Introducing Our Autumn/Winter 2025 Menu: Warming Flavours for Happy, Healthy Little Ones

Hungry Caterpillars Day Nurseries 25th Birthday

Warm, Colourful and Nourishing Meals for Happy, Healthy Little Ones

As the seasons change and the air turns crisp, our kitchens are filled with the comforting aromas of autumn and winter. We’re delighted to introduce our Autumn/Winter 2025 Menu — thoughtfully created to give children the nourishment they need, while bringing joy, warmth and colour to every mealtime.

Our chefs have carefully designed each dish using fresh, seasonal produce such as carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, cauliflower, broccoli and peas. These vibrant ingredients are naturally rich in vitamins, fibre and essential nutrients — perfect for keeping little bodies strong and little minds alert during the colder months.

Wholesome Comfort for Growing Appetites

Every week, children will enjoy a variety of delicious dishes that are both comforting and nutritious. Each recipe is created with young taste buds in mind — mild, balanced and bursting with natural flavour.

Some of this season’s highlights include:

Chickpea and Cauliflower Curry with rice and naan — mild, creamy and full of fibre.
Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup — a colourful, velvety blend of goodness.
Lamb or Lentil Shepherd’s Pie — a classic comfort favourite, full of slow-releasing energy.
Sweet and Sour Chicken or Beans — introducing gentle global flavours in a child-friendly way.
Butternut, Bean and Cheese Pie — smooth, creamy and packed with protein.

From hearty Jollof Rice with Turkey or Soya Mince to Lamb Spaghetti Bolognese and Carrot Macaroni with Cauliflower Florets, every meal is freshly prepared and nutritionally balanced to keep children satisfied and energised all day long.

Exploring Gentle Flavours from Around the World

Food is a wonderful way to explore the world — and our new menu introduces little ones to mild, child-friendly tastes from different cuisines. Dishes like Spiced Cod Bulgur Pilaf, Middle Eastern Cod and Apricot Stew, and Lamb Moussaka allow children to experience new flavours in a way that feels familiar and comforting.

These meals encourage curiosity, build confidence and help children develop a healthy relationship with food from an early age.

Naturally Sweet Treats

Desserts on our menu celebrate the natural sweetness of fruits and wholesome ingredients. Every pudding is designed to satisfy little tummies without being overly sweet. Children can look forward to:

Blueberry and Lemon Sponge with Vanilla Yoghurt
Carrot and Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Apple and Cinnamon Whipped Yoghurt
Gruffalo Crumble with Custard
Baked Semolina with Berry Compote
Date Oatmeal Muffins

These treats are the perfect way to end a nourishing meal — gentle on sugar, big on flavour and packed with goodness.

Balanced, Inclusive and Thoughtful

At Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries, we believe every child should enjoy delicious, nutritious food, whatever their dietary needs. That’s why each dish on our menu comes with a vegetarian or plant-based alternative, carefully matched to ensure inclusion and variety for all.

Every meal is balanced to provide the right mix of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and fibre to support children’s growth, energy and wellbeing.

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Our settings welcome children of age as young as 3 months old therefore, we work along parents/carers to support baby milk feeding routine at first, followed by weaning process from when they are 6 month old, staying within national guidance and within our policy to limit allergy reactions. During weaning process, we encourage parents to keep providing a variety of foods at home, and then update the weaning checklist sheet for nursery chef information. We expect children to be fully weaned and able to join our regular menu once their turn one, until then we are providing simplified dishes from current menu but taking into consideration constant food expansion and texture progression of each child. We are happy to continue ‘BLW’ baby led weaning at the nursery although depending on child physical development some parents prefer mashed food for their children for longer period of time. Also, we don’t offer sweet pudding for children under 12 months, instead we provide variety of fruits and yoghurt (plain or with fruit puree)

Head Chef - Patrycja Kozak

The staff at Hungry Caterpillar Day Nurseries have been amazing at guiding my little one through the weaning stages. They are knowledgeable and patient, ensuring that my child feels comfortable while trying new foods. They tailor the weaning approach to each baby’s pace, which has given me peace of mind.

Parent at Acton Park

I was very impressed with the range of healthy and age-appropriate meals offered. The nursery ensures that the menu includes a balance of flavours and textures, helping my child explore new tastes in a fun and engaging way. The staff are attentive to dietary restrictions and always keep me updated on what my baby has eaten.

Parent at High Wycombe

The nursery’s cleanliness is excellent, and mealtimes are well-organised and hygienic. The staff prioritise safety and take great care in handling food and ensuring my baby is happy and healthy while eating.

Parent at Chalfont St Peter