NOW CLOSED Walkers Sunbites - feedback thread for testers

[NewGirlHelenMumsnet]

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

Ooh, meant to say thank you very much Walkers and MN too blows kisses

Well, didn't really like the cheddar and onion and sweet chilli ones. They had too much flavouring on them and it was overwhelming. The cheddar and onion ones left a funny taste in your mouth for hours afterwards. No MSG listed on ingredients, but a similar sensation to eating an entire tube of Pringles!
The other flavours were better, and the children liked these.
Positives were the crunchy texture. I liked the wholegrain thing; don't usually give the children crisps but there didn't seem much to object to here. Nice matt packaging.
Negatives (in addition to the above) were, as lots of posters have commented, there weren't many in the packet. Didn't feel like I'd actually eaten anything; should be twice the size!
Would recommend these to someone watching their weight, but otherwise I feel ambivalent about them,

Got mine today but have the little one in hospital but will write a full update when get a spare moment. WHen is the closing date...?

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

• A1 My children and I shared each bag. We enjoyed the unique texture of the sunbites. I am not a 'normal' crisp fan but loved these snacks.

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

• A2 Crunchy, wholewheat flavoursome snack.

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

• Sweet Chilli was my favourite. My children liked the cheese flavour. Thought for flavours.....marmite??

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 shape of the Sunbites is unique.

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

Definitely. They are much more flavoursome than normal crisps.

Thanks for the opportunity to sample these :)

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

The packaging was lovely with each pack different with lots of colour. I enjoyed all the flavours especially cheddar. The texture is very different and no grease.

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

Similar to crisps but more like a lovely flavoured crispbread.

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

I liked the taste of cheddar and I also liked the taste of the caramelised onion.

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 texture makes them very different.

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 would definitely recommend Sunbites - in fact I have!

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes they were nice, a bit different from normal crisps. They had a slightly sweet aftertaste which wasn't that nice after a while

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Wholegrain, wavy crisps, some very strong flavours and some hardly flavoured at all

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
sea salted and sour cream flavoured
don't like the cheddar and caramilsed onion or sweet chilli

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 texture and sweet after 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?
I recommend they try them, but I'm not so keen. I like a crisp to be a bit less 'gritty' and the sweet aftertaste was a bit unpleasant after a while.

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

We really enjoyed these. They had a very satisfying crunch, but we did note that the reason they have 30% less fat is because there aren't very many in the pack!

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

Tasty, crunchy and guilt-free

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

My favourite is the slighty salty ones. Not keen on the sweet chilli. WOuld love salt and vinegar.

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 wholewheat 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?

Definitely, I really like them

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Really great product, love the taste and saltiness. Nice and crunchy too! Agree with other posters that there should be more in the packet.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
A crunchy, tasty, salty, wholewheat crisp, almost more like a cracker.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
My favourite was the onion and rosemary. Not massively keen on the cheese and onion ones but I do usually hate c and o crisps and these I could actually stomach so they must be ok! Agree that salt and vinegar 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?
The wholewheat flavour, also the lack of greasiness.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
Definatley. They are tasty (if you like salty crisps) and not too naughty.

Q1 - The whole family (Dh, DD - 4, and DS - 7) ate theme together and enjoyed them very much!
Q2 - a wholemeal crunchy crisp!
Q 3 - ds and I liked the Chilli, DH liked the Cheese and DD liked the plain. DH and DS didnt like the sour cream and i thought the chilli flavour could have been stronger. they would have been nice with dips. DS and DH would have liked to try salt and vinegar.

Q 4 - the wholewheat taste, I loved the packaging also the size as not too calorific for grown ups and not a massive crispy thing for the kids,

Q 5 - yes, for sure. my only concern is if the multipacks are only in one flavour we would be stuck as we all liked different ones - we would be best with a variety pack but then me and ds woudl have to fight over the chilli ones.

Thanks for the free crisps ! x

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

Great packing, good amount of crisps and the kids enjoyed them.

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

We but only certain flavours

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

Sweet chilli, we found the rest fairly bland. Salt and vinger would be nice and sweet onion

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 really liked the texture, im not a fan of crisps but these were very nice, crunchy and filling.

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 will be going on my shopping list.

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 great - nice packaging, and very tasty!

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
If they were from New Zealand (where I'm from) I'd tell them that they're like Grainwaves. If not - they're a crinkly, whole-grainy alternative to normal crisps.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
I liked the Onion and Rosemary best.

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 texture and the range of flavours.

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 recommend them.

I'll be back again with a fuller report, right now we have only eaten two of the packets

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, so far, they are a lot nicer than they look on the packet - the pictures on the packet led me to expect something like a worthy version of Frazzles ie thick textured maize.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Somewhere between tortilla chips and pringles, allegedly healthy.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
I'll come back to this question as we haven't eaten them all yet but so far I'm pretty fond of onion and rosemary.

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 haven't seen anything else shaped like this.

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 probably would, because they are nice and not so rattling with additives that they make you queasy or stain your fingers.

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 the appearance, texture, and the very genuine tasting flavours like rosemary, but found them really sweet - why is there added sugar?! The kids loved them, but wouldn't eat them myself.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? Crunchy wholegrain healthier crisps, but with added sugar.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range? I liked the rosemary 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 sugar! And not in a good way...

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 - for the reasons above. I think if they were exactly the same but without sugar though I would recommend them. Sorry to sound so negative!

Firstly yum yum yum - thanks for the parcel of sunbites, I was very happy to be chosen as a tester and very much enjoyed the challenge!

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

Yes I did enjoy eating them. I enjoyed the shape, texture and the different flavours and found they made a nice change from my usual snacks.

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

Hmm... I would describe them as a wholegrain snack - a crunchy, tasty, and slightly healthier alternative to crisps.

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

I enjoyed all of the flavours, particularly the sweet chili flavour but I would buy all of the flavours again. I'd like to try a sea salt and malt vinegar flavour in the range too.

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 really enjoy the texture of sunbites and can't think of any other snack on the market with a similar texture.

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 recommend them as I really enjoyed them, I often talk about food and offer snacks to visitors so could see it coming up in conversation.

My overall impression of the product is: nice packaging - modern and fresh looking. I love the variety of flavours, and I'm not sure I could pick a favourite. Possibly the cheddar and caramelised onion, but I love the chilli too.

If I had to describe them to a friend, I would probably liken them to Frazzles, but with very different flavours. I think the difference is in their crunch and unusual flavours. They are extremely moreish, and I will definitely be looking out for them, and will also recommend them to friends.

I would like a mixed flavour multipack too as there is only me to eat them (ds has food issues) and I would get bored of eating just one flavour. I think you should add sea salt and malt vinegar and then you could do a six pack, one bag of each flavour!

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

I like the packaging. Prefered the texture to "normal" crisps so yes, I enjoyed eating them. They seemed to have a bit more eating in the compared to just plain crisps and took longer to eat as each one can be nibbled. the flavours were not too strong, which is a big plus.

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

A bit like wholewheat crisps, almost mini crackers.

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

Loved the chilli but the sour cream were best as they were not onion-y. Salted felt a little oily after eating and not keen on the other 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?

Flat shape ,making it take longer to eat and the flavours were subtle rather than overpowering like most flavoured 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 if someone was looking for something a bit different.

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

We opened the box and within less than three minutes all the packets had been eaten. I had two, DS had one and DH had two (I think) We all loved them although they looked a bit too healthy. The taste was yummy. They look a bit gross - funny colour.

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

Healthy looking crisps which taste as nice as unhealthy ones.

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

Sour cream was my fav. All the flavours went down well.

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

They look healthy. Im sure they arent.

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 very nice indeed. We like all crisps. Not sure if I would buy these though as they seem like they might be a con of healthy looking but not actually healthy.

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 nice, but a bit too sweet.

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

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range? Cheddar cheese was the best. Salt and balsamic vinegar would be nice.

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it? They fill you up more than average 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? Probably not. They're okay, but didn't blow me away, so to speak.

All in all, nice idea, nice texture but too much sugar in them. I like a snack to be savoury, not sweet. The lightly salted need a bit more salt, and the flavours aren't quite strong enough in the others.

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

We were pleasantly surprised - they didn't taste like other low-fat crisps (i.e. cardboard). The packs were a little on the small side.

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

Like flat Frazzles in different flavours.

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

I liked the sour cream and pepper one the most (and I usually avoid pepper-flavoured crisps). The chili was just right, rosemary was ok but a little reminiscent of beefy flavours to my mind and I've never been that big a fan of cheese and onion in any form! Salt ones would be lovely to compliment a dip. I'd like to see something salt&vinegar inspired.

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

They are too small!!

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, definitely, as they are just a little different.

Other:

I think you should make larger packs (think kettle crisp style size) as I think they'd be a good alternative to e.g. tortilla crisps for dips and sharing at parties etc.

Also, we happened to have in the cupboard some Walkers Extra Crunchy. I compared the nutritional information and I was quite surprised to see that they were really not that different in terms of sat fat and calories. The salt content was lower by some way (but personally as I never add salt to cooking I'm not so worried about it in other areas) and the sugar content was higher I think. So I would suggest that the statement that they are significantly lower in fat than 'standard' crisps is a little disingenuous when you have also changed the cooking oil of your own 'standard' crisps.

(The Sour cream and Cheddar Extra Crunchy are heavenly btw!! can I have some of those free )

Thanks for the Sunbites! They didn't last long..

Q1. Both DP and I liked them, we agreed that we would get these rather than crisps both on taste and health grounds. They were nice and crunchy, flavours weren't too strong. Nice packaging!

Q2. I would describe these as something you buy instead of crisps, you would feel less guilty (health-wise) about eating these. They taste good too.

Q3. I liked the salt ones the best, DP liked the sweet chilli. Although he didn't get a chance to taste the salt! I would also like a salt and vinegar one.

Q4. Thw wholegrain content is a distincitive feature, feels like you aren't just eating something nutritionally empty. They are also quite filling.

Q5. I would recommend them because they taste good! Also because they aren't as unhealthy as crisps.

My DD is 9 weeks old so not quite on to snacks yet, but I would favour these over other bagged snacks for parties etc and I think chilldren would eat them. I know they aaren't a healthfood but they aren't terrible either.

I have just had the sour cream and black pepper ones and I would agree that the black pepper is almost impossible to taste. It was there as an after taste on the firsrt crisp but that was all. They are nice but have a hint of cheese and onion which isn't what one is expecting. Still nice though.

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Very crispy, more than normal crisps. Love them.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Lightweight crispy snack, with fewer calories.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
Loved onion and rosemary, with enough but not too strong flavour. Would really like to see something tangy 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?
Less calories but no compromise on 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?
Definitely, you can eat them without feeling guilty.

testing

Finally getting round to leaving our feedback

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

We thought they may taste like other low fat crisps (ie not very appetising and normally have bland/cardboardy taste/texture)- the size of packets and contents ideal for my children but DH said that he would happily pay extra for larger pack/contents. Like the design of the packs (dd1 thought they looked like grown up crisps compared to quavers etc)

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

tasty, very good flavours, healthy but still appetising alternative to traditional crisp

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

onion & rosemary version was a clear winner by all 4 of us (in fact have bought additional packs of those since we tasted these on Sunday) DH liked all the flavours but thought sea salted were ok but bland. He loves salt/vinegar/pickle flavour so would love to see that as a an additional flavour. DD2 loved the cheddar ones (but she is a cheese freak)

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

They are too small and would happily pay extra for larger bag (would also like to see party size bags for nibbles/Christmas time etc)

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, definitely, as the flavours seem to be more intense than normal crisps and but am surprised at sugar content and that would put me off letting the dd's have them too often (wouldn't stop me ) But as usual for me and many of my friends it would also depend on cost as crisps are a treat and not something that I would willingly pay extra money for if something else similar was cheaper.