Napolina pasta sauce feedback thread; find out what MNers think about the latest range - NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

We asked 250 Mners with children to try the latest range of pasta sauces from Napolina – this is the thread for their feedback.

Napolina say “we are excited to launch a new range of No Added Sugar pasta sauces to complement our existing range of over 130 products including pasta, sauces, canned tomatoes, olive oil, pulses, pizzeria and balsamic vinegar. The sauces enable tasty and convenient meals to be created, whilst reducing ‘added sugar’ intake. Flavours are centred around Italian family classic meals and have been developed to appeal to parents and children alike.

All sauces have a smooth texture and are available in seven flavour variants:

~ Bolognese pasta sauce
~ Pasta sauce for Macaroni Cheese
~ Pasta sauce for Meatballs
~ Creamy Cheese and Tomato pasta sauce
~ Red Lasagne pasta sauce
~ White Lasagne pasta sauce
~ Tomato with Hidden Veg pasta sauce

Available in a 480g/500g jar for families of four or more (RRP £1.69), the sauces are perfect for creating Italian inspired family favourites on busy weekdays or leisurely weekends alike”.

Questions for testers

As a parent, what is the biggest tea-time challenge for you?
Would you say you are more aware of the ‘added sugar’ in food now than you were perhaps a year ago?
What is your top priority as a parent when choosing which products to purchase or meals to cook for your family?
From the ones you tried, which is your favourite flavour in the range? Which did your children like?
Would you use the products again? Why?
If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the sauces to a friend or family member?

Selected testers who add feedback as required will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £300 John Lewis voucher.

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

[MummyBtothree]

Oooh anyone heard yet? Was really hoping to get this one

[MummyBtothree]

Just seen on the application thread the sauces are already being delivered so thats a no for me then...again Ive applied for loads of these trials lately but no luck

[hinkyhonk]

Mine just arrived through the post. I was most confused to receive a package as I was sure I hadn't ordered anything during one of the middle of the night feeding sessions but couldn't be entirely sure!

[dgcoco5]

Oooh just had email confirmation of being selected to take part !! Roll on Pasta fun ! ...

[5madthings]

Place marking as I just had an email to say we have been selected :)

[MomeRath]

Me too, just looking forward to them arriving!

[Quills]

Looking forward to testing these, pasta is one of my best fallback meals for when my girls are being fussy.

[Heavenscent86]

I had an email today telling me we have been selected. I'm really looking forward to trying out these products on my very fussy eater.

[bunique]

We've been selected too - as lasagna is apparently now my 13 month old's favourite food, this is good timing

[DorsetMum1]

Just tried spaghetti with the Napolina smooth tomato and hidden veg. sauce.
We grow our own veg,so children well used to eating veg and not really concerned whether it is hidden or not.
Son, who usually eats pasta, but leaves most of any sauce, has a clean plate and has now remarked that the sauce was delicious!
Daughter keeps asking if there's any more.
Definitely a success!

[Doobydoo]

Awaiting ours!

[MirandaWest]

Mine came on Saturday before I knew I'd been selected

[Tantrictantrum]

I've been selected but nothing has arrived yet

[gazzalw]

As a parent, what is the biggest tea-time challenge for you?
Finding recipes that suit the whole family.

Would you say you are more aware of the ‘added sugar’ in food now than you were perhaps a year ago?
We don't often use ready-made sauces, so not really aware of 'added sugar' to savoury products (with sweet ones it's expected). Why is it necessary to add sugar?

What is your top priority as a parent when choosing which products to purchase or meals to cook for your family?
Ingredients that are healthy, well priced and can be used to produce a nourishing meal quickly.

From the ones you tried, which is your favourite flavour in the range?
We had three sauces (the Napolina White Lasagne pasta sauce was duplicated). The latter was the adults' favourite for sure.

Which did your children like?
Surprisingly, the Tomato with Hidden Veg pasta sauce.

Would you use the products again? Why?
They are a handy store-cupboard ingredient for times when meals need to be magicked in a thrice. TBQH we were keenest on the White Lasagne pasta sauce and would probably use this as a 'cheat' shortcut making a lasagne. The others I could imagine packing DS off to uni with (although that is several years off yet), or having in stock for him to use if hungry and home-alone. Sorry to say though that we (parents)would always make a pasta ragu from scratch (it's not rocket science) rather than using a bought one.

If it came up in conversation, would you recommend the sauces to a friend or family member?
Yes but only for emergency (or teen) cooking purposes.

[ouryve]

Ours arrived on Saturday - sadly the sauce for Macaroni cheese didn't survive the journey.

We're having meatballs and pasta for dinner, tomorrow, using the hidden veg sauce and I'm planning a leek and mushroom lasagne for later in the week.

[Zhx3]

I've received my jars today! Dd has friends visiting on Thursday, so will make a lasagne for them.

[toomuchinternets]

Ours have arrived- very much looking forward to trying out the hidden veg one tonight!

[SylvDP]

Mine has just arrived. Didn't get an email though.
Lasagne for dinner tomorrow

[NorthernBird92]

Awaiting arrival of mine 😀

[5madthings]

Mine just arrived with free packet of penne pasta as well. That's tonight's dinner sorted! They are good sized jars as well, looking forward to trying them out :)

[FeelingSmurfy]

Had the email yesterday, looking forward to receiving them

[sleeplessinmybedroom]

Mine arrived today, I haven't had an email though. I was wondering why I had a parcel when i couldn't remember ordering anything. I'll get cooking.

[Bonkerz]

Mine arrived today. Pasta and meatballs for tea!!

[ALemonyPea]

Mine arrived today, with some penne pasta as well. Tuesday's are a busy day and try to do a quick tea, so perfect timing. Will review towards end of week as will do a lasagne as well.

[Balletgirlmum]

Arrived this morning at 7am!!!! I wasn't expecting the pasta as well!

How long have we got to give feedback because ds had lasagne yesterday & with all those large jars in different flavours to test out it could take a few weeks if we have pasta say twice a week.

One initial thought, I was disappointed that 3 of the jars contain stevia, when I make homemade sauce for ds from passata (he won't eat lumpy sauces) I don't put any sweetener in just herbs & garlic.