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MNHQ

NOW CLOSED Walkers Sunbites - feedback thread for testers

756 replies

NewGirlHelenMumsnet · 31/08/2011 13:25

This thread is for all the MNers who have been trying Walkers Sunbites. Below are some questions to get you started but please feel free to add other comments too. Everyone who adds their feedback on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will get a £250 high street voucher.

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

OP posts:
Thingiebob · 05/09/2011 01:12

I wasn't that impressed. Bore little resemblance to the flavours described on the packaging.

They weren't that unpleasant, in fact the Rosemary and Onion were the nicest flavour but the rest were pretty insipid and boring.

They were an interesting change from normal crisps

I would suggest them to friends as an alternative

Despite being 'healthy' I was surprised at the calorific content.

Packaging was pretty!

whostolemyname · 05/09/2011 10:32

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

I did enjoy them and overall impression was positive. I was surprised how many calories there were in a packet. They were nice and crunchy!

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?

Like crisps with the impression of being a bit healthier.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?

I liked the sweet chilli flavour best. But if im being honest, i did think they all tasted fairly similar! I would like a salt and vinager flavour.

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?

The wholegrainy flavour!

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes - they were nice and crunchy and a nice change from regular crisps.

Thank you for the packets!

StrikeUpTheBand · 05/09/2011 10:37

Hi,

I just received a £2.72p charge for a parcel with insufficient postage (£1 of that was charge for handling) Shock and it was the box of Sunbites! Has anyone else found this? The crisps are fine but the box looks like someone has stamped on it!

NewGirlHelenMumsnet I am not too late for the feedback am I? Also, please can you let whoever posted it know about the postage?

StandUnderMyUmbrella · 05/09/2011 10:42

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

Loved the packaging - the colours and style were really appealing. Taste not so appealing. They were all bland even the Sweet Chilli once that actual sweetness had passed.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?

Healthier wholegrain crisps.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?

I liked 'Onion & Rosemary' the best out of them all. I would like to see something that gives them a real hit. Something strong tasting.

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?

The flavours, the texture of the crisps (crunchy)

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

I wouldnt recommend them as if i wanted a snack i would want more tasty flavour in my snack and something that tasted more exciting. They need something to just make them more tasty, whether that's a dip or just stronger flavours, they are far too bland for me.

Kveta · 05/09/2011 10:44

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
they were quite vile. the lightly salted ones were some of the nastiest things I have ever put in my mouth. DH refused to try more than one of them, and DS scraped them out of his mouth and emptied the rest of the packet on the floor. Not impressed. the aftertaste lasted longer than any flavour should. and they were so sweet! is such a high sugar content normal in crisps?
The chilli ones were ok, the sour cream ones were the nicest by far, but I wouldn't buy them.

the packaging is lovely though - really pretty, and attractive. just a shame about the content!

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? a whole grain crisp equivalent

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range? the sour cream. but saying 'I like this flavour the best' is equivalent to saying 'I prefer leprosy to ebola'

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it? the sugar content - ridiculously high!

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not? not to friends, no. maybe to my sister. she and I don't speak much though, so not sure how it would come up in converation

sorry to be so negative - DH and I were really looking forward to this product test, but we were very disappointed by the sunbites. we have been unable to finish a packet between 3 of us, and that includes DS (23 months) who is a total snack fiend. Every time he tried one, he would claw at his mouth to remove the offending item then shout 'NO MUMMY!' at me if I offered him any more. Not a popular item in our house.

LoveBeingIgnoredByMardyBra · 05/09/2011 10:57

still waiting for mine to arrive wonder if they'll arrive before ds?

madeupme · 05/09/2011 11:00

I still haven't got mine. No failed deliver card or anything :(

cather · 05/09/2011 11:10

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
The packets looked attractive and eye catching and we enjoyed eating them. They were really crunchy and we liked all the flavours especially the chilli one

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
A sort of crunchy crisp made from wholegrains rather than potato

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
Sweet Chilli, I would like a pickled onion flavour

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?
That they are so crunchy

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes because we enjoyed them

OctonautsOnRepeat · 05/09/2011 11:29

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
-I liked them Nice texture and mostly good flavrous. Also felt quite healthy as they are wholewheat. (Didn't like sweet chilli, too much of an aftertaste.)

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
The are like tortilla chips with walkers flavouring.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
Loved the chedder and ready salted.

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?
I think it would be that they are very crunchy and have a 'wheaty' taste.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, if they waned a healthy but tasty snack. The bags seemed only half full which is what would put me off recommending them.

gazzalw · 05/09/2011 11:31

Arrived on Saturday to whoops of delight from the children. In the interests of consistency we four are all trying each flavour so a very frugal snack thus far....
We have had the cheese and onion ones before and DS loves them so we are preeching to the converted on those. DD didn't like them when we've occasionally bought them previously but seemed to have changed her mind this time around.

Wife and DD did like the rebranded packaging very much. Pretty although not sure that DS is sold on it but then he is not the one that needs to be attracted to the product on the supermarket shelves....

1.We all liked them but to varying degrees. DS very keen on them all and DD seems converted but not equally keen on all flavours.

I think it takes a bit of getting used to having more subtle flavourings and less of a salty fore-taste (but that's just about re-educating one's palate).

Like the fact that they look and taste more natural. And because of the subtlety of flavour would be good for using with dips too..._

  1. An altogether healthier wholegrain snack that would complement a dip and/or other healthy snacks at any time of the day... And suitable for all members of the family.
  1. The Sea-salt ones were so mildly salted that they may as well have been salt-free (and why not, because the Sunbites have a quite sweet, nutty flavour which is appealing in itself!) so those need reconsidering.

The sour-cream and cracked black pepper ones weren't peppery enough for our liking but then we are great freshly ground pepper users (rather than salt)

Onion and rosemary got our top vote all round!

Hmmm not sure about other flavours- it might be good to go for some that aren't popularly covered by 'normal' crisps. I think that one has certain expectations of certain flavours (particularly things like salted, cheese and onion and salt and vinegar) and because of the underlying sweetness of the wholegrain Sunbites they are never going to give one the preconceived or expected taste - which is always going to disappoint.

Actually I think Marmite might be a wonderful combination with Sunbites when I come to think of it....

  1. Well considering they are supposedly so healthy, I was quite shocked that none of the key nutritional info levels seemed particularly different from a normal pack of crisps or a small pack of popcorn etc..... (although we haven't got any in the house with which to do an accurate comparison).

Think the sugar content could be considerably lowered.

  1. Well they are different to crisps and a change is as good as a rest. Regardless of the wider range of flavour options, would probably buy them as often as we used to - which is probably once every couple of months (we are not regular savoury snack buyers by the way)

Would recommend to people who are into healthy eating and have children. Know that SIL likes them so would encourage her to try wider range of flavours....

Think generally they would have wider appeal to women than to men....

littlerats · 05/09/2011 11:43

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

They were a lot nicer than I thought they would be, although had a "corn chip" aftertaste. I'm not sure the name of the product really fits - why are these sun bites, what is the association? Less oily than cheap crisps. I think the packaging is overly twee and "look at me, I'm a healthy snack" type packet but in reality, it's not like you're eating an apple.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?

Brown crisps. I'm not sure that they're much healthier than other crisps to be honest looking at the ingredients and nutrition but they are packaged to make out that they are. There is a lot of sugar in them.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?

I really liked the chilli ones. I think a salt and vinegar type would be good.

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?

Very crunchy indeed.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

I think so. As I say, they surprised me, they were a lot nicer than I thought they might be.

SocialButterfly · 05/09/2011 11:47

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

They look like they are more of a health food criso rather than a regular crisp and are more healthy. The packet is thicker than regular crisps and they look good quality. I did enjoy eating them, although there are not enough in the packet, it feels like they are all laying at the bottom of a packet that is too big. I like that they are thin and crispy and the flavours were good.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?

Wholemeal crisp snack bites

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?

The sweet chilli ones were my favourite, I thought the lightly salted ones were a bit bland, I didnt like the cheese and onion ones but dont like that flavour generally. I thought that it was a good variety of flavours

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?

That they are wholemeal and dont look like crisps

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

Yes I would

Thank you for letting me try them, I scoffed the whole lot myself Grin

PrettyCandles · 05/09/2011 11:57

I tried them with my 3 dc.

Q1 Overall impression
We all liked the packaging: clear, unambiguous, eye-catching (because it is not loud or gaudy), pleasing colours.
Nice texture. Whole pieces a bit too big for smaller dc so annoyingly messy.

Q2 Description
Mildly-flavoured crisp-like snack reminiscent of tortilla chips but wheat-based, not corn-based.

Q3 Flavours
Sweet Chilli: DC - like. Me - not (unbalanced between sweet and hot. Bland.)
Cheddar & Onion: DC - ok. Me - not (again, unbalanced flavours. Caramelised onion clear, cheese obscure.)
Onion & Rosemary: all liked and the only one which triggered a response to the smell.
Salted: all liked, but when tasted after trying other flavours it seemed a little bland.
DcSC & BP: Dc - loved Me - I found it slightly nasty.

I found all except Salted were too sweet.

Q4 Comparison to other snacks:
I don't tend to buy crisp-type snacks because I find them all too salty and greasy (even the reduced fat ones). These Sunbites don't seem as salty and greasy.

Q5 Recommend Sunbites to your friends?
Probably not. Unspectacularly bland and overly sweet.

MrsVidic · 05/09/2011 12:02

  1. I really liked the product- good packaging, good taste, not too unhealthy.

  2. healthy crisps-

3)Flavours- sea salt- quite bland
sweet chilli- could doo with a little more kick
garlic + rosemary- really tatsy
cheddar- needed more flavour
Sour cream + chive- nice- just right

suggestions- sea salt + black pepper, beef would be nice

  1. more like crisps than alternative healthy options, better more sophisticated flavours (although I wouldlike a beef flavour Grin)

5)I would but i think they would have to be health conscious- although big bags for parties would go down well

TheOriginalFAB · 05/09/2011 12:13

Love the pastel colours of the packets.

Inspired by other posters I decided to have a pack with my sweet potato and carrot dip and chose cheddar and caramelised onion. They were nice but needed a bit more flavour in my opinion. A smaller bag would be good as when you open it the crisps fill less than half the packet.

Will post again when the other flavours have been tasted. I am not looking forward to the chilli ones so will offer those to the gannets kids.

minsmum · 05/09/2011 12:33

We have never tried these before so we were all waiting on tenterhooks.

The packaging was very attractive.
We liked all the flavours but the rosemary one was the preferred choice.
I would recommend them to a friend.
I would describe them as healthier than crisps but without the claggy texture of rice cakes.
I will be buying them again for linch boxes

minsmum · 05/09/2011 12:33
  • or maybe even lunch boxes
WhipMeIndiana · 05/09/2011 12:36

ok - just had cheddar- surprisingly nice. I never really choose cheese crisps but enjoyed these, would def. buy them. ds (3) did not like them, dd(5) did like them but not as much as hula hoops. she said they tasted like "Yellow sun" and she hadn't seen the packet at that point

smarmyarmy · 05/09/2011 12:47

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I loved the packaging - it was bright, fresh and eye-catching and very different to 'normal' crisp packets. I really enjoyed eating them and so did my children. They were full of flavour and very moreish. However, I found that the pack seemed like it was half full!

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
A healthy wholegrain alternative to regular crisps without the grease!

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
The sweet chilli was definitely the best by far but could have been better with more of a 'kick' (like many others have said). I like spicier flavours so maybe roast beef and mustard, paprika, lemon and chilli, pork and apple?

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?
The wholegrain aspect which makes you feel like you're eating something healthy.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes I would. They are very tasty and great with dips and very good for lunchboxes.

tigercametotea · 05/09/2011 12:55

Really nice and crispy flat wheat crisps. My favourite flavour was the oven roasted onion and rosemary. I thought the sweet chili wasn't spicy enough. The packaging is nice and I would recommend Sunbites to friends as a healthier alternative to potato crisps.

clux73 · 05/09/2011 12:59

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I did quite enjoy eating them but the texture is slightly odd and I'm not sure I'd buy them. There are hardly any in the packet and I bet they're more expensive than normal crisps

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Wholegrain cracker/crisps

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
Sour cream and chive.

Hated the cheddar ones.

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
No - they're not that amazing.

notevenamousie · 05/09/2011 13:47

My tester is 4 but she had help from two teenagers!

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
They were well liked by all. One of the teenagers thought they tasted "good for you" Hmm and agree that as above there aren't that many in the packets.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?

Like a lighter version of corn chips such as Doritos

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
DD like the Rosemary and Onion. The Chilli also went down well. Needs a salt and vinegar in the range.

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?
Bit more crisp-like than other 'good for you' snacks. Bit tastier too.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, as an alternative. We don't tend to stick to one brand in our house so we'd definitely rotate them through. Good flavours, too.

5inthebed · 05/09/2011 14:13

I have just received my box today, so will try scoff them all in the next few days and leave feedback.

AutumnLady · 05/09/2011 14:38

I've just picked mine up from the post office this morning :)

will leave feedback once scoffed scientifically tested

hermionestranger · 05/09/2011 14:38

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?

My DS1 and I really enjoyed the. DH hated them. He said they were like fried cardboard. He doesn't like anything wholegrain though.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?

Crispy, but not potatoey, dry and not too salty.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?

I liked trhe chilli best and DS1 the cheesy ones.

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?

Not greasy and over flavoured like other brands.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?

Absolutely yes, because they weren't greasy and didn't feel too salted or make me feel thirsty after eating.