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

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

I love sunbites, low in calories and weight watchers points but you don't feel like they are diet food.

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

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
Sourcream they taste like the doritos tortilla chips

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 taste like normal crisps and not like cardboard like snack a jack's!

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
They are a tasty low fat crisp

Damn this taste test am now addicted to the cheddar and onion, sour cream and pepper and salted ones. It's costing me a small fortune supporting my habit!!!!!!

Finally getting around to writing this. DH and I ate most of them, with DD just getting a few, she thought they were all lovely. She's not very good at criticism yet.

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 and textures, nice and crunchy, but not so crunchy they hurt. The flavours weren't very strong though, and they'd all got an underlying saccharine sweetness to them which was a bit odd and made them all taste very similar. It worked with the sweet chilli, but DH said they needed much more chilli flavour, he could barely taste it, especially because there were so few in the packet.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
A bit like Wheat crunchies, but less crunchy and healthier.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
The onion and rosemary. Very nice, and worked well with the sweetness.

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 fact that they're a healthier alternative to 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 wouldn't recommend them, really loved the texture, but the flavours just weren't strong or distinct enough.

Q1 Overall my initial impression of the product was positive. The packaging is appealing and the lower calories (in comparison to crisps) makes me want to buy them. I don't think they taste amazing though, the flavours are quite subtle and the texture is a bit 'carboardy'. Not awful though, either.

Q2 A snack that is a bit like a crisp, but wholemeal and with less traditional flavours

Q3 Sour cream the best..not sure i can think of any others i would like

Q4 I think the wholemeal element makes them a bit different, and they don't feel at all oily which lots of other snacks do.

Q5 I would recomend them if people prefered milder tastes and wanted a lower calorie snack, but wouldn't recomend them above crisps at the higher end of the market.

Thanks for the samples :)

I enjoyed all the flavours, probably liked the cheddar ones the best.

TI thought they were very tasty. DH also had a taste and said they were quite good... so he enjoyed them but wasn't blown away taste wise.

I also liked that they were wholegrain and so felt they were a more nutritious sort of snack, not total junk food!

Only thing I would say however is that they were higher fat than the Walkers Baked and Weightwatchers crisps we normally buy. So would probably not buy them regularly but they would be nice for the occasional treat.

I would recommend them to friends too!

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

Yes - although the chilli and the sour cream flavours were the nicest - I wasn't so keen on the others - especially the salt and vinegar ones. The crunchy texture was great though. I think the flavours could do with being a bit stronger though.

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

Crunchy, healthier, lower calorie alternative to crisps

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

Sweet chilli and sour cream ones were both lovely. Ditch the salt and vinegar ones. Would like to see something with a bit of kick - a bit more chilli/spicy 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?

The crunch is great - and also the health claims re wholegrain although I am just taking the packaging's word for those!

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, especially female friends who are looking for a healthy snack. I know that most men would think the packet was far too small and the flavours weren't strong enough.

Thanks for the crisps!!

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Ooh yes, definitely enjoyed them very much. Especially the first 2 bags which I snaffled in about 5 minutes last night, possibly because I had them at 2am after arriving back from holiday and hadn't eaten anything for a few hours. They tasted soooo good but not just because I was hungry.

They're really moreish - I don't think one bag at a time would ever be enough for me unless Walkers bring out a large 'sharing' bag (i ate the other 3 bags one after another this morning). I like the texture best and the fact that although the bag is quite small, they seem to be more satisfying than crisps of the same bag size.

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

Crunchy crispy bites, similar to Wholeweat Crunchies.

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

Hmmm, hard to choose as they're all nice. I think perhaps the Rosemary was nicest - quite a surprising flavour, bit like a roast chicken.
All of the flavour are great - quite intense but not overpowering.

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 pleasing crunchiness - not too hard, really nice 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, as they're a good alternative to normal crisps. Not sure it they are, but they seem healthier than normal crisps as they aren't greasy.

Thanks Walkers!

my 10yr old liked these snacks , we are not big crisp eaters but would buy these again .
we both liked the fact that they were healthier & liked the salted flavour .
i thought i would enjoy the chili flavour but actually liked these the least - i didnt think they had a very grown-up pallet ;more like tomato sauce with a spicy after taste .
i preferred the rosemary flavour which was a surprise .

a balsamic offering (salt & vinegar) would be nice to see & i would buy these if they were reasonably priced & readily available as individual packets in small outlets as an alternative quick healthy snack & also multipacked in larger stores.

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 really enjoyed by DH and I - we allowed DD (2yo) a couple from each packet and she declared that they were "yummy"

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

Like doritos in both texture and intensity of flavour. They are much more like a corn snack than a crisp, but still quite crispy in texture and rather morish!

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

Chilli flavour was lovely when eating, although left an after taste.We really enjoyed the slightly sea salt 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?

It actually tastes like a healthy alternative, whilst being enjoyable. I would be very happy to give to DD, or to eat as a family snack when on a picnic!

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

Yep - I would say, though, that a slightly bigger bag may be more appealing, as it really is rather small - although leaves you wanting more!!!

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

Liked them, I did enjoy eating them. Also quite liked the mat plastic bag!

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

A lower fat crisp, with a good crunch. Nice wholegrain taste.

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

Surprisingly I liked the chilli flavour the best. I'm a really cheese/sourcream type, but the chilli flavour somehow tasted more interesting than any of the others.

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 wholegrain 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, I would. Esp if they were on a diet. I'm always on a diet looking for healthier alternatives!

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

Nice looking packaging, liked the texture of them

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

a bit like a wheat based tortilla chip

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

our fav flavour was the sour cream one though they all went down wall, the kids for some reason seem to thinnk a chicken flavour would be good, I am not so sure and would go more for a paprika or 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?

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?

probably would if it came up, not that I normally chat about snacks with my friends, I would also like there to be less sugar in 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 quite good. I thought the packets didn't contain very many crisps, which of course could be a good thing! They were ok to eat. Tasted much nice than they looked.

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

A kind of wholewheat snack. Relatively low fat. Quite tasty but not very satisfying.

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 the 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 is very different to most crisps on the market.

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 probably would if the friend was looking for a low fat snack. Otherwise I wouldn't.

Well when they arrived the range of interesting and new flavours certainly caught my eye. My children were not brave enough to try them - so sadly the task fell to me. So I sat down with a and decided to try a few from each pack with a sip of inbetween.
The sweet chilli did not suit me at all - the rest ended in the bin - sorry but not my kind of thing.
The sea salted were OK - but nothing special
The sour cream and black pepper were lovely - but strong after taste of black pepper - though it was drowned out by the coffee
The Cheddar and Caramelised Onion were lovely but my favourite by far was the
Onion and Rosemary - such and unusual flavour combination, it sounded odd in the first place and even I was a bit reluctant to try it but well worth the bravery YUM!
I'd describe Sunbites as lower fat crisps with unusual flavours to say - an alien visiting earth.... However 120 calories is still quite high when you can get other crisps with less than 100. But they are nice for an occasional treat.
Overall I'd give 'em 9/10 - unusual and nice flavours but the chilli and the highish calorie count knocks off a point.
Having said that..... If you have any Onion and Rosemary knocking about then...... :)

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 tasty, though i wanted a few more in a packet. My impression was of a wholefood quality product.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? A wholegrain crunchy crisp/

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 flaour most - i liked them all though. I thought they might lend themselves to a ham and mustard flavor?

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.

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, but i'd say if you are hungry buy 2 packets as they aren;t quite enough. Maybe a quarter more again??

Liked the packaging & also the texture-satisfyingly crunchy. I REALLY enjoyed eating them because of the crunchiness (the flavours weren't bad either).
I'd describe them as a healthyish, tasty snack.
My children preferred the cheddar n onion but I liked the onion & rosemary one's which was a massive surprise as I was sure I was going to hate them! Would like a lemongrass and coconut flavour please.:)
They are all natural.
I would prob recommend them as I think most people would dig the crunchiness & would find at least one flavour they loved.
btw thanks for the free samples.

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

I really enjoyed the sunbites, I had never heard of them before. I have since bought several multipacks. My DH thought that they needed more flavour in all of the flavours.

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

They reminded me of grainwaves, a crisp you get in New Zealand which I used to love heating, but I would describe them as grainy healthy crisps with a really nice crunch

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

I really like the cheddar and original. The others we ok, except sour cream - that was not 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?

No really, it doesn't have a USP for me

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 and have recomended them.

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

We all loved them, even ds10 who won't eat crisps. Not sure about the rosemary ones (dc didn't like them at all and I thought they had an odd aftertaste)

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

Bit like a cross between Wheat Crunchies and Ryvita

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

Love Sweet Chilli and Sea Salt - think you've got the flavours covered

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

Feel and taste like they are 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 would recommend - have done - cos kids like them for school snack and other mums have asked what they are eating so I've spread the word.

1. Good texture, possibly slightly healthier than crisps, but lacking flavour and packs too small so felt hungry still. Would probably eat them again but only if on offer, can't say I was excited by them
2. Crunchy wholegrain snack, variety of flavours, like crisps but bit different
3. surprisingly prefered the cheesy flavours, all flavours need to be stronger and spicer, how about chinese 5 spice
4. the mix of grains and texture is nicer than most crisp type snacks
5. yes, but not if they are really hungry as they didn't fill me up!

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 different...I liked the texture and crispiness of them.I really enjoyed trying them..I had 2 packets at once.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
I would describe them as a healthier crisp with subtle flavouring.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
I enjoyed the sour cream and sweet chilli flavours the most.My DH tried the cheese and thought it needed more flavour..it wasnt cheesy enough..the onion and rosemary flavour was enjoyable 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?
Wholegrain..so healthier.

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 recomment Sunbites to friends but recommend they eat 2 packets as not a lot in them and were moreish.

At last I can finally report back on my secret clinical testing; done at night so I didn't have to share....Sorry to take so long.

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, texture similar to Doritos which I like, but the flavours I wasn't so wowed by. I just felt they were a bit bland and had a slight aftertaste, and not in a pleasant way.

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

A cross between Doritos and Wheat Crunchies, low fat snack.

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

Onion and Rosemary, by a long shot. None of the others grabbed me, but I would happily much through several of the O and R ones. . Flavours to consider??? Well I consider myself something of a die hard Walkers fan anyway, so any of those standard flavours would go down well with me - if the aftertaste business can be sorted...

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

Healthier alternative to 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 wouldn't go all out to, but if it was someone who was a dedicated healthy/low fat eater who was moaning about lack of munchy stuff, then I would likely suggest them, yes.

Thank you MN and Walkers.

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 lovely really tasty

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? low fat crunchy wholegrain crisp/cracker

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range? I loved the chilli ones and sour cream, all the flavours were 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? The taste and crunch. Most lower fat type crisps are poor and flavour and some have odd textures

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!!

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

really nice light crisp alternitive. really enjoyed them, flavours are very nice

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

low fat crunchy wheat crisp

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

sour cream and the chilli were nice, the were all nice to be fair, but they were my fav

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

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 really, i dont discuss food with friends (personal issues) - but i know dh probably would

1. Like the packet design ? more subtle than others. OH commented on it too (and he?s the least observant person I know, unless sport is involved). Not sure why they?re called Sunbites, but, hey, they tasted good (mostly).

Don?t normally eat crisps and he?s a cashew nut freak, but I?d definitely buy them (and he?s put in a personal request). Shame they look like cardboard that?s gone soggy and then dried out. Definitely a snack to eat straight from the packet without looking, though the texture is fab ? the wholegrain makes them more than a crunch? munch? gone. Not sure why only the Sea Salt had more whole crisps than the others (they were mostly broken/crumbs).

1. Low-fat, wholegrain snack that?s more satisfying than a packet of crisps.

1. Sour Cream won hands down. Sweet Chilli was good, but took a while before the chilli kicked in to balance the sweetness (could do with more chilli). Onion & Rosemary yummy to start with, but left a vile aftertaste. Cheddar ok. Sea Salt was not good ? far too sweet.

Bring on the salt & vinegar.

1. Wholegrain makes it more substantial.

1. Definitely recommend the Sour Cream and Sweet Chilli.

Never done a product test before ? this was fun!

Q1 What was your overall impTo be honest, I wasnt a big fan . Found them a bit dry/cardboardy texture to look at and feel, though they were slightly less so when eaten. However, 2 out of 3 of the children loved them and husband said they were 'alright'

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? A very savoury tasting snack, if that makes sense-but quite unsatisfying. A wheat crisp.

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 the one i liked most of all, and a big hit with the whole family. The kids liked the cheese , but we (the adults) found it very processed /artificial 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?
I suppose the low fat angle is one tha may appeal.
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 be honest and say not for me,as would rather use the calories on something tastier, BUT as the children enjoyed them i would consider buying them again as a change for them ,though they did taste very salty for a childrens snack.

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

Yes, overall, I enjoyed them. They were very crunchy and I liked all the flavours.

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

A low fat, crunchy wheat crisp.

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

I liked both the sweet chilli and the sour cream flavours but I would have liked all the flavours to be a bit stronger.

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 low fat and wholegrain.

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... with the caveat that they are very mild in flavour and quite small portions!