sticks or Chicken Tenders? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Chicken Tenders! (Dippable, juicy, and universally loved.) | “If fish sticks tasted like chicken, would you eat them?” |
| 30 | Cheeseburger Sliders or Hot Wings? | Ages 8–12 | 3 mins | High | Sliders! (Mini burgers let you eat three without feeling overly full.) | “How many sliders could you finish in one sitting?” |
| 31 | Beef Burrito or Chicken Wrap? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Beef Burrito! (Warm seasoned beef stuffed with rice and cheese.) | “Rice inside the burrito or on the side?” |
| 32 | Sloppy Joes or Pulled Pork Sandwich? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Sloppy Joes! (Messy, sweet, savory meat spilling out of the bun.) | “Why do messy foods always taste better?” |
| 33 | Teriyaki Chicken Bowl or Ramen Noodles? | Ages 6–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Ramen! (Slurping long warm noodles out of savory broth.) | “Do you drink the broth at the end or leave it?” |
| 34 | Homemade Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Garlic Bread! (Crispy crust, butter, garlic, and melted parsley.) | “Soft and doughy or super crunchy?” |
| 35 | Cheese Ravioli or Fettuccine Alfredo? | Ages 6–12 | 3 mins | Low | Cheese Ravioli! (Little pillows stuffed with warm riccolta cheese.) | “What secret filling would you hide inside ravioli?” |
| 36 | Corn Dogs or Mini Hot Dogs? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Corn Dog! (The sweet cornbread batter on a stick wins.) | “Is the sweet cornbread batter the best part?” |
| 37 | Meat Lasagna or Baked Ziti? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Baked Ziti! (Easier to eat pasta tubes coated in melted mozzarella.) | “Do you like the crispy corner piece or middle piece?” |
| 38 | Beef Stir-Fry or Chicken Dumplings? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | High | Dumplings! (Soft dough pockets filled with savory chicken.) | “Steamed dumplings or pan-fried crispy dumplings?” |
| 39 | BBQ Ribs or Grilled Steak? | Ages 8–12 | 3 mins | High | BBQ Ribs! (Smoky, sweet barbecue sauce you lick off your fingers.) | “How many napkins do you need when eating ribs?” |
| 40 | Personal Pan Pizza or Giant Slice to Share? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Personal Pan! (You get your own custom crust and don’t have to share.) | “Isn’t it great not having to share toppings?” |
3. Snacks, Sides & Finger Foods
| # | This or That Question | Target Age | Activity Time | Picky Level | Sample Answer / Debate Angle | Follow-Up Prompt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | French Fries or Tater Tots? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Tater Tots! (Grated potato nuggets mean maximum crispy surface area.) | “What makes tater tots extra crunchy?” |
| 42 | Goldfish Crackers or Cheez-Its? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Goldfish! (Smiley fish shape makes snacking fun.) | “Cheddar flavor, Pretzel, or Extra Cheddar?” |
| 43 | Potato Chips or Tortilla Chips & Cheese? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Tortilla Chips & Cheese! (Warm melted cheese dip beats plain chips.) | “Melted cheese dip or salsa?” |
| 44 | Buttered Popcorn or Sweet Caramel Corn? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Buttered Popcorn! (Classic salty movie-theater butter flavor.) | “Movie theater popcorn or homemade microwave?” |
| 45 | Mozzarella Sticks or Onion Rings? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Mozzarella Sticks! (Breading stuffed with warm pull-apart cheese.) | “How far can you stretch the cheese before it breaks?” |
| 46 | Pretzel Twist or Soft Pretzel with Cheese? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Soft Pretzel! (Warm, doughy, salted jumbo pretzel dipped in cheese.) | “Salt on top or no salt?” |
| 47 | Cheese Stick or Yogurt Tube? | Ages 4–9 | 2 mins | Medium | Cheese Stick! (Fun to peel down into individual string strands.) | “Do you peel it into tiny strings or bite right in?” |
| 48 | Pita Chips & Hummus or Chips & Guac? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | High | Chips & Guac! (Creamy avocado mixed with lime and cilantro.) | “Chunky guacamole or smooth guacamole?” |
| 49 | Apple Slices with PB or Celery with Cream Cheese? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | High | Apples & PB! (Sweet juicy fruit paired with rich creamy peanut butter.) | “Creamy peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter?” |
| 50 | Trail Mix with M&Ms or Salted Nuts? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Trail Mix with M&Ms! (The chocolate pieces balance out the salty nuts.) | “Do you pick out the chocolate pieces first?” |
| 51 | Fruit Roll-Up or Gummy Bears? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Gummy Bears! (Chewy, fruity, and fun to sort by color.) | “Which color bear tastes the absolute best?” |
| 52 | Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potato Fries? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Mashed Potatoes! (Silky smooth, buttery, and great with gravy.) | “Lumpy with skins or silky smooth with gravy?” |
| 53 | Rice Cakes or Wheat Crackers? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | High | Wheat Crackers! (Salty, crunchy, and pair well with cheese slices.) | “Do you put cheese slices on top?” |
| 54 | Nachos with Everything or Plain Cheese Nachos? | Ages 6–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Plain Cheese Nachos! (Simple melted cheese means no soggy toppings.) | “Are you worried about spicy jalapenos?” |
| 55 | Graham Crackers or Animal Crackers? | Ages 4–9 | 2 mins | Low | Animal Crackers! (You get to guess the animal shapes before eating.) | “Which animal do you eat first?” |
| 56 | Soft Baked Cookie or Crunchy Cookie? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Soft Baked! (Warm doughy cookies melt right in your mouth.) | “Warm out of the oven or room temperature?” |
| 57 | Granola Bar or Chewy Fruit Snack? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Fruit Snacks! (Fruity, chewy, and shaped like fun characters.) | “Paw Patrol shapes or Mario shapes?” |
| 58 | Veggie Straws or Potato Chips? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Veggie Straws! (Lighter crunch and fun hollow tubes.) | “Zesty ranch flavor or sea salt?” |
| 59 | Corn on the Cob or Cup of Sweet Corn? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Corn on the Cob! (Eating like a typewriter makes vegetables fun.) | “Do you eat it like a typewriter left-to-right?” |
| 60 | Roasted Peanuts or Sunflower Seeds? | Ages 7–12 | 2 mins | High | Sunflower Seeds! (Cracking the seed shells with your teeth is satisfying.) | “Do you know how to crack the shells with your teeth?” |
4. Fruits & Vegetables
| # | This or That Question | Target Age | Activity Time | Picky Level | Sample Answer / Debate Angle | Follow-Up Prompt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Sweet Strawberries or Crisp Watermelon? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Watermelon! (Nothing beats a cold, sweet wedge on a hot day.) | “Do you spit out the seeds or eat seedless?” |
| 62 | Red Apples or Green Apples? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Red Apples! (Sweet, juicy, and less sour than green apples.) | “Do you like sour candy flavor or sweet flavor?” |
| 63 | Seedless Red Grapes or Green Grapes? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Green Grapes! (Tangier, firmer crunch when bitten into.) | “Have you ever tried frozen grapes in the summer?” |
| 64 | Bananas or Fresh Peaches? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Bananas! (Easy to peel, soft, and no messy dripping juice.) | “Yellow with spots or slightly green?” |
| 65 | Crunchy Baby Carrots or Cucumber Slices? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Baby Carrots! (Super loud crunch and naturally sweet flavor.) | “Do you dip them in Ranch dressing?” |
| 66 | Steamed Broccoli or Sweet Peas? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | High | Broccoli! (The floret tops look like tiny trees.) | “Do you pretend the broccoli trees are eaten by a giant dinosaur?” |
| 67 | Fresh Pineapple or Sweet Mango? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Fresh Pineapple! (Bright, tangy, sweet flavor burst.) | “Does pineapple make your tongue feel tingly?” |
| 68 | Blueberries or Raspberries? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Blueberries! (Popping whole blueberries in your mouth is clean and easy.) | “Do you put raspberries on your fingertips like puppets?” |
| 69 | Raw Red Peppers or Cooked Green Beans? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | High | Raw Red Peppers! (Crispy, sweet, and bright red.) | “Did you know red peppers are sweeter than green ones?” |
| 70 | Corn on Cob or Baked Sweet Potato? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Corn on Cob! (Sweet corn kernels popping off the cob.) | “Do you like lots of melted butter and salt?” |
| 71 | Oranges or Clementines (Cuties)? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Cuties! (Easier for kids to peel by themselves without mess.) | “Is it because they are easy to peel yourself?” |
| 72 | Avocado Slices or Guacamole? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | High | Guacamole! (Seasoned with lime salt and dippable with tortilla chips.) | “What is your favorite chip to dip in guac?” |
| 73 | Fresh Cherries or Plums? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Cherries! (Sweet dark juice and spitting out pits outside.) | “How far can you spit a cherry pit outside?” |
| 74 | Baked Potato or Mashed Sweet Potatoes? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Baked Potato! (Loaded with cheese, butter, and bacon bits.) | “Sour cream, cheese, or bacon bits on top?” |
| 75 | Edamame or Sugar Snap Peas? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | High | Edamame! (Popping warm salted soybeans right out of the pod.) | “Is popping the beans out of the pod the fun part?” |
| 76 | Dried Raisins or Craisins? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | High | Craisins! (Tart cranberry punch balanced with sugar.) | “Sweet or tart?” |
| 77 | Cantaloupe or Honeydew Melon? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Cantaloupe! (Sweet orange melon flavor with soft texture.) | “Orange melon or green melon?” |
| 78 | Crispy Celery or Raw Cauliflower? | Ages 7–12 | 2 mins | High | Celery! (Pairs great filled with peanut butter and raisins.) | “Ants on a log with peanut butter and raisins?” |
| 79 | Smoothie Bowl or Fruit Skewers? | Ages 5–12 | 3 mins | Low | Fruit Skewers! (Eating fruit off a wooden stick makes it feel special.) | “Does food on a stick taste better?” |
| 80 | Zucchini Fries or Kale Chips? | Ages 8–12 | 3 mins | High | Zucchini Fries! (Breaded and baked so they taste like french fries.) | “If it’s shaped like a french fry, will you try it?” |
5. Desserts & Sweet Treats
| # | This or That Question | Target Age | Activity Time | Picky Level | Sample Answer / Debate Angle | Follow-Up Prompt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Chocolate or Vanilla Ice Cream? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Chocolate! (Rich cocoa flavor is king of ice cream.) | “In a waffle cone or a bowl with a spoon?” |
| 82 | Chocolate Chip Cookies or Brownies? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Brownies! (Fudgy, dense, chocolatey cake texture.) | “Corner fudgy piece or soft center piece?” |
| 83 | Birthday Cake or Apple Pie? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Birthday Cake! (Sweet buttercream frosting and sprinkles.) | “Vanilla frosting or chocolate buttercream?” |
| 84 | Cupcakes or Donuts? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Donuts! (Glazed fried dough beats cake crumb texture.) | “Do you lick the frosting off first?” |
| 85 | Gummy Worms or Sour Patch Kids? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Sour Patch Kids! (Sour coating first, then sweet fruit chewy candy.) | “Can you eat sour candy without twisting your face?” |
| 86 | Popsicles or Ice Cream Sandwich? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Ice Cream Sandwich! (Vanilla ice cream sandwiched between soft chocolate wafers.) | “Do your fingers get sticky when the cookie melts?” |
| 87 | Hot Fudge Sundae or Banana Split? | Ages 6–12 | 3 mins | Low | Hot Fudge Sundae! (Warm fudge over freezing vanilla ice cream.) | “Do you want the cherry on top or give it away?” |
| 88 | Churros with Chocolate or Sugar Donuts? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Low | Churros! (Crispy cinnamon dough dipped in warm melted chocolate.) | “Cinnamon sugar or extra dip?” |
| 89 | Rice Krispies Treat or S’mores? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | S’mores! (Gooey melted marshmallow and chocolate between graham crackers.) | “Golden roasted marshmallow or burnt black?” |
| 90 | Strawberry Shortcake or Cheesecake? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Strawberry Shortcake! (Fresh strawberries, sweet biscuits, and whipped cream.) | “Extra whipped cream on top?” |
| 91 | Milk Chocolate or White Chocolate? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Milk Chocolate! (Classic creamy chocolate taste.) | “Did you know white chocolate has no cocoa solids?” |
| 92 | Cotton Candy or Caramel Apple? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Cotton Candy! (Spun sugar that melts instantly on your tongue.) | “Blue raspberry or pink vanilla flavor?” |
| 93 | Frozen Yogurt or Shaved Ice (Snow Cone)? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Snow Cone! (Refreshing crushed ice soaked in sweet fruity syrup.) | “What color does your tongue turn after eating it?” |
| 94 | Chocolate Pudding or Fruit Jell-O? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Chocolate Pudding! (Creamy, chocolatey, and smooth.) | “Do you wiggle the Jell-O on your spoon first?” |
| 95 | M&Ms Candy or Skittles? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Skittles! (Fruit chew burst beats chocolate candy shell.) | “Chocolate sweet or fruity sweet?” |
| 96 | Cinnamon Roll or Chocolate Croissant? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Low | Cinnamon Roll! (Warm cinnamon sugar swirl covered in white icing.) | “Unrolling it spiral by spiral or slicing through?” |
| 97 | Milkshake or Fruit Smoothie? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Milkshake! (Ice cream blended with milk and whipped cream.) | “Oreo cookies & cream or classic strawberry?” |
| 98 | Lemon Bars or Blondies? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Blondies! (Brown sugar butter bar filled with white chocolate chips.) | “Do you like tart lemony desserts?” |
| 99 | Lollipop or Gummy Bears? | Ages 4–9 | 2 mins | Low | Gummy Bears! (Easier to chew and share with friends.) | “How many licks does it take to get to the center?” |
| 100 | Ice Cream Cone or Ice Cream Bowl? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Waffle Cone! (Eating the crunchy waffle cone at the end is the best part.) | “What happens if a hole breaks at the bottom?” |
6. Drinks & Wildcombos
| # | This or That Question | Target Age | Activity Time | Picky Level | Sample Answer / Debate Angle | Follow-Up Prompt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | Chocolate Milk or Strawberry Milk? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Chocolate Milk! (Classic rich cocoa milk favorite.) | “Cold from the fridge or warmed up?” |
| 102 | Fresh Lemonade or Apple Juice? | Ages 4–10 | 2 mins | Low | Lemonade! (Sweet and sour citrus punch on a warm day.) | “Pink lemonade or yellow lemonade?” |
| 103 | Ice-Cold Water or Sparkling Water? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Ice Water! (Pure refreshing hydration without fizzy bubbles.) | “Do you like the tickly bubbles in sparkling water?” |
| 104 | OJ with Pulp or No Pulp? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | High | No Pulp! (Smooth orange juice without stringy bits floating around.) | “Why do orange bits feel strange in your mouth?” |
| 105 | Slushie or Fruit Smoothie? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Slushie! (Super icy brain-freeze liquid syrup.) | “Blue raspberry or cherry slushie?” |
| 106 | Iced Tea or Fruit Punch? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Low | Fruit Punch! (Sweet cherry-berry fruit juice flavor.) | “Sweet tea or lemon tea?” |
| 107 | Cold Milkshake or Hot Chocolate? | Ages 4–12 | 2 mins | Low | Hot Chocolate! (Cozy winter drink topped with mini marshmallows.) | “Winter drink vs summer drink?” |
| 108 | Capri Sun pouch or Juice Box? | Ages 4–9 | 2 mins | Low | Capri Sun! (Pouch design feels cooler to hold.) | “Is poking the straw through the pouch tricky?” |
| 109 | Fry in Milkshake or Fry in Ketchup? | Ages 6–12 | 3 mins | High | Fry in Milkshake! (Salty hot french fry dipped in cold sweet vanilla.) | “Salty plus sweet: brilliant or gross?” |
| 110 | Pineapple on Pizza: YES or NO? | Ages 6–12 | 3 mins | High | NO Pineapple! (Fruit does not belong on warm cheese pizza.) | “Is fruit allowed on savory cheese pizza?” |
| 111 | Pickle Popsicle or Mustard Ice Cream? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | High | Pickle Popsicle! (Sour dill pickle juice frozen on a stick is less gross.) | “Which weird combo is less disgusting?” |
| 112 | Marshmallow Pizza or Ice Cream Tacos? | Ages 6–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Ice Cream Tacos! (Waffle shell filled with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce.) | “Choco-Taco style dessert?” |
| 113 | Mac & Cheese with Ketchup: YES or NO? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | High | NO Ketchup! (Ketchup ruins the creamy cheddar cheese flavor.) | “Does ketchup ruin the cheese flavor?” |
| 114 | PB & Jelly or PB & Banana? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Medium | PB & Jelly! (Sweet fruity jelly balances sticky peanut butter.) | “Grape jelly or strawberry jam?” |
| 115 | Sweet Popcorn with Salt or Cheese Popcorn? | Ages 5–12 | 2 mins | Low | Cheese Popcorn! (Savory cheddar dust on every kernel.) | “Do your fingers turn orange after eating?” |
| 116 | Dip Pizza in Ranch or Marinara? | Ages 6–12 | 2 mins | Medium | Ranch! (Cool creamy garlic ranch balances hot pizza crust.) | “Why does cool Ranch taste good on warm pizza?” |
| 117 | Chips Inside Sandwich or On the Side? | Ages 7–12 | 3 mins | High | Inside Sandwich! (Placing crunchy potato chips inside gives an epic crunch.) | “Does it give the sandwich an epic crunch?” |
| 118 | Breakfast for Dinner or Dinner for Breakfast? | Ages 5–12 | 3 mins | Low | Breakfast for Dinner! (Pancakes and bacon at 6 PM feels like a celebration.) | “Pancakes at 6 PM feels like breaking a rule, right?” |
| 119 | Eat with Giant Spoon or Tiny Chopsticks? | Ages 6–12 | 3 mins | Medium | Tiny Chopsticks! (Funny challenge trying to grab peas with mini sticks.) | “Would it take an hour to finish your meal?” |
| 120 | Dino-shaped Food or Star-shaped Food? | Ages 4–9 | 2 mins | Low | Dinosaur-shaped! (T-Rex nuggets taste better than plain circles.) | “Do T-Rex nuggets taste better than circle nuggets?” |
How to Make These Questions Good for a Conversation?
The only mistake that both parents and teachers make is they stop the game at the initial pick. The choosing question just takes some seconds. The real magic happens in the follow-up. To make the game more interesting, engaging, and focused, use the 4 conversational techniques as follows:
1. Always Ask the “Why” Behind the Choice
Once a child makes their choice, follow up with an other question. For example, if a kid has to choose between waffles and pancakes and they choose waffles, continue the conversation by adding: Waffles? What is it about waffles? Is it the crispy edges or the way the syrup fills up the little squares?
2. Introduce Sensory & Experiential Prompts
Support students to use descriptive language by asking questions like, “How does it feel when you bite into it?” Or does this food remind you of a special day, vacation, or time with Grandma?
3. Turning to More Personal Subjects
Use food choices as a centerpiece to explore wider emotions, memories and personal values (e.g. talking about comfort foods like warm soup to make the conversation engaging and long). You can also do debates on different dessert items.
Conclusion on this or that food
The this or that food game is a very simple yet powerful tool when it comes to connecting. By turning daily choices between everyday foods into little debates, you can let the children share their thoughts openly and confidently. You can use the listed questions at both school and family gatherings. The main goal is to listen to everyone closely and embrace silly answers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) by People
What age range is “this or that food” suitable for?
This game works best for children who are 4 to 12 years old. Younger kids who are 2 to 3 years old are not recommended for difficult questions. Older kids who are 8 to 12 years old can enjoy the debating.
How can “this or that food” help picky eaters?
Picky eaters face pressure when they sit at the dining table with everyone, as they have to eat something they don’t know or like. Playing a food game can remove this pressure. It allows picky eaters to discuss food textures, temperatures, and flavors safely, which gives parents an idea about their food preferences.
Can I play this game in a classroom setting without causing distraction?
Yes! You can use quiet response methods like thumbs-up/thumbs-down, standing up/sitting down, or writing answers on mini-whiteboards during morning meetings or brain breaks.
Government Refrence and Sources
- USDA MyPlate Guidelines for Kids: https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/kids
- CDC Child Nutrition Guidelines: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/InfantandToddlerNutrition/index.html
- NIH Study on Family Meals: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325878/
- U.S. Department of Education Elementary Initiatives: https://www.ed.gov/elementary-and-secondary-education
