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

They look like crisps for ladies. The packaging- pastels, matt. Perhaps not meant for children? I have only eaten the rosemary and the sour cream packs so far.

I don't really like crisps but I did enjoy the sunbites. I thought they had more depth of flavour than crisps, maybe that's the wholegrain-ness? I liked the crunchiness, and the texture.

I would recommend them. They'd make a nice afternoon desk snack. :)

Q1 I like the packaging - nice pastel colours. I did enjoy the crisps, thought they were tasty and not as greasy as other crisps. DH expected them to have a stronger flavour.

Q2 They're like crisps, but wholegrain ones.

Q3 Sour Cream and Cracked Black Pepper was the favourite for me and DH.

Q4 They're healthier than crisps, but are still tasty and crunchy!

Q5 Yes, they're tasty and a bit healthier than normal crisps.

Ooh they were really nice! Definitely going to bump them up my mental list of favourite crisps I loved the rosemary ones, which I didn't expect to, but the packet was definitely too small, haha. Not sure about the chilli ones - they didn't really taste like chilli to me, just spicy. I think maybe the wheat overpowers it? Leave that to sensations, I reckon. Adored sour cream, cheese and onion were all right, and plain salted were lovely - bet they'd go great with hummus.

They arrived this morning so we have just tucked in after an early lunch.

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 design and particularly the colour scheme; they look like a premium product. The bag did seem a little small as crisps are usually a 40g bag.

We all enjoyed eating them very much. They have a lovely texture, and an interesting shape, reminded me of a posh Frazzle.
Nice and crisp but then melt in the mouth. The flavours didn?t taste synthetic like some many other potato/corn snacks.

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

A healthier alternative to potato and corn snacks. They are made with wholegrain corn, wheat, and oat flour and are lower in calories than conventional snacks.

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

The sour cream had a lovely subtle flavour. It?s not a flavour I normally can stand but I really enjoyed them. The onion and rosemary were my favourite, the had a good intense flavour with no aftertaste. Similarly with the cheese. I was little disappointed with the sea salt; I could barely detect any flavour and so they tasted quite 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?

My husband loves Tyrells sweet chilli. They come in a 40g bag and are 481 calories. The sweet chilli Sunbites are 120kcal. Granted they are a 25g bag but an equivalent 40g bag would still only be 182kcal.

I don?t generally eat crisps because I find them greasy. There was very little evidence of grease on my fingers after eating the Sunbites. I didn?t feel guilty after eating these in the way I might after a bag of regular 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. I would be happy to buy these for the whole family and so would most likely recommend them to others.

Many thanks to MNHQ and to Walkers for this opportunity.

1. Overall liked the packaging and the product. Bags are a little small but that might just be greed talking. There was a sweet underlying taste to all of the flavours which I could of done without.

1. Healthier crisps.

1. I preferred the cheddar and onion rosemary flavours but liked them all.

1. The wholegrain element.

1. Would recommend them but would warn about the sweetness.

I'm a slow snack eater, but thought I would add my first bit of feedback, had the Cheese and carmalised onion last night when I got home.

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Really like these, the flavour range seems to be a nice variation on the standard crisp flavours, love the texture and taste of the base product.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
a wheat based baked snack, which is better than all the others I've tried. (description used when explaining them to DP last night)

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
WIll have to get back to you on that once I've tried all the 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?
I love the fact that they're not oily like most savory snacks.

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'm of an age that we're all concious about our weight, but want something that is still tasty and enjoyable to eat. Sunbites definitely ticks both boxes.

Just been to the post office to pick mine up.

I want to say a bit THANK YOU for sending them via Royal Mail rather than some courier that requires me to travel for an hour to pick up my parcel from their "local" depot! Anything bigger than a small envelope should always be sent this way, IMO.

So, the crisps.

This is a 25g bag, the same size as a normal crisp multipack bag, and smaller than a bag you would buy singly. There's around 120 calories in each bag, which is not a lot less than a same-sized bag of regular crisps (around 130 cals per 25g). So while they may have 30% less fat, which is healthier, they're not going to make a lot of difference when it comes to losing weight.

Texture is very light-feeling. Reminded me of Wheat Crunchies, only now I really want some Wheat Crunchies (not sure if they belong to Walkers or not) because they have a more satisfying bite to them.

I've just tried the sweet chilli as that looked like the flavour I would enjoy most, and I'm finding the flavour a bit light. I expected something nice and zingy like Sensations sweet chilli and this is not very strong-tasting at all.

Still not got mine or any delivery card or anything. Boo :(

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

Very attractive and colourful packaging, catching eye. Love the idea of wholegrain product which can be not as "naughty" as usual crisps.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Delicious snack with a nice crunchy texture

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

I love the sour cream and cracked black pepper flavour.
Would love to see some smoky BBQ flavours and 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?

As far as I am aware "normal" crisps contain 0.9(or more) of saturated fat which is 5% of RDA and Sunbites have 0.6 (3%) which makes them healthier. Salt is also in lower amount (5%) comparing to a standard bag of crisps (7% or more).

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 reccomend Sunbites to anyone mainly due to the lower amount of salt and fat. And absolutely delicious taste :)

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. The colours and illustrations make them seem a bit more upmarket, like a proper treat of posh crisps. I also think the thickness of the foil adds to this. Some of the colours are too similar though. The pale pastels are definitely going to appeal more to a female market.

The lightly sea salted flavour taste very much like tortillas, perhaps a little too plain for me.

The sweet chilli was warm in my mouth but not too spicy.

Overall they were all quite pleasant, certainly different to the usual crisp alternatives. Though not so virtuous as they might come across, they only shave off 10 or so calories from the usual walkers crisps bags, though they do contain almost twice the fibre.

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

Healthier crisp shaped like a cracker and a bit like a thinner tortilla chip or dorito. Really tasty, more grown up flavours. A nice alternative.

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

I definitely enjoyed the Sour Cream, the Cheddar and the Onion and Rosemary flavours, picking a flavour would be difficult. I would have like a stronger sense of the rosemary flavouring, and the cheddar flavouring felt a bit powdery, so probably the sour cream were my favourites. They were all very nice though.

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's still like a crisp, rather than a cracker or a rice cake or a maize snack, so thin and crunchy. It comes across as a more wholesome snack, with the 30% less fat/wholegrain/oven roasted tag lines. Shape is different too, they are square and ruffled, my youngest DD doesn't eat Walkers crisps usually because she finds them too sharp in her mouth, this certainly wouldn't be a problem here.

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 I would. I like some of the flavour ideas, specifically the rosemary ones. I'd like to see some more like that. Maybe a tomato based flavouring with a nice herbal taste.

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

sophisticated, healthy. love that it is a flavoursome wholegrain snack that tastes better and less greasy than crisps.

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

whole grain, crunchy, crinkled snack.

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 was delicious. a refreshing change. would like a 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?

its still like a crisp. sometimes going for a healthier option to crisps still doesnt fill the craving to have crisps. but this does.

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

My tasting panel devoured the lot in about two minutes, and asked for more.

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 good, loved the crispy, light, texture. Liked the packaging colours. Don't 'get' the name though.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? A bit like Doritos, but thinner, lighter and less strongly flavoured.

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

DD(7)sour cream & black pepper
DS2 (8) cheddar
DS1 (9) sour cream & black pepper. Would like a BBQ/meaty flavour.
Me - onion & 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?

Bumpy shape. Lighter/less intense/less salty flavours. Light crispy texture. Not made from potato.

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. Could have more in the packet though.

It would be brilliant if they could be gluten-free, as an 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?

I liked the bright packaging and we liked the crisps. They are nice and crunchy and I like the fact they are wholegrain so healthier.I kile the fact they are lower in fat too and that they taste cooked and dry not greasy/ burnt like some snacks.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Brown crisps like brown bread versus white bread.

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 flavour best and I didn't like the sea salt as it tasted very bland and reminded me of eating dry cereal. However my teenage daughter liked the sea salt ones. We would like to see a salt and balsamic vinegar 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 wholegrain idea is different and makes for a healthier snack. It is less like junk food.

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 a good snack for picnics and on an evening. Also being wholegrain I assume they are slower energy releasing which is better too.

The Fletch panel consisted of Mr, Mr Fletch, DS1 (22), DS2 (12), and DD (5)

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

Everybody said they were good. I liked the crunch.

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

DS1 is hung up on the fact they are wholegrain (negative), and free. He states that "you are asking the wrong person here mum") . A nice crunchy alternative to crisps is the consensus amongst the other members of the panel.

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

The favourite flavour was onion and rosemary - they were described as like good roast potatoes. DS2 also liked the sweet chilli. The salt was the least favourite. Marmite flavour would be welcomed.

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

DS1 states that they are the only snack that has brought the family together for a 5 minute argument. The crunch and the different flavours from the rest of the panel

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. We all enjoyed them and they are a bit different, healthier and less greasy.

Think i missed our delivery this morning , will have to wait until i can collect from delivery office tom

Oooh! just received them at last. Will studiously scoff the lot asap test and post feedback

Oh mine just came! I inhaled nibbled on the sour cream ones and will report back properly when we finish the rest of them, so probably later on today

Huzzah! Mine have arrived too.

Will wait until DD is in bed tonight to open them and then post back.

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
I was pleasantly surprised as I thought they didn't look very appetising

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
I would describe them as crinkly rough 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 sour cream ones best, my 13 year old daughter liked the salt ones. My other 3 children tried them all but didn't like any 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?
They weren't as tasty

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 wouldn't recommend them as to be honest they were not very nice, sorry

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product?
Very good.
Did you enjoy eating them or not?
Yes
If so, why? If not, why not?
Tasted great (apart from the Chilli flavour), lovely texture and look

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Naturally flavoured, good quality cross between Wheat Crunchies and a Dorito (much nicer than either)

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most?
Cheddar
Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
A salt & vinegar equivalent

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

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends?
Yes
If so, why?
Taste nice, not too bad for you

Crisps have arrived. Will have some later this weekend. Does anyone know when the feedback has to be posted by?

Q1 The packets are gorgeous and very attractive. The crisps, however, are oddly rectangular and the darkness of them put DS off.

Q2 I'd say they were like crisps crossed with cereal!

Q3 I preferred the sea salt. How about prawn cocktail?

Q4 The shape.

Q5 Probably not. I follow the Slimming World eating plan, and they are the same Syn value as other, tastier, crisps. Sorry!

FAB - no immediate deadline - next week is fine!

I liked these pretty little packets in their muted shades (blushy pink for 'sweet chilli', pale yellow for 'cheddar') - the fact that the colours were pastel and matte gave the impression that here was a snack healthier, more likely to have 'natural' ingredients, and definitely trendier than the usual savoury snack ranges in garish primary colours.

I found them tasty and more moreish than one expects from something marketed as a wholegrain "30% lower-fat" snack, yet on the other hand I was surprised to see they measured up at 480 calories per 100g, as they seemed drier and a little more puritan than something like, say, Kettle Chips, which rack up an almost identical calorie count. However, the packets are small, which is good as it keeps calories to a reasonable 120 per serving.

Ideal for putting in lunchboxes, perhaps? a neat size, and the genteel packaging might convince dragonish dinner-ladies that they're a 'healthy wholegrain snack' and not a frowned-on 'packet of crisps'.

Q1 Overall impression was good: better than I'd expected from something aimed at the 'healthier' end of the market. Really nice crispy crunchiness, and pleasant taste.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites...
Crunchy wholegrain crisps in trendy flavours

Q3 Sea Salted was my favourite, cheddar and onion also good. How about a Roasted Root Vegetable flavour? parsnips very popular these days.

Q4 I think they're a little more pretentious than most snacks (outside of a health-food store that is) but not necessarily in a bad way... Middle-class munchies for PFBs? I can just imagine it "Quavers?! oh goodness no, Tristan can't bear those, he says they taste 'so artificial, Mama!' but he does love his Roasted Onion and Rosemary Sunbites..."

Q5 I'd recommend them as a pleasant-tasting crunchy snack that you can pretend is really healthy. And I do love the pretty packets...

Thank you NGH.