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

Liked the package and the lightly salted and black pepper flavours. The other flavours were ok, bit too many flavours. Would probably only buy the lightly salted flavour. They were quite sweet (i think it was the wheat), which I didn't think went with cheese and sour cream or sweet chilli etc. Salt and Malt vinegar might work.

I'd describe Sunbites as healthy crisps, although i didn't read the nutritional info. Slightly fewer calories than crisps.

I think the wheat flavour makes them different.

I would recommend Sunbites, but also probably mention my favourite was lightly salted flavour.

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

DH and I both enjoyed them - they are nicely crisp and not greasy like some crisps.
The packaging is nice but the packets looked half empty when we opened them, disappointingly few sunbites! Would have liked 50% more in each pack.
The range of flavours is good but they were all much too mild, we would have liked a stronger flavour from all of them.
The shape and texture is great, not too thick and we liked the crinkles.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Light and crunchy wholewheat snack.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
They were all far too mild! We liked the sweet chilli and sour cream flavours most but even these need a bit more oomph.
The sea salt would be better as sea salt and balsamic vinegar and maybe a meaty flavour might be nice 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?
Tastes healthy - I assume they actually are although didn't read the nutrition info.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
Only if the flavours were strengthened.

Got my samples in the post and my overall impression was a good one. I liked the packaging and was really surprised by the taste and thought they were pretty good, chrunchy and tasty!! If I were to describe them to a friend I would say they were a delicious healthy wholegrain snack with 30% less fat than normal crisps! My favourite flavour and that of my boys was the Cheddar followed closely by the Sour Cream! Other flavours I would like to see are Worcheshire sauce and Bacon. I think the main feature that makes sunbites different is their crunch! If Sunbites came up in conversation I would definitely recommend them to friends purely because I really enjoyed them! Plus they have less fat than normal crisps so how can you go wrong! Have already bought more from the shops as I liked them so much! Plus my boys really liked them which is always a winner!!

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, the matt finish looks a bit more upmarket than a normal shiny crisp packet. I did like them a lot much to my surprise! Not sure why but I wasn't sure that I would!

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? Better than crisps - there's more texture and a more satisfying crunch on every bite! The flavours are a bit more grown up than most crisps.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range? The sour cream ones are my favourite, closely followed by the cheddar ones - the flavours are quite bold and hit your tastebuds straight away whereas some of the others (the salt ones and the chilli ones) took a few mouthfuls to build up into anything noticeable.

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 much better than crisps - I guess that's from the wholegrain and the added bonus of that is that they're healthier than 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 because I've enjoyed them and they're a bit healthier than crisps which I guess are their main competition.

One question: Can Walkers tell me why the data on the back of the packet (about each serving providing 1/3 of the suggested daily amount of wholgrain) is based upon The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans? Do the UK not publish our own guidelines?

ARGH this is my 5th attempt at leaving feedback for this, but better late than never.

Q1) Its good they aren't in stereotypical shiny foil packets like crisps so shows they are different. Opening them up they are a bit dissapointing. Who wants to see a bag of brown? Suppose that can't be helped considering what they are made from. The texture of them is not unpleasant but DH really didn't like them. I enjoyed only 1 of the packets to be honest and you will read why below.

Q2) If i was to describe them to a friend i'd say they are 'a healthier alternative to crisps'. However they aren't THAT much healthier, so if the friend didn't eat crisps that often i'd tell them just to have the crisps and enjoy them! Other than that they are kind of like thinner bite size peices of ryvita

Q3) When i got them from the delivery office I was starving and ended up having the sea salt ones first. Now normally I don't like salted flavoured crisps. However these are really subtle but enough to know what flavour they are without making you dehydrated and dying of thirst! So I was pleasantly suprised and i was looking forward to the rest of the packets. However it was all down hill from there. Was REALLY looking forward to the chilli ones as I love that flavour in crisps. However these were a real let down. They were just bleugh and all i can say is for such a strong flavour they were really bland. Really dissapointing considering Walkers do Sweet Chilli as part of the Sensations range and they are lovely! The Cheese and Onion and the Onion and Rosemary ones i really didn't like. The onion was really overpowering and theyjust repeated on me ALL DAY! Not nice and i don't like sour cream/cream flavoured crisps anyway. Thinking about other flavours there really should be a balsamic vinegar and sea salt.

Q4) They aren't that different i'm affraid. There are other snacks that come in 'healthy' ranges. Ryvita crisp things, snack a jacks. They just aren't that special.

Q5) It really depended. If it was a person who had crisps 5 times a week then yes as they can still feel like they are indulging but have something that AS bad. However like i said above if it was someone who didn't eat crisps often i'd say just have crisps and enjoy them. At the end of the day these sunbites have more than 5g of salt AND more disturbingly more than 5g of sugar per 100g so can't even be recommended for weight loss etc. And there is ALOT of salt in them. Not so 'healthy' afterall

1 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, I did enjoy eating them.

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

I would say they are higher in fibre than crisps as they are made from wholegrain.

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

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

Depends what you normally snack on. Lower in fat and higher in fibre than 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 think they are lunchbox friendly .

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 liked them as they are a great low fat substitute to crisps, the tasted nice and had a nice texture

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

I would describe them more of a snack than a crisp because of the texture and 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 onion and rosemary best but I liked all of them!!

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 the texture makes sunbites 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?

Yes I'd recommend them, I usually do if I find something I like as I don't always hear about new things unless someone tells me!

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 are pleasently crunchy, and I liked the slightly more grown up packaging

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? crunchy snacky things, a bit like wheat crunchies, but nicer. They feel a bit healthier than normal crisps, but I accept that there is probably not much in it

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range? I most liked 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? an interesting shape (known as roofs in DH's office) and a pleasant 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

Q1) my overall impression is ok but not spectacular. Flavours not very strong and packaging was fine. Not a huge amount in a pack.

Q2) a bit like the snacks I get from m&s but not as thick, although they come in different flavours.

Q3) would like a meaty flavour - BBQ or steak. Liked the red onion one the most.

Q4) The crunch is the most unusual for a lower fat snack as usually the texture is softer/soggier.

Q5) not sure, wasn't so impressed that I'd seek them out when shopping so they probably wouldn't come to mind to recommend them tbh.

They were OK, I probably wouldnt buy them again. The Chedder ones had a sweet tast which I didnt like, saying that the kids and husband enjoyed them.

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not? NOT REALLY, THEY WERE A BIT BLAND

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? WHEAT CRUNCH TYPE THINGS, BUT NOT AS TASTY

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range? 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? NOT REALLY

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, BIT MEH

Sunbites saved me lol, I wandered up to my Post Office delivery office as Id missed the delivery of them and once collected I realised Id forgotten my 1 year olds dummy.... e was throwing one hell of a tantrum til I decided to share a packed with him and he was content in seconds.... I tried some of each flavour and really liked them, loved the chilli ones best but my little boy and neice LOVED them...

Really like that they are whole grain! and the packaging looks lovely, the matt finish makes them different to the normal range of crisps. I would recommend them to a friend and my sister has already said she will be buying them as my neice loved em and they r much better treat then crisps.

q1 yes enjoyed eating them, very tasty love the flavours
Q2 wheat, crispy, snacky thing
Q3 chilli favourite, like to see barbecue flavour
Q4 the colour and shape
Q5 yes because they are a unique crisp and they should try them

Answers courtesy of dd1 (14) and dd2 (11)

Did anybody else get 2 boxes?

sorry but i thought all the flavours were a bit disappointing. They were nice and crispy but really repeated on me. The Chilli ones also has a really weird after taste

sorry

1. Loved Sunbites - very crunchy.
2. Wheaty taste - more filling than crisps.
3. Liked the onion and rosemary and chilli flavours the best.
4. Not as greasy - taste "healthier".
5. Yes would recommend them as healthier alternative to crisps.

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

Yes. Having had the Rosemary & Onion ones previously I knew what to expect in terms of texture, and the taste of the flavours I hadn't tried lived up to expectations. The renewed packaging design was nice too - suited the earthy/wholesome market the product is obviously aimed at.

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

Crunchy alternative to regular crisps. Size and shape remind me of Frazzles.

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

Rosemary & Onion, surprise surprise :)

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're wholewheat.

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. Good, tasty snack which at least sound healthy compared to regular crisps.

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 OK but nothing very special

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

Wholegrain crunchy snacks, in individuals bags like a bag of crisps

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

Onion/rosemary. Overall I found the flavours a bit bland too subtle for my liking.

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-ness is unusual

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 especially. They're only 10 calories under a same-sized bag of normal Walkers crisps and not as nice. If I were watching my diet I'd rather have French Fries which are much lower in calories and have a stronger taste.

We really love these snacks. They taste like they are healthy as they are wholegrain but they are very tasty at the same time. I would describe them as a healthy alternative to crisps but also as something a bit different. So often healthy low cal snacks have an awful polystyrene texture and no flavour whereas these are very satisfying indeed. The best flavour is sour cream and black pepper - delish! We think the wheaty flavour calls for strong flavours so maybe a tomatoey tangy flavour would also work. They are different from other snacks as they are more satisfying due to the fact they fill you up and are tasty. Would definitely recommend if it came up in conversation! Thanks for letting us taste all the flavours yum.

I liked them all. My wife liked them all except perhaps the sour cream.
I couldn't decide my favorite: maybe the cheddar or the sour cream. All in all they were a lovely treat. Thanks for sending them.

Q1. My overall impression was that they were a little sweet for my taste. I know they're a savoury snack but I was definitely getting a hint of sweetness.

Q2. To a friend: Looks like a frazzle but thinner, with a texture a bit like wheat crunchies. Crispy and healthier seeming than regular crisps.

Q3. I only tried the plain ones as I wasn't too keen.

Q4. Their thinness and crispiness, as usually wheat type snacks are thicker.

Q5. Possibly not as I found the sweetness a bit off putting.

Really enjoyed all the flavours of Sunbites though I did find the salted ones slightly boring compared to the rest. Have since bought several multipacks (on special at the moment) and my husband is eating them too as he's on weight watchers and they're pretty low in points. The kids don't like them but they're maybe just a bit adult in taste to be fair. Disappointed that my local supermarket don't stock the sweet chilli flavour as that was the favourite in our house.

I have recommended them to some of my friends who have since purchased them as well. If I was asked to describe them it would need to be a mix between doritos and frazzles. Quite hard to describe them in a way that does them justice.

For more flavours maybe there could be something meaty. Steak and caremilised onion or cajun chicken, maybe something with sea salt & balsamic vinegar even. I love salt and vinegar flavour and was a bit disappointed there wasn't one though my favourite was the cheddar and caramelised onion. Delicious!

The packaging was nice too. They looked like more upmarket crisps. Like sensations or mccoys but were the same price as our usual Walkers baked.

All in all a good product. Thanks for letting us try them out

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 OK, very light and crunchy.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Like crisps but lighter and with more texture and flavour, less grease.

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

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

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends?
Depending on friend, yes.
Sharing bags would be good to put out when people come round.

A very light, crisp, flavoursome snack liked by all the family. No dislikes,but least favourite would probably be the sea salt. A great addition to the lunchbox. Will be buying these in future and would definitely recommend. Just one negative, not enough in the bag, left wanting more.