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Product tests

NOW CLOSED: Ella's Kitchen Dairy products review thread: Super Smooth + Creamy Fromage Frais, Raspberry Rice Pudding and Thick + Smooth Yoghurt

88 replies

AnnMumsnet · 19/02/2013 14:21

This thread is for the 100 MNers and their LO's who have been trying the new dairy range from Ella's Kitchen. On test are:

NEW super smooth + creamy fromage frais
~ 20% real squished fruit
~ Whole milk is a natural source of calcium
~ Organic
~ RRP £1.89

NEW stir me up raspberry rice pudding
~ real squished fruit
~ natural creamy wholemilk
~ Organic
~ RRP £1.09

NEW chilled out thick + smooth yoghurt
~ 20% real squeezed fruit
~ Whole milk is a natural source of calcium
~ Organic
~ RRP £1.79

Testers - please let us know what you and your LO thought of the foods by answering the following questions:

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?
Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?
Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
Q7 What do you think of the price?
Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?

As a thank you for taking part all testers who add feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a month's supply of Ella's kitchen products and an Ella's Kitchen cow print cool bag (worth £45 in total).

thanks
MNHQ

OP posts:
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MissRee · 19/02/2013 15:37

Oooh check me out, first poster!

I have to say I'm still trying to find somewhere that sells the Rice Pudding! My local Asda didn't have it and we only have small Tesco Express stores in my area. I will keep looking! This part of the review is therefore only based on the yoghurts and the fromage frais.

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

Labelling was nice and bright and stood out well on the shelves. Not sure the cardboard outer was entirely necessary - could get rid to help save the planet?!

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?

The fromage frais pots were about the right size, if a little big. DD (13 months) usually has Petit Filous or the Wildlife fromage frais which are smaller pots. The yoghurts were far too big for her!

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

Fromage frais was nice - tasted a little different to the Petit Filous/Wildlife ones that DD usually has. Much more tart/less sweet, if that makes sense. Consistency and texture good - nice and creamy. Yoghurts were good consistency also with a lovely fruity flavour.


Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite

Definitely the petite filous

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?

I tend to serve them up as a snack but if she hasn't had many snacks during the day for whatever reason, I serve it after a meal.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?

DD doesn't say much yet but she was excited after the first taste and wanted more

Q7 What do you think of the price?

Very expensive. I usually pay £1.99 for 18 Wildlife petite filous.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?

In all honesty, I probably wouldn't buy them as they're just too expensive.

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MakeTeaNotWar · 19/02/2013 17:06

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

Loved the bright eye-catching colours. The bold design is loud and cheerful without being tacky. Very easy to spot on the shelf. No need for the cardboard sleeve though! Like the poster above though, they weren't in every supermarket that I visited, had to go to 2 waitrose and not in any of the smaller Tescos near me at all.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?

Yes other yogurts we buy are Plum Organics also 55g or Rachel's Organics at 100g. The 100g pots don't always get finished so these are perfect. DD is 2, sometimes she asks for a second one.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

Great, really like the vanilla in the rice pudding. I could taste the honey in the fromage frais but surprised they are recommended from 6 months, I thought babies under 1 weren't supposed to have honey? My son is 5 months and I'll be weaning him soon, I probably won't give him these products as they contain honey.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
The mango fromage frais

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
As pudding after dinner in the evening.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
She really liked them. Her favourite packaging was the red of the yogurt pots.

Q7 What do you think of the price?
Expensive, I will buy these when they are on offer ie 2 for £3.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?
I will buy these again but just not at full price. In general I am a big fan of Ella's Kitchen and like that they contain no nasties, this brand plays a big role in the snack bag and lunch boxes of my kids. These are tasty, great size and high quality.

Thanks for letting us try these.

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robdan · 19/02/2013 17:51

thanks very much for the trial

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?
the labeling was very attractive but i think the paper bit was not needed i think they should think more about the enviroment because when i put them in fridge i take the paper straight off so it has no purpose

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
very good sizing because some can be bit small but these were perfect size for lil one

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?
consistency was nice and taste brilliant bit tart for my lil one taste she just kept squinting

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
raspberry rice pudding wow she screamed for more

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
after her meal as dessert and some times in afternoon as snack

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
bit sour

Q7 What do you think of the price?
terrible i would not be able to buy these as they too much

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?
probley as a treat for lil one once a month but no more

thanks very much

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CharlotteBronteSaurus · 19/02/2013 17:56

we tested the fromage frais - have been unable to buy the other products, although DH is hoping we'll find rice pudding somewhere soon

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?
Nice and colourful, although I'm not sure if I haven't had my fill of the slightly twee copy style. The labelling was clear, although claims like "no refined sugar" always leads me to scrutinise the back of the packet to find out more.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
Yes - really nice size for toddlers/infant school aged children. Bigger than a petit filous type thing, but smaller than a full-sized yoghurt.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

I thought they were a bit bland TBH. We prefer a stronger flavour, like the Longley Farm yoghurts. Nice creamy texture though.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
Banana fromage frais

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
After dinner - we tend only to offer puddings as pudding!

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
dd2, aged 2, said "Yummy Yummy. Like it". Clean pot.
dd1 aged 5 was very excited by the concept of product testing, and wrote in her notebook: "Quite sour but not to much. Not bananay but strong tasted, wich I like. Quite thick, I think. Very Creamy, very nice."

Q7 What do you think of the price?
TBH i found them expensive. I would normally buy Longley Farm yogurt at about 39p each, and the DDs would share, or value little fromage frais, at under a pound a pack.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?
I wouldn't buy them again, even if well priced, as they didn't taste as good as other brands. The pot size was perfect though.

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umiaisha · 19/02/2013 19:43

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

Nice bright packaging, really stood out on the shelves. Not sure the outer sleeve was necessary though.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?

Just right

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

DS loved all of them, would have eaten 2 at a time. He used to eat the plain Ella's rice puddings but went off them but really enjoyed the new version.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite

Mango fromage frais

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?

As a pudding

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?

Wolfed them down.

Q7 What do you think of the price?

Fair price for a product of such good quality

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not

Yes, definitely will as they are free of junk and went down well with DS.

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IwishIwasmoreorganised · 19/02/2013 19:43

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?
They looked good on the shelf - bright and eye catching but not tacky. I found them easily on our first attempt in our local Waitrose which isn't especially big.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
Much too small for our ds's (4.9 and 7.4).

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?
Both ds's loved the yoghurts and rice puddings but weren't fussed on the fromage frais. I think this was more because of the flavour than anything else. The texture of the yoghurts and fromage frais was lovely - really smooth and creamy. The rice pudding was more suited to much younger children IMO.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite?
Ds1 was a big fan of the strawberry and pear yoghurts and ds2 loved the rice pudding.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
They had them as puddings after lunch.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
They did enjoy them (not so much the fromage frais) but felt they were too small.

Q7 What do you think of the price?
The rice puddings were reasonable, but the yogurt and fromage frais seem very expensive.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?
If our dc were younger I would consider buying them again (only the yoghurts and fromage frais if they were on special offer), but at the ages they are I wouldn't as they are just too small. I would mention them to friends with younger dc though.

Thanks to MN and Ella's Kitchen for letting us try them!

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gwenniebee · 19/02/2013 22:26

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

Very appealing and bright. I have to store yet more cardboard for my recycling now, though, and as I have to take cardboard to the tip every little bit of excess grates with me!

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?

DD is 7 months and has had 50g or 55g pots before now. The rice pudding pot was a bit bigger but she finished it off anyway!

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

We have tested the fromage frais and the rice pudding so far. The rice pudding was lovely - I was impressed by how "home made" it felt. I find by pudding my dd quite likes something she doesn't have to worry about chewing/mushing too much so the consistency was great. The fromage frais wasn't as overtly sweet as petit filous which was nice. Also nice to have different flavours from the usual raspberry and strawberry.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite

I think the fromage frais went down more quickly, but she liked them both. It was her first experience of rice pudding.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?

As pudding.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?

Dadadadada. :)

Q7 What do you think of the price?

The rice pudding was on offer in waitrose so was good value. I thought the fromage frais were a bit pricey compared with petit filous.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?

I will probably go with whatever is on offer when I shop, so that I buy a variety of brands and flavours. I would buy Ella's or petit filous over munch bunch or something, though. The rice pudding has served more to remind me that I can cook this for my dd as I prefer to cook for her than use ready made food. However, again if the are on special offer I am sure I would get them as dd enjoyed it and it saves me time!

Thanks for the opportunity - if we get hold of the yoghurts I will be back to this thread!

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LalyRawr · 20/02/2013 10:26

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

The packaging was bright, colourful and attractive. Gave you information you needed, so you could tell what was in it from a glance. Agree with others that outer cardboard was superfluous.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?

Yes, yoghurts maybe a little bigger than I would normally give her, but she ate it all anyway!

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

Rice Pudding: Unfortunately, my daughter hated it. Gave her one spoonful and she pulled the funniest most distasteful face. Second spoonful ended up being spat out. Tasted it myself and wasn't too keen either. It was bland and lumpy.

Yoghurts: Lovely smooth texture, could taste the natural yoghurt behind the fruits. Daughter ate all of hers and then half of mine.

Fromage Frais: Mango one was lovely. Again, beautifully smooth texture, not too overpowering on flavour, but still sweet. Banana one was disliked by both me and my daughter (clearly we have similar tastes). Too sharp and tart, slightly bitter even. Flavouring too strong.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite

Mango Fromage Frais or either of the yoghurts.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?

Generally after meals, but she sometimes has one as a snack.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?

Rice Pudding: Spat it out and refused to eat anything I offered her for about an hour (no trust in this relationship, clearly!)

Yoghurts: Ate all of hers then stole half of mine

Fromage Frais: Ate all the Mango but refused the Banana after two spoonfulls.

Q7 What do you think of the price?

The RRP is expensive anyway and in my local Tesco they were even more so Hmm. £2 for the yoghurts and Fromage Frais, though the Rice Puddings were the same price. I wouldn't pay that much for the amount you get.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?

Would not buy the Rice Pudding as my daughter disliked it, nor would I buy the Fromage Frais as again, my daughter disliked the banana ones. The yoghurts I did like (as did she) but would not buy at that price point.

I was actually quite disappointed that both of us only liked half the products we tested. I have to say I was expecting a bit more from Ella's Kitchen considering how expensive and 'premium' their brand has become.

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batteryhen · 20/02/2013 11:24

I am still trying to locate them! Our big tesco doesn't stock them so will try a different shop at the weekend.

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whimsy · 20/02/2013 12:19

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

Nice and bright, they really stood out on the shelves. DS3 liked the colours.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?

Just right.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

DS3 loved all of them, would have eaten 2 at a time if he could.


Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite

Raspberry rice pudding.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?

As a pudding.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?

He enjoyed the especially the rice pudding.

Q7 What do you think of the price?

I think they are a fair price. I believe you get what you pay for.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not

Yes, I will definitely be buying them again. Nice change from just yoghurt.

Thanks to MN and Ella's Kitchen for letting us try them and for the lovely bag :)

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MooseyMoo · 20/02/2013 15:03

My local Waitrose still have the old version of the rice pudding which I know my kids do not like as it is very bland. So I haven't been able to test this item.

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

I like the bright colours of the packaging, and the pots themselves. They're good for recycling into a shaker.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
I think the yoghurt was a better size for my 15 month old.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?
My 15 month old loved them, eaten very quickly. My 2.9 year old had two fromage frais and loved both flavours

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
Strawberry and Pear yoghurt

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
After lunch

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
More!

Q7 What do you think of the price?
Ok

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?
Yes, I would buy them again as both children enjoyed eating them and they were different flavours to other yoghurts I buy them.

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mrsgordonfreeman · 20/02/2013 16:44

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

They were nice and colourful and indicated a premium product.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?

Yes, she's 3 and eats about one molecule of food at a sitting. The pots were about the right size for her.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

Rice pudding: this was OK. A bit bland and I don't think the fruit added anything. DD was a bit grumpy about getting this as she prefers the yogurt.

Fromage frais: what can you say? It was fromage frais-shaped.

Yogurt: this was also fine.

DD is not especially fussy and doesn't mind lumps and so forth, so I don't usually buy these types of dessert. She tends to eat plain yogurt so these were quite a treat.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite

Definitely the yogurt. She really enjoyed it.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?

After a meal. I explained that the people that made the pots wanted to know if she liked them or not.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?

She was very excited about all the little pots, as I say, she doesn't usually get things like that. She did enjoy all of them apart from the rice pudding, which she (and I) thought was bland. I thought the yogurts and fromage frais were all a bit too sweet.

Q7 What do you think of the price?

As I don't usually buy this sort of thing I really don't know. They do seem expensive to me.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?

I thought they were very nice. They were however too sweet really, I am trying to encourage DD to see these types of dessert as a treat: I know they're sweetened with fruit and agave but it's still sugar, no matter where it comes from! So yes, nice packaging, and DD enjoys them, but only every now and then. Maybe when she has company over.

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Jayne266 · 20/02/2013 18:44

Oooh I never got chosen Hmm

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ArbitraryUsername · 21/02/2013 08:45

I managed to get the yoghurt and fromage frais. I haven't been able to find the rice pudding anywhere. We found two teeny tiny vanilla rice puddings in Tesco, but the raspberry ones eluded us. I'm not sure it makes any difference, as the looks on the kids' faces when I said that the other one was for rice pudding suggested they weren't exactly keen on the idea.

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

The packaging is nice. Quite tasteful really. Tesco had hidden it away on the high shelf, but we still managed to find it quite easily.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?

The pots are about the right size for small children, i think. DS1 is 12 so they weren't big enough for him. He ate the ones his brother wouldn't though.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

I couldn't get DS2 to try more than a lick of fromage frais. He said it was OK. DS1 enjoyed both the fromage frais and the yoghurt. The fromage frais is very smooth and, I thought, a but bland. I'd've liked it to be fruitier. DS1 liked them but wasn't amazed. He was much keener on the mango flavour ones than the others (in both the yoghurt and fromage frais). I didn't like the banana ones much.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite

The mango fromage frais.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?

I served them up as a snack.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?

DS2 just said he didn't want any (repeatedly). DS1 said it tasted like yoghurt/fromage frais but he wished it tasted more of mango.

Q7 What do you think of the price?

I thought they were expensive. £2 for 6 small pots isn't even a good deal in the premium yoghurt category.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?

I don't think I'd buy them again. DS1 would eat them if I did, but he wouldn't specifically request them.

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RueDeWakening · 21/02/2013 09:29

Marking my place for when I can get on the laptop later. But it's a good job I had vouchers, or I'd have been diddled - £2 each for the yogurts and fromage frais, although only £1 for the rice pudding. We've tried all 3 now, so will report back later.

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NotAQueef · 21/02/2013 10:36

HI,
Just marking my place and to let you know that my vouchers have arrived -but I forgot them Blush when I went shopping - not likely to get to the shops again 'til the weekend - is that ok?

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Amma2010 · 21/02/2013 13:50

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?
Very bright, eye catching packs. My LO was quite excited when she went to get the products and saw the colourful pots. The paper packaging can be left out in order to be more environmentally friendly.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
Yes, definitely. The size was just right for my 3 year old.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?
My LO didn?t like the rice pudding at all but she normally doesn?t like rice puddings so I don?t believe it?s got anything to do with the product. I tried it and felt the vanilla flavour was too strong.
As for the yoghurt and fromage frais, well, what can I say? She loved them I like the texture as it was just right. Neither too thick nor too runny.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
My LO simply loved the pineapple and mango yoghurt. Came as a surprise to me as they were new to her but she simply loved it and I?ll be buying more but maybe as a treat as a bit expensive

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
I served them both as a snack and after a meal. They were a hit as a snack as well as after a meal. So I?m very happy.


Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
She loved both the yoghurt and the fromage frais. According to her the pineapple and mango yoghurt is ??yummy?.??

Q7 What do you think of the price?
I think it?s a fair price and will definitely switch to Ella?s yoghurt and fromage frais.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?
Oh yes, but when on offer as a bit too expensive. I won?t be buying the rice pudding but that?s only because my LO doesn?t like rice pudding.

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Tidypidy · 21/02/2013 18:46

Haven't been able to find rici puddings yet so am answering with regard to fromage frais and yoghurts. If I can found them then I'll return and go through questions again.

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?
Clearly labelled, nutritional information laid out well so easy to calculate carbs for my diabetic son, packs very colourful and child friendly.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
Yes, although he would probably eat 2 given half a chance.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?
DS less keen on the fromage frais than the yoghurts, he particularly liked the strawberry and pear. Both were lovely and thick so easy for him to eat without drips.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite?
Strawberry and pear yoghurt.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
After a meal for pudding but could use as snack too, perhaps with a biscuit to dip in.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
Not keen on pineapple and mango - 'my don't like it Mummy', liked the colours of the packaging - 'they are bright and nice'.

Q7 What do you think of the price?
A bit expensive but more healthy and less sugar than our usual brand so worth it.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?
Don't know if will buy again as we have quite a tight budget for food shopping and not sure I can justify the price even though they are more healthy. Will probably buy as a treat.

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LemonBreeland · 21/02/2013 19:28

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

The packs are typical of Ellas kitchen, nice and bright and catch your eye.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?

The pots are quite small, which is typical of childrens yogurts. A good size.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?

DD really enjoyed all of the yogurts and fromage frais. They are unusual flavours and I was not sure that she would like all of them but she ate them all happily. The rice pudding she did like but did not eat it as happily, although she often won't eat rice pudding because of the texture.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite

She seemed to enjoy all of the yogurt and fromage frais equally.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?

I served them after dinner.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?

She seemed very keen to eat them and once she had a couple, she was excited when she saw me getting one out of the fridge.

Q7 What do you think of the price?

They are quite expensive.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?

I may buy them occasionally but the price would put me off.

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Babycarmen · 22/02/2013 12:02

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?
Eye catching and child friendly. Very positive first impression.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
Yes, for my 1yo it was perfect.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?
Consistency was fine, although I thought the yogurt would be thinner then it was, I was surprised it was the same texture as the fromage frais. She liked all of them but not the rice pudding, my 4yo wasn't keen on the rice pudding either. I thought the strawberry and pear flavour was nice.

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
The strawberry and pear yoghurt.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
After lunch or dinner

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
Wasn't sure of the mango flavour at first (even though she loves fresh mango) but was quite happy to eat them, except the rice pudding.

Q7 What do you think of the price?
Far too expensive for what you get to be honest.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?
Maybe if they were on offer, but its just too expensive for me to consider buying with the weekly shop.

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NiceBiscuits · 22/02/2013 19:36

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?
Labelling fine, except small print on the blue rice pudding pot was a bit hard to read as it was in a dark colour which didn't stand out very well. The pack design definitely appeals, yes.
Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
Yoghurts and fomage frais yes - rice pudding seemed a bit small (children aged 2 and 4).
Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?
They both loved all of them, except the 4 year old who disliked the rice pudding. Lovely and thick consistency.
Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
Probably the banana fromage frais
Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
Have tried both
Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
Yummy. (apart from the 4 year old and the rice pudding - "I don't like it")
Q7 What do you think of the price?
Ok for the quality of the product, unfortunately a bit expensive for me at the moment.
Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not?
Would buy them again, they seem like great quality and I like the brand background, I'm very happy to support them as opposed to say, mmm Danone

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MumToOneMogwai · 22/02/2013 20:22

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?
Liked the design, particularly the blue and pink on the rice puds - just a bit different from other designs
Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
The rice pud seemed a bit small, but I'm not sure if that was just in comparison with other rice puds rather than the right size for my LO iyswim
Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings? taste was very rich and 'real' seeming and the consistency didn't seem to weird DD out so that's a win
Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite, raspberry rice pud
Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal? as pudding
Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate? Well she pointed at DH (who was feeding her) and said 'I LUFFFS YOU' she's 18mo so who knows if its pudding related Grin
Q7 What do you think of the price? pricey, but I'm guessing production costs are a lot higher cos of ingredients (WHAT is agarve nectar??)
Q8 Overall: your overall view? It probably wouldn't be every week cos of the cost but for weeks when we were feeling flush!

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Girlzone · 22/02/2013 21:18

I have been able to test all three products. I can see from other posts that it has been difficult to find some of them, but I was able to purchase all three products at the first attempt, from a Waitrose in London.

Q1 First impressions of the packs
Clear, bright, liked the packaging.

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
Most of my testing has been carried out on my youngest daughter who is 8 months old. For her, the fromage frais pots were exactly the right size, whereas the yogurts were a bit too big, when used as a dessert after a savoury puree. However, for my 4 and 7 year old girls, the larger yogurts were absolutely fine. (Although most of the time they still get given the smaller fromage frais size pots when I buy them their regular brand of petits filous). The small rice pudding size is also appropriate for babies / younger children, if it is to be served as a dessert after a decent size main course.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? consistency/texture of the puddings?
My 8 month old loves the fromage frais and the yogurt. Consistency was just right for what she can manage at this stage. Similarly my older girls enjoyed the yogurt and fromage frais. Unfortunately, my 8 month old didn't cope with the rice pudding texture, it was still too lumpy for her. I only tried two spoonfuls on her as she gagged so much on each one, and pulled some extremely strange facial expressions when she felt the texture of it in her mouth! However, I do think my 8 month old is probably a bit over-sensitive compared to most babies of her age, when it comes to lumps /texture. I've keep trying her with stage 2 baby food which says 7 months+ on the packaging, and she still gags on it and wants smooth puree. So I don't know if my experience is different from others with young babies? Also, I offered some of the rice pudding to my 4 year old, and she didn't like it. But I tried some myself and thought it was lovely - I would happily eat it myself as a dessert, so I wouldn't want to be too negative about the rice pudding, as I'm hoping LO will like it when she's a few months older!

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
Either the fromage frais or the yogurt.

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
I have only used these as a dessert after a meal, with my 8 month old, and my 4 and 7 year olds. That is how I've always used these kinds of products, i've never thought of giving them as a snack between meals.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say?
My 8 month old can't talk yet, but she clearly enjoyed eating the fromage frais and yogurt. My 4 year old said she liked the yogurts and the fromage frais, and tried a variety of the flavours. I'm not sure she notices any difference between these and the fromage frais brand that she's used to eating. She does also like all fruit flavours in general. My 7 year old who is more fussy also liked them, but did check before she started on the yogurt that there were no pieces of fruit in it, so she was very pleased it was a smooth blended consistency.

Q7 What do you think of the price?
These are more expensive than the petits filous that I usually buy, so that would put me off. (I usually find the petits filous are on an offer of 12 for about £2.50). However, the rice pudding was being sold at a cheaper price than the RRP you have listed, and if I found my LO got to like them, once they can manage texture, I would happily buy those as no-one else seems to offer a product of this kind for babies / toddlers so it would bring some variety to their diet, and I did like this product (even if none of my children do at the moment!)

Q8 Overall: overall view?Will you buy them again? Why/why not?
I am likely to buy these again, in order to offer a change of flavour / variety to my children, and because I do like the products and have confidence in the Ella's Kitchen brand. I am most likely to buy the fromage frais out of all of them. However, I don't think they would become a regular purchase every week due to the price, and I would more often buy one of the cheaper brands.

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princesssugar · 22/02/2013 22:45

Thank you for they opportunity to try these products

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you?

I thought the packs were eye catching and colourful. They follow the branding of Ella's stuff well so they are easily identifiable. I agree that the paper wrapper is wasteful as i took it off to store the pots in the fridge. I appreciate that the labelling showed they were suitable for weaning but I would have thought they were aimed at babies and so wouldnt have purchased them for older children

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO?
Perfect size for the three year old ( although on one occasion he ate two at once) they were too big for the 6 month old

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings?
The taste to me was quite bland. The texture was lovely and they were very creamy but the flavour seemed very mild. The fromage frais both went down well as did the yoghurt but the three year old wasnt sold on the rice pudding and i didnt try it with the baby. The three year old liked them alot and had no complaints about the flavour

Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite
Mango fromage frais

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal?
Both. Generally after a meal although he had them as a morning snack too.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate?
They are delicious mummy. The baby cant speak but grabbed the spoon which is a good sign.!

Q7 What do you think of the price?
I thought they were too expensive for regular purchase. In tesos they are £2 for the yoghurt and fromage frais and £1 for the rice puddings. At these prices they would be a treat for us, although i think that the peace of mind about the content is worth a slight price premium.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not
May buy them as a treat or if on offer but i think they are too pricy for regular consumption especially on maternity pay

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matilda101 · 24/02/2013 09:39

Thank you Ella's Kitchen for the opportunity to try these products, here's my feedback:

Q1 First impressions of the packs - how was the labelling? Did the pack design appeal to you? I really liked the packaging, colourful and eye catching and the informative bits were easy to read. My only comment would be that Waitrose had the products on shelves below other baby/toddler products and initially I didn't see them, I only saw them due to the bright packs and that I was really looking for them!

Q2 Did you think the size of the pots was right for your LO? Yes, all three products were the perfect size.

Q3 Taste test: what was the verdict? How was the consistency/ texture of the puddings? I loved the consistency of all of the products especially the fromage frais, lovely and creamy; however my dd wasn't a fan of the rice pudding, I'm pretty sure it was due to texture rather than taste as she's been funny with rice pudding in the past.
Q4 Which product was your LO's favourite. Probably the mango fromage frais but as she's only 13 months it's difficult to tell!

Q5 When did you serve them up? As a snack or after a meal? As a desert after dinner.

Q6 Child's view point: what did your LO say/ indicate? That she could have eaten more of the yoghurt and the fromage frais!

Q7 What do you think of the price? In honesty I did think they were a bit pricey, £2.00 for four yoghurts/ six fromage frais is quite a lot and they are more expensive than other premium products on the shelves.

Q8 Overall: your overall view? Will you buy them again? Why/ why not? I liked the fact that there were different flavours from the norm but I would probably only buy them if they were on special offer as I have another dc on the way and our dd eats us out if house and home as it is so our shopping bills have gone up significantly!

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