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Find out what Mumsnet testers thought of Ape snacks

254 replies

LucyBMumsnet · 31/01/2020 10:17

This is the feedback thread for the 250 Mumsnetters with children aged 3 - 11 who have been testing out Ape’s Puffs range.

These Mumsnetters tested the following flavours:
Really Cheesy Puffs
Lightly Salted Puffs
Sweet Chilli Puffs

Here’s what Ape have to say: “At Ape, we have cut the monkey business, making snacks with only the best plant based ingredients and tastiest natural flavours, so you can snack happy. We want to know what you and your kids think of our baked-not-fried crispy snacks – Puffs! We can’t wait to hear what you think! Love from the team at Ape x”

Testers, please give your feedback by answering the questions below as well as completing the survey we have emailed you:

  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
  2. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
  3. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
  4. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


All testers who give the required feedback will be entered into a prize draw where three lucky testers will each win a £100 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply
Find out what Mumsnet testers thought of Ape snacks
OP posts:
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anon2000000000 · 31/01/2020 12:16
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

My son and I didn't like the chilli as there was an aftertaste. My dd loved the chilli ones.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range? A salt and vinegar option would be lovely.


  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change? Nothing but would like to see a baby version. My dd has allergies and could eat all flavours but I had to cut them in 1/2 so she didn't choke.


  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

A broccoli and "cheese" version would be superb.

Thanks for picking us. We loved taking part.
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NutButterNutter · 31/01/2020 12:21
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

The texture was really well liked and the shape - they remind me of tangy toms.
The cheese one was a bit strong for some of the kids and some found the chilli too hot.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range? Salt and vinegar, please!!


  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change? The cheese flavour was a bit overpowering and my youngest 2 found the chilli too spicy. Just turning the dial down a bit would have been great.


  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Carrots have a nice sweetness to them. My kids love sweetcorn flavoured snacks too.
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Doodlekitty · 31/01/2020 12:22
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

My children were not keen on the taste in general. They didn't mind the salted but said they had an aftertaste tat wasn't nice. The cheese the found 'spicy' and they refused to try the sweet chilli, but I LOVED them!

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

A wider range of flavours (my son asked for salt and vinegar!)

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

My children would like them without the aftertaste. They found the bags hard to open, and they can usually manage

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

I'm happy with the ingredients, my children eat veg etc so I'm happy with the balance
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Gardenworm · 31/01/2020 12:22
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried? Generally we all loved them, there was just the usual dislike of certain flavours. One of mine has already asked if we can buy some more of the cheese flavour, another really didn’t like the cheese but loved chilli. I thought they tasted great. We were all really impressed.
  2. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range? More flavours please
  3. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change? I think these should be targeted to adults too. They are probably the first crisps aimed at kids that the adults have really liked as well. I’d deffo eat/buy them again.
  4. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)? Beans/pulses? Whatever they use I just hope the taste isn’t compromised.


Random point though; we did an ‘official’ taste test (chucked them in bowls 😂). You get way more in the salted bag than the others...just a heads up if you are deliberating which flavour to choose 😁
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KandJblog · 31/01/2020 12:24
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


My son loved the flavours and so did I, very flavourful. Only dislike is there is alot of unused packaging--the packets could be made smaller to create less waste

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?


A veggie range of puffs would be good!

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?


Less unused packaging as mentioned before, feel the packets could be smaller for the amount of puffs in them

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


Fruit or veg
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plipliop · 31/01/2020 12:24
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


I liked that you get a lot in the pack.
I also like the shape which is different to other low fat snacks.

My children and I didn't like the flavours.
Cheese was too cheesy!
Sweet chilli not spicy enough.
Salted to plain.

Packaging was nicely designed.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?


Salt and vinegar
Chilli and lemon

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?


That they weren't so dry.

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


Yes other veg would be good.
Stronger and more natural tasting flavours.
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BillyAndTheSillies · 31/01/2020 12:26
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

DS loved the cheese ones, he ate both packets before we had a chance to ask him to stop. I thought the flavours were great, DH didn't like the lingering smell of the cheese ones but that wasn't a problem for me. DS found the chilli snacks too spicy but again. Adults didn't. Great size pack as well.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Some different flavours would be great, the lightly salted flavour was a bit bland but the stronger flavours were awesome.

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Sharing bags!!

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

We are all big fans of veggie crisps and lentil straws so would be great to see some different shapes.

Overall, we really liked them and it was great to try a new product. Thanks for choosing us!
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horrayforharoldlloyd · 31/01/2020 12:26
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

They tasted like flavoured Wotsits. They liked the size ox the snack and the packaging. They all liked the salted ones.
  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Wider variety of flavours
  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Make the flavours a little less strong
  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Definitely veg!
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Karmin · 31/01/2020 12:27
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


I liked the packaging, the smell of the cheesy one was a bit overwhelming though. My child liked the texture and the taste.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?


Stick shapes, possibly fruit based products

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?


I was a bit concerned about the shape, although they are marketed at 3+ it is a very chokable shape

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


Apple and Cinnamon
Beetroot and Parsnip
Sweet potato and tomato
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showmewhatyougot · 31/01/2020 12:28
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


My 4 year old son LOVED his “circle crispys” his best flavour by far was the cheesy ones. The chilli ones were to spicy for him and had a funny aftertaste. I really enjoyed the salted ones.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?


Some more flavours/variety’s of puffs or crisps , maybe with added hidden veggies. Some healthy sweet treats, again with hidden goodness, like beetroot and chocolate etc.

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?


Although my 4 year old son loved how small the puffs were, I didn’t risk giving them to my younger child as I was worried they may choke, as they are quite hard and not melty. So maybe some bigger sized puffs for younger children?

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


More hidden vegetables! Broccoli, spinach, carrots, and sweetcorn, my kids all love sweetcorn & don’t think I’ve seen a savory snack based on them before.
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Thegirlwithnousername · 31/01/2020 12:31
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

We enjoyed testing these and we do so as a whole family.
DS (3)liked the lightly salted ones and Cheesy ones.
DD (10mths) liked the Cheesy ones.
DH liked the chilli ones and Cheese ones. He never enjoys these kind of crisps as he never thinks they taste of much but he did comment that he would buy these again.
I enjoyed all of them.
The flavour is great and the texture is good.
Overall we would buy them again.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

More of arange for younger babies. Diferent flavours

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

I wouldn't change anything.

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

I would love a prawn cocktail version.
A range of vegetable flavours too.
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GlitteryFluff · 31/01/2020 12:32
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


The cheese ones we didn't like. The smell was so strong as soon as we opened the bag it was very overpowering. We didn't like the taste. The salted ones were nice, if a little too plain. I thought the chilli ones were ok but the kids didn't like these.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?


Bbq, salt and vinegar, sour cream and chive.

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?


I didn't like the fact they were round - choking risk, a different shape would have made me feel a little better about giving them to the kids.

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


Lentils, carrots, sweetcorn.

Thanks for letting us test them. Smile
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PhoenixMama · 31/01/2020 12:34
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

We LOVED the branding, tone of voice and look of the products. That's def spot on. We had the sweet chilli, cheese and plain. My daughter (10) really didn't like any of the flavours. The use of garlic in the chili and the cheese left a weird aftertaste. I was ok with the Sweet Chilli, but just ok. The salted ones were like eating savoury styrofoam.

Also agree with PP about the size of the bag vs size of the snack.
  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

More 'normal' flavours - like if the cheese was cheesey without the garlic, the salted needed more flavour. Agree with PP that salt & vinegar would be ace.

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

The taste. Sorry!

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


Beetroot, parsnip, chickpea, sweet potato.
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HoomanMoomin · 31/01/2020 12:35
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

They were crunchy and delicious, even our cat liked them. The thing I don’t like is it’s difficult to stop eating them.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

I haven’t thought about it really, but maybe stuff like crackers? Not sure how possible it is to make them healthy.

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Packaging. To something plastic free.

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

No clue really. As long as they’re natural, it doesn’t make any difference for me.
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mum2tots · 31/01/2020 12:39
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


We liked the shape of them and the design on the packet but children didn't like any of the flavours. Hubby liked the chilli ones though.


  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Different flavours

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?


The salt one was too bland....one child said it tasted like cardboard. The cheese flavour was too strong.

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


carrots or sweetcorn
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yummytummy · 31/01/2020 12:40
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


the salted ones didnt really taste of anything and had a strange texture. i liked the sweet chilli flavour that was the best one. the cheese were ok but we probably wouldn't choose this flavour as our first pick.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

sweet chilli rice cakes may be nice

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

maybe some different flavours and the salty ones a stronger flavour like salt and vinegar crisps

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

maybe lentil and carrot
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lucyloves · 31/01/2020 12:41
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

My child loved the crunchy texture and the fact that there were lots of puffs in a bag! He loved the Lightly Salted flavour, quite enjoyed the Sweet Chilli but really disliked the Really Cheesy flavour.
I was really happy that Ape Puffs are gluten free so I could eat them too!
  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

I'd like a Salt & Vinegar flavour & my child thinks a Sour Cream & Chive flavour would be great!
  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

The Really Cheesy flavour tastes quite artificial and smells overpowering so it would be great if that were tweaked.
  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Adding in some green leafy veg with a pesto flavour would be a hit in our house! Green monster puffs for the win!
Thanks Ape, we really enjoyed testing your snacks!
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kirkandpetal · 31/01/2020 12:41
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

Firstly, great to get a 'full' packet of crisps. so for the retail price, this would be good value.
We found the salted ones ok, but a bit bland.
The cheese ones were too cheesy. and smelt a bit of feet!
Chilli ones a bit too spicy for the kids, i didnt mind them so much

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

def more flavours like salt and vinegar or sour cream and chive.

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

just the intensity of some of the flavours

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

tomoatoes, carrots, sweetcorn, or popcorn?

Thanks for the opportunity - always appreciate being picked.
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NoodieRoodie · 31/01/2020 12:41
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

Everyone ate them, the flavours seemed strange though, the lightly salted ones didn't seem to have any salt or flavour whereas the sweet chilli ones seemed very salty and had a strange aftertaste. I found the texture very strange, sort of like polystyrene

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

I'm not sure

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

The texture

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Beetroot or carrot would be nice
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Freshstart40 · 31/01/2020 12:43
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


We liked the look of the packaging, nice soft colours. The favourite for all of us were the Chilli ones. Not super hot, my 5 year old loved them and is fussy with flavours. The ready salted ones were ok, a little unexciting but tasted fine.
Unfortunately neither myself, husband or either children liked the taste or smell of the cheese ones. The smell was so strong and a little off putting.


  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?


It would be nice to see different style snacks, so the same ingredients but shapes other than balls! Sticks, ape faces, palm leaves, etc
Also, how about a range of mini crackers? Mini apes would be very cute.


  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?


The size of the bags are huge. Half the size would be good so they can stay super fresh in a lunch box.


  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


Definitely some vegetable style crisp snacks.

Thank you for the opportunity to try them. I'd definitely buy the chilli ones again.
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agnapoop · 31/01/2020 12:45

My daughters liked the chilli and the cheese flavours but not the salt. They said it tasted bland and would be better with vinegar. They did find the packets a little hard to open and I agree with some of the other comments that the packaging could be a little smaller. Saying all that my daughters gave the chilli ones 10 out of 10 and the cheese 8. More flavours would be good and as an adult commenting I would say less cheese on the cheese ones, although my kids liked that. I'd like to see the addition of vegetables.

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Fiendarina · 31/01/2020 12:46
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?

The packaging was colourful and appealing. We were all keen to try the Ape Puffs, but the flavours seemed very muted. The lightly salted ones didn't really taste of anything. I'm a big fan of sweet chilli snacks, but these had a slightly strange after taste. Similarly, my daughter was excited about the cheese flavour - but didn't finish the packet. My son happily wolfed anything put in front of him. They reminded me of a snack like Pom Bears, specifically designed for young children, but with a taste that wouldn't appeal to older consumers.

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Maybe some different shapes - sticks or longer bars?

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Would love to see crunchy snacks that come in easy to recycle packaging. More distinct flavours would also help.

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

Including more recognisable veg would be great, as these did have quite an artificial texture, even though I appreciate they don't include artificial additives.
Report

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BouleBaker · 31/01/2020 12:47
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


We all liked the salted ones. The sweet chilli ones were nice if you like sweet chilli, which I did but my kids didn’t.

The cheese ones were a bit of a disaster. The taste was quite strong but the smell was overpowering. someone sitting next to us asked if someone had been sick!

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?

Fruit based snacks

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?

Less overpowering cheese smell. Smaller.

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?

We use a lot of dried fruit based snacks.
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thismeansnothing · 31/01/2020 12:53

1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?
I thought packs were really big for how much was in them. They could be half the size. Also felt a pack was too much for a portion for DD and was getting 2 portions per pack. I thought the cheese flavour was overpowering and the chilli ones had an odd aftertaste and were really salty. I did like the size and texture of the.
DD liked them all but especially the cheese.

2. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?
A bbq or salt and vinegar flavour. Maybe a sweet snack similar to a nakd bar but more child friendly.

3. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?
Less packaging.
Smaller pack size.
Readress the chilli flavour.

4. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?
Carrot. Sweetcorn

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GoldenCrunchMunch · 31/01/2020 12:56
  1. What did you and your children like or dislike about the Ape Puffs you tried?


My toddler and I liked the sweet chili flavour

  1. What other products would you like to see in the Ape range?


something a bit more different these are just crisps and there's loads of similar things already available

  1. If you could change anything about Ape Puffs what would you change?


no coconut flour, it gives a weird taste and upset my stomach. The entire family thought the cheese ones were disgusting. The lightly salted weren't salty enough.

  1. What ingredients would you like to see Ape use in future products (eg the addition of vegetables)?


Nothing gimmicky, e.g. adding cauliflower to crisps. Seaweed snacks would be something I'g buy
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