The dietary preferences of Irish youngsters aged between five and 17 years may be a little bit healthier than we think. According to a recent survey, only 10 per cent of young people cited cola as their favourite drink, and 15 per cent said they prefer water.

Potatoes and salad are among the most popular foods with Irish children. Just under half say they like potatoes (44 per cent) and salad (47 per cent) for dinner. Vegetables (43 per cent) are also rated highly among Irish children and teenagers. Only 29 per cent of those surveyed cited chips as their favourite food.

The survey also reveals that Irish children have become more independent in their eating habits in recent years. Almost nine out of 10 children say that they chose what they want to eat. In 1960, only just over half of Irish children made their own food choices.

The survey was carried out by the catering services company, Sodexho.