Professional Recipe Developer & Children's Cooking Teacher.

Hi, I'm Jemma — I'm the recipe developer, voice and photographer behind Mini Food Explorers. My passion for food began at a young age when I'd often be found concocting recipes for 'dinner parties' in my parents' kitchen.

Inspired by my Home Economics teacher at school, I went on to study Food and completed a BSc (Hons) in Food & Consumer Studies. My career then took me into recipe development for major food manufacturers and more recently in retail at M&S, where I crafted award-winning products like the 'Posh Dog™'.

After my two 'mini food explorers' were born, I decided that I wanted them to share my love for food and to be exposed to cooking from a young age. From the weaning stage, I introduced them to lots of flavours and textures which started our journey of Food Exploring.

Today Jemma teaches children's cooking courses online and in person, helping children aged 3–16 develop real cooking skills, kitchen confidence and a lifelong love of food.

I feel passionate about teaching our future generations to cook and to have an understanding of healthy eating and where food comes from. I believe in exposing children to food and ingredients from around the world, and whilst we try to eat healthily on the whole, I do believe in everything in moderation!

Professional Qualifications

Professional Qualifications

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BSc (Hons)

Food & Consumer Studies

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Recipe Developer

Major food brands

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Former Product Developer

Marks & Spencer

Professional background

Professional background

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Food Manufacturing

Extensive experience in recipe development for major food manufacturers, creating products that meet both taste and nutritional requirements.

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Retail Innovation

Worked in food retail at M&S, developing award-winning products and understanding consumer needs in the premium food market.

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Food Education

Founded Mini Food Explorers to share knowledge and passion for cooking with families, focusing on practical skills and healthy eating habits.

OUR MISSION

Mini Food Explorers was born from the belief that involving children in all aspects of food helps develop an adventurous approach to trying new foods, along with a whole host of other benefits. Cooking with your children helps them develop many life skills and can be great at helping picky eaters try new foods – they are far more likely to try something if they have made it themselves.

All our recipes are tried and tested by me and my little helpers, so you can rest assured that they are child-friendly! As well as recipes for you to make with your little ones, you’ll also find speedy supper recipes for all the family, product news and reviews, hints and tips, and useful food articles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications does Jemma Davis have?

Jemma holds a BSc (Hons) in Food & Consumer Studies and has spent her career working as a professional recipe developer for major food manufacturers and in retail at M&S, where she developed award-winning products. She brings genuine industry expertise to every course and workshop she teaches, making Mini Food Explorers much more than a hobby cooking class.

How did Mini Food Explorers start?

Mini Food Explorers was born from Jemma's desire to share her love of food with her own two children, introducing them to flavours, textures and cooking from a very young age. What started as a personal passion for family food education grew into a mission to help other families do the same — building children's confidence, curiosity and skills in the kitchen from toddlerhood through to the teenage years.

What age groups does Jemma teach?

Jemma's courses and workshops cover a wide range of ages, from toddlers experiencing food for the first time right through to teenagers preparing for independent living. The online Junior Chef Challenge is designed for children aged 9–14, while the Duke of Edinburgh cooking course supports teenagers aged 14 and above. In-person workshops are designed for younger children and are tailored to the age group attending.

Is Mini Food Explorers suitable for picky eaters?

Absolutely — in fact, helping picky eaters is one of the things Mini Food Explorers does best. Children are far more likely to try new foods when they've been involved in preparing them, and Jemma's approach is rooted in this principle. By involving children in cooking from a young age and exposing them to ingredients from around the world, Mini Food Explorers helps build adventurous, confident eaters as well as capable cooks.

Where is Mini Food Explorers based?

Mini Food Explorers is based in [your location]. In-person workshops and events are held locally throughout the year, while our online courses are available to families anywhere in the UK. Whether you're local or based further afield, there's a way for your child to get involved.

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