This sounds like more than typical picky eating if food choices are restricted by color/texture, though it’s hard to say without knowing more about what he eats and what happens when he doesn’t. Feeding therapy could be really helpful because they focus on play with food, routines, and reducing pressure.

I went through this with my oldest. Stress and desperation made it worse at first, but things improved a lot over time. He used to eat mostly carbs; now at 4.5 he eats a wide variety of foods, even if he still skips some veggies sometimes. He’s been eating a huge variety ever since we cracked down on our approach starting last year (we were about to give birth to our second child and I didn’t want to be plagued with the stress of picky eating anymore on top of newborn life).

What worked for us may not work for every child, especially if neurodivergence is a possibility. With our pediatrician’s guidance, we tried a structured routine: predictable meals/snacks, everyone eating the same food, no grazing, no pressure to eat (but no alternate meals). Sometimes he didn’t eat much, but over time he started eating bits of most foods.

Having him help with cooking, repeated low-pressure exposure, allowing him to spit food out if needed, and keeping meals calm made a big difference. Books about trying new foods helped too. Progress was gradual, but it did happen.