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

Thanks again to Walkers and Mumsnet for our freebies.

Q1 Packaging looks attractive. Upon opening the pack the Sunbites initially look very healthy and I thought that they may taste a little too 'virtuous' but was pleasantly surprised.

Q2 I'd describe them as wholewheat crunchy crisps with grown-up flavours.

Q3 My favourite flavour was Onion & Rosemary. We like a lot of Rosemary in our cooking so this may have influenced my choice. The Sour Cream and Cracked Black Pepper and Lightly Sea Salted were also very good. In general I'm not a huge fan of cheese-flavoured crisps so probably unfair to comment. The Chilli sunbites were Ok but prefer the Sweet Chilli flavour of Walkers Sensations.

Q4 The main difference between Sunbites and other snacks is that for a lower fat option they taste very good. Normally I think you have to sacrifice either taste or texture to get healthier snacks.

Q5 I would recommend Sunbites to friends. Like other posters I'm interested in the retail price.

Right-o, after a small delay because of a spell of morning sickness where I couldn't eat anything here is my judgement feedback:

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

On fist impressions, I liked the packaging; charming without being cutesy. I somewhat enjoyed eating them but found them ultimately unsatisfying. Any Product Manager who can approve the tagline "Tiny moments of extraordinary pleasure" relating to a bagged snack has clearly not had enough good sex.

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

Like Ryvita, only small, wavy, thin and covered in grease.

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

The sea salt flavour was passable but why the weird sweetness cutting through? I'd like to see something vinegary 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?

The ability to have roughage as a feature yet be almost entirely insubstantial.

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

It's hard to know on what grounds I'd recommend them. If a friend was hungry and wanted crisps to be satisfying, I'd recommend McCoys. If she was after flavours, I'd suggest the Sensations range. If she wanted some roughage I'd give her a bowl of All-Bran. Who has these conversations with their friends, anyway?

Thanks for sending them, though!

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Overall, I enjoyed them. I found them to be less greasy and more substantial than crisps. My DH was less impressed, I think he found them a bit dry and bland.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
A wholegrain crisp-like snack, with a texture similar to a Dorito.

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 Chive, my DH liked the Sweet Chilli. I suspect DDs favourite was the Sweet Chilli flavour too, but as she can't talk yet I've based it instead on how often she reached for the packet. (Which might relate instead to how hungry she was at the time.)
For other flavours, we'd like a Salt and Vinegar, please!

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 were actually pretty tasty for a healthy-unhealthy snack. (Makes a nice change...)

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 yes, if they were looking for an alternative for crisps for some reason.

Lastly, can you please consider making the allergy information clearer on the back of the packet? A nice big CONTAINS: X, Y, Z for the various triggers (milk/nuts/gluten/etc) would be very handy.

As a family, we don't actually have any allergies - but we have lots of visiting friends that do. Since I'm not an expert on their conditions, I just know that they're coeliac/lactose intolerant/etc, I can't easily eyeball the ingredients and figure out whether things are safe or not!

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Enjoyed eating them, made a nice change to ordinary crisps

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Healthier alternative to crisps, more like a tortilla

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
Liked the cheese and onion and the sour cream and pepper. DH liked the chilli ones. DS wasn't so keen we think they are more of an adult snack than for kids

Q4 Thinking about Sunbites in comparison to other snacks, can you think of one feature which makes Sunbites different? If so, what is it?
Lower fat than ordinary crisps with a different 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 for a chnge

OK, my turn

1. My overall impression was they were OK. I wasn't overwhelmed with them but I didn't dislike them enough to stop eating them. I found the tastes a bit wishy washy too.
2. I would describe them as square corrugated crispy things that could do with more seasoning
3. The flavour I liked most was lightly salted. All of the others had a sweet taste to them that shouldn't be allowed in a savoury snack.
4. They seem less greasy than other snacks is probably the only difference I could say.
5. I can't imagine every having a conversation with anybody (apart from my DD) about snack food TBH

Thanks for sending them Walkers, I think I'll stick to your ordinary S+V crisps at the moment.

1. My overall impression was a good one. The packaging made me think of more grown up crisps. They were healthier but the same weight as standard multipack crisps. I enjoyed eating them on their own & also with dips.

2.I would describe them as crunchy snacks similar but not the same as crisps. 3.My favourite flavour was the chilli closely followed by sour cream. A balsamic vinegar flavour would be nice. 4.The flavours & texture make them different from other crisps/snacks. 5.I would recommend them as I really enjoyed eating them.

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

I must say that I loved them. They are nice and crunchy and the flavours were superb.

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

Tastly little crisps with a moreish crunch!

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

I love the chilli 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 fact that it contains wholegrain is great. Great taste without being overpowering. Not oily like some 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?

I would certainly recommend Sunbites to my friends. They are lovely!

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 fact they contained wholegrains. On tasting them I thought the 'flavour' was nice and not 'sticky' like some artificial flavours but disappeared quite quickly, often before I'd finished the crisp. They were a nice snack.

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

Wholegrain crisps with less fat.

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

Sour cream. Maybe tomato 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?

Nice light, crisp feel.

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 as I have friends who give a lot of crisps to their children and they might be a good bet as slightly more healthy. I wouldn't put it that way though.

1. I have had them before, ages ago, and I think the packaging has changed. I like the packaging now, it seems to be aimed at the female market maybe? Me, DH and DS (3) enjoyed eating them and liked all the flavours.

1. I would describe them as being like little tiny flavoured crispsbreads, dry and crunchy, not greasy like crisps.

1. I liked the cracked black pepper and chilli flavours best. DH loved the cheddar flavour. DS, just stuffed his face with all of them. I wasn;t do keen on the rosemary and onion, I found it a little sweet.

4.They seem healthier than other "crisp bag" snacks. Not greasy, not heavy, not too salty, low fat, wholegrain,not artificial stuff, but still have that satisfying crunch and hand-to-mouth action. I like that the packets are quite small, as you get that savoury hit without overloading on fat and calories. I'd happily give them to my son. (I love savoury snacks, and could happily live off cheese and onion crisps)

1. I would recommend them to a friend. Nice flavours, and a bit sophisticated, realtively healthy and convinient. What is not to like?

1. con't - I don't usually like salt and vinegar crisps, but I think the lightly salted flavour could do with more "oomph" and maybe making it "posh" s&V - say sea salt and balsamic or something woudl work, as the flavours in this raneg are not too overwhelming.

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

Oh my god they are really nice although you don't get many in the pack.

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

Wholegrain crisps, kind of like doritos but more wheaty and concertina shaped

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

Love the sour cream, not so sure about the Salted. There should be a lamb and mint, sausage and mash and a roast chicken 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 concertina shape seems quite 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?

Maybe to friends who wanted to be more healthy but eat crisps.

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 and the flavours sounded appetising. I love the texture but I hate to say they all have a really strange after taste that I found unpleasant. I couldn't finish the salted ones, or the onion and rosemary and I'm a pig when it comes to savoury snacks, so that's saying something.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Little wholegrain snacks, somewhere between a crisp and a cracker but not a substitute for "real" crisps ultimately.

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 the most. I believe a strong vinegar flavour might cut through the slightly odd aftertaste.

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 was going to say the shape but they're not unlike Frazzles!

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 recommend they give them a go if they were looking for an alternative to crisps. I just wish I 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?
My overall impression was a very good one, they're well packaged, tasty, nice texture and different to other similar snack type products. My main criticism is that there's just not enough in the packet, they're not very filling.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Little crunchy crisps with lovely flavours.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
My favourite flavour was Onion & Rosemary as it was light and tasty and fresh on the tongue. I also really liked the Cheddar and Caramalised Onion flavour as it was not at all like the generic "Cheese & Onion" cloying flavour that you usually get.

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 would say the lightness of the flavour and the crunchy texture make them stand out.

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 because they taste delicious!

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

Nice packaging, reinforces the "heathly option" somehow. Enjoyable to eat, was like eating crisps but felt less guilty.

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

A bit like tortilla chips, but wholegrain and lighter.

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

The cheddar one was my favourite. I'd like to see salt & 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?

They are a healthier choice than most dip/chip/crisp type snacks and I didn't mind that DD (3.9) ate more of them than I did due to 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?

I'd recommend them as nice for parties, good option for the DCs but unfortunately they are 6 slimming world syns per bag, so would not eat them on a regular basis or recommend them to my slimming friends. (you can eat a curly wurly for that ffs!)

Q1 I really liked the wholegrainy taste and they didnt taste as greasy as normal crisps

Q2 Crinklecut crisps that are really tasty

Q3 I really liked the salted and the rosemary & onion, i did not like the sweet chilli, it didnt go with the wholegrain flavour, i reckon a chicken flavour would go well or a bacon flavour would be really nice.

Q4 Doesnt feel so heavy after eating.

Q5 If someone asked me if it tried, id recommend them.

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

Looked good/appitising - did not enjoy them at all - too sweet - tasted odd.

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

A bit like doritos, only crinkle cut

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

Did not enjoy any - but if I had to choose it would be the sweet chilli - would not buy so won't recommend another 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?

Guessing that those with a preference to sweet tastes rather than salty would like these.

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

Would not recommend - product is just too swee which makes them just odd.

I've never received them, gutted as they sound really nice!!

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 packaging - very stylish, and suggests them to be 'grown up' crisps for adults, and healthy. I was expecting them to have the feel of frazzles, the bacon flavour crisps.

However they were much thinner than I expected, not very satisfying texture.

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

Like popadums, buth less flavour

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

Not tried them all yet, the ones I ate did not have much flavour, but did taste sweeter than I expected them 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?
Not really - I would prefer to eact snackajacks, as the flavour of these is much stronger

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 - I found them too thin, and lacking in flavour, so I would not buy these.

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

Beautiful, non-lurid packaging. I was expecting something healthier than average, although I'm not sure why. I wasn't bothered about the actual crisps though, I'm afraid. I found them very, very sweet. Also they have more sugar and fat in than eg walkers baked crisps, which we love.

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

very sweet crisps.

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

Probably the sour cream. I'd like to see salt and vinegar - but with not too much sweetness please.

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 really. they were not healthy enough to be a healthy snack, and not tasty enough to be an indulgent one.

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 - didn;t like the overwhelming sweetness.

A mixed reception here - but thank you for the try!

We all liked the packaging - looked like a sophisticated crisp.

The actual Sunbites themselves looked frighteningly worthy - like crispy cardboard. Therefore it was a bit of a surprise to find they tasted so sweet. Too sweet. Didn't taste at all healthy.

DS really liked them though, so I would say they were more a kids snack. (My friends and I really like those root vegetable crisps.)

The other thing I found disconcerting was that I couldn't tell what they actually were. Pulped up wheat? Mashed together corn? At least crisps are just fried potatoes. I get that.

I probably wouldn't buy them as a snack (too wheaty also - have coeliac friends so always try to buy non wheat snacks).

I liked the salt flavour, the cheese was too strong, chilli too sweet. DS had the oregano and really liked it.

I liked that they weren't greasy.

DS (14) said he would definitely buy them again 'they were lush' but DD (10) thought they looked like mouldy bran flakes and didn't like the texture when she ate them.

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I thought they were nice, though you dont get enough in a packet

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Like frazzles but not so strong a flavour......

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 ones the best, would like to taste prawn cocktail flavour I think..

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, and the low fat content.

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 to a friend, because they make a nice change from the really strong taste of crisps, with no 'crisp breath' afterwards

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

Nice packaging, suited the nature of the product in trying to reflect them being natural and healthy by using pale/pastel colours and the pictures. Nice to eat, felt like we were eating healthier snack than crisps.

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

Like Frazzles but crunchier and thinner.

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

Liked the chilli, cheese and sour cream flavours. My husband thought the salted/plain ones were a bit bland.

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.

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 sure why it would come up in conversation unless we were talking about snacks that are healthier than regular crisps but if someone was looking for that type of snack then yes. Unlikely to recommend as an alternative to regular crisps though if someone was looking for something crisp-like!

Thanks for the opportunity to try them.

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Nice, liked the packaging, flavours were good.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Quite similar to pringles but a bit thicker.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
Chilli. Salt n Pepper 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?
Shape, not so high in fat, 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?
I think I would, but tbh, none of us are bothered about our weight so it's not really our market per se.

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 very enjoyable. The packaging was good but the same as all other healthy alternatives to crisps.

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

Wheat crisp like things

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

Onion and rosemary, because it had a lot of flavour. Why on earth do "alternative" crisps never come in Salt and vinegar, or Bacon. There's a reason they are popular flavours! And you could have a fun advertising campaign and get all ironic about your bacon healthy crisps.

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

Lightness.

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

If they said they fancied crisps but didn't want to eat crisps, then yes, I would.

Ok back from holidays and 4 out of 5 packs eaten! So the feedback....

1. Yes enjoyed eating them, a nice savoury snack that feels that little bit healthier than crisps!

1. Description, a savoury ryvitary crisp type snack, simaralrish to doritoes but a bit healthier.

1. The green one and the yellow one, onion and rosemary adn the cheesy one I think! A bacony one but thats only because I love frazzles! How about an Italiany pestoy carbonara type flavour? Not keen at all on the pink (Chilli0one and don't think there is much flavour in the blue lightly salted packet.

4.I like the texture and think the packets are nice colours!

5.I guess so, although my one reservation is the fact that there doesn't seem to be many in there, prehaps a family size pack might be an idea?