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

What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not? ;very nice,they felt healthy.

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? like healthy crisps, but less tasty than normal.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range? cheese n chive, would like to see paprika.

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

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'd know I'd been on mumsnet.x

Overall impression was good, they tasted nice, really like the look of the packets and good they are slightly healthier than some other crisps so feel less guilty if eating them. they are nicer than the walkers lites crisps, in taste and in looks

Would describe them as a slightly crunchier type of crisps that are supposed to be healthier, 30% less fat

liked the slightly salted best, and also the cheese ones, wasnt as keen the chilli but was not bad

more crunchy and textured feel than other crisps, i think its a more wholegrain kind of feel to it

yes would recommend it if it came up

& thanks for sending them! first thing i got picked to try so was very happy to get it

Q1: They taste great. Nice to have a different snack to a potato crisp.
120 cal is also plus point. The packaging was smart and informative.

Q2: A crinkled corn tortilla type crisp based snack.

Q3: Sweet chilli, so good! Hot which was nice, didn't taste too fake either. Sour cream and onion, the black pepper was just odd tasting.
Smokey bacon or ham and mustard would be good. Paprika?

Q4: The wholegrain aspect, the 120 cal content, the interesting flavours is of great appeal.

Q5: Yes, the reasons as above, they are just a bit different which is definitely a good thing.

Slightly salted wasn't to my taste, too bland IMHO.

Thanks for the opportunity to test your lovely product.

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

A more grown up crisp, especially with the matt packaging. The flavours we (dcs & I) liked were very nice, and had a good mouth-feel. Didn't have greasy fingers after eating them.

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

A healthier, crunchier wholegrain crisp.

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

We agreed cheddar was the best - with the sweet chilli being the worst. A salt and vinegar would be lovely.

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.

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

Have already recommended them to my work colleagues today, who are very envious of the taste testing. An unusual, but very tasty snack.

Thanks for choosing us

I liked them. The seemed quite light so easy to eat. The sour cream and chili ones were om nom nom. Salted a bit bland. A friend was here when they arrived and she said that she loved them.

I think their lightness is different. Often crisps with spicier flavours are quite heavybthese weren't.

I'd buy again.

Sent the lightly skated pack to work with DH yesterday with instructions that I need a full review. When he got home I asked what he thought and he said, 'They were alright' . On further questioning however, he did say he would be more likely to have a pack of Sunbites with lunch than a pack of crisps as they are healthier.

So now to answer the questions:

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

Good, like the fact that they are lower in fat than normal crisps and have fibre. Also their salt content doesn't seem too bad. I enjoyed them and did DH and DS (although neither of them are very discerning)

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

Who grainy crispy snacks

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

Sour cream. I would like to see a sundries tomato and balsamic vinegar or some other tomato based 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?

Compared to other 'healthier options' they are crispier.

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.

Slightly salted, jeez, I'm useless!

What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not? Yes, thought they were nice and crunchy, flavours were subtle, unlike regular crisps,and not too salty. DCs enjoyed them too.
Packaging is very pleasing, not sure I would say they are "tiny moments of extraordinary pleasure" though. What does that even mean?

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were? A sort of wholegrain tortilla type crisp, but tastier than that sounds.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range? sour cream was nice, chilli was ok, DCs ate the rest and said they were 'yummy'. Agree with others that paprika, and ham and mustard woukd 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? No artificial flavours 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, depending on cost I would probably use them for lunchboxes too.

Will answer fully later, so far only chilli tried, by DD2, who declared them the best she has ever eaten, and 'when can we buy more?' which I'd say is a favourable vote!

I only just got mine, first impressions are that the colours are nice, but looking through the ingredients list I was disappointed to see that the salted flavour contain milk. Oddly, the sweet chilli flavour do not, so clearly the milk is not necessary. DS has a milk allergy, and we can usually count on salted crisps at minimum.

Arrived yesterday, so have only tried one pack so far:-

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

Product looked nice, packaging was sophisticated, contents looked light and crispy before you started. I found them light, crisp and flavoursome.

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

They look like frazzles, but they're crisper and lighter with a real crunch and lovely kick of flavour.

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

I've only tried the rosemary and onion and they were lovely. I will add comments on favourites once I've had them all (might take a week, though, as I'm trying not to hog 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?

Most low-fat products have a more solid bite, rather than the light crispiness of Sunbites. The flavour is so important, but the texture is what generally sells it. Things like snack-a-jacks feel like diet snacks. They're polystyrene textured and it's the taste and the fact that you can meet a snack urge without using too many points or calories that carries them through. These snacks I'd pick out of choice...even if I wasn't watching my weight. I like them better 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...because they taste crunchy and have good flavour. I will leave comments on the range of flavours once I get to the end of the box. Thanks for sending them though :)

We loved the packaging. The bag looks and feels like a better quality than standard crisps. The flavours were pleasant, but not really exciting. No nasty aftertaste that you get with some snacks. All very nice, but not wow.
Loved that they're wholegrain and they're definitely something I'd pick as an alternative to standard crisps.
Would like to see some stronger flavours. Ham & mustard, roast beef & mustard/horseradish, smoked bacon. But the subtle flavours are probably great to serve with dips.
I'd get them again and I'd recommend them to friends because the texture is so much better than alternative snacks.

I didn't get an email to say we had been picked so was a surprise when I opened the box yesterday!

Q1 What was your overall impression of the product? Did you enjoy eating them or not? If so, why? If not, why not?
Dp was first in the box and picked the Chilli ones, he said they tasted nice but not much chilli flavour. Packaging is nice

Q2 How would you describe Sunbites to a friend who didn't know what they were?
Tasty snack like crisp but not quite! yummy and great for a change.

Q3 Which flavour did you like the most? Are there any other flavours you'd like to see in the range?
I loved the onion and rosemary and Ds loved the sour 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?
The fact they are not greasy,not leaving an slimy feeling in your mouth.

Q5 If it came up in conversation, do you think you'd recommend Sunbites to your friends? If so, why? If not, why not?
Oh yes, so much nicer than 'normal' crisps. we have been converted! :o

The rosemary and onion ones have a very sweet aftertaste which is rather unpleasant..

DP ate the sour cream ones while a bit drunk and says they have a nice flavour.

The onion and rosemary ones don't taste of much.

I was reminded last night about how nice French Fries are. They're a lot lower in calories than these, and the Worcestershire Sauce ones actually have flavour.

Firstly thanks for sending the Sunbites through. My first impressions were they looked like a healthy snack aimed slightly more at adults than children, nice packaging with a quality feel & look.
I would describe them to a friend as a light wholegrain snack, lightly flavored and in great flavours.
My favorite flavor was the sour cream and black pepper, closely followed by the sweet chili ? I would like to see something like Worcester sauce flavour.
If I were to compare to other snacks I would say Sunbites are different because of the wholegrain aspect of them, the fact that they use 3 different types of wholegrain and that they have no artificial colours or preservatives.
Would I recommend to a friend?
If I was being totally honest I think they taste like they should have a lower fat content in, they seem to be marketed as an ?healthier option? but with a fat content of 5.4g per bag I feel there are other crisps that taste good with lower fat content. My personal preference when selecting my main bulk purchase of crisp each week is driven by the fat content as I like to eat so many of them ! For example Walkers ?baked? are only approx 3.0g of fat per bag... that said I would buy sunbites as a treat occasionally.
I love crisps but only ?like sunbites?.
Quick summary?

Pros;
Texture
Flavors?
Wholegrain and no added flavours or preservatives
Packaging and clear labeling

Cons:
Not great for small kids as a little dry
Higher fat content than I would personally have expected.
I think Walkers have better lower fat options already in the range ( eg:french fries / baked). These new flavours and thin texture in baked would be good!
I hope this feedback helps? Thanks again for letting me be part of this project.

I didn't know we'd been chosen to teat these, but we recieve a parcel this morning. Haven't tried them yet, but DD, aged 3, was very eagre to get into them, proclaiming 'lets eat them, Mammy'

We'll try them later and report back.

Hello! Sorry my feedback is late - we're just back from holidays and picked up our box this morning. Needless to say, ds2(7) has got right on to the testing and here's his feedback:

1. Packets look bright and exciting (I like the colours of the packets and design). Ds2 has very much enjoyed testing them so far.

1. Ds2 would say they're crunchy and have a good taste. Like crisps.

1. Ds2 has tried 3 flavours so far, Onion and Rosemary, Sea Salted and Sweet Chilli. His favourite so far is the Onion and Rosemary (marked 8/10). He said they were very tasty and would buy them. Next favourite is sea salted and last comes sweet chilli - that's the only one he wouldn't buy so far, but then he doesn't like chilli flavoured stuff, so not surprising. He would really like to see a salt and vinegar flavour as that's his favourite.

1. ds2 says the packets and the actual snacks look nicer than most crisps he's seen.

1. Yes, I'd probably recommend - would never have thought ds2 would like onion and rosemary so it's expanded his flavours - and we've got 2 more flavours to try later - plus ds1 is out at the moment and will test later, so I'll post more feedback later.

One plea from me to Walkers would be to please please consider trying to make these and your other crisps gluten free. It's really disappointing that with the introduction of the new g-f rules in January, Walkers and other companies are stopping marking things g-f and covering themselves with disclaimers about made in a factory contraining barley/wheat etc. As a Coeliac, this means my choices are becoming extremely limited and I would love Walkers to try to find other factory methods of ensuring their products are g-f.

But that's just a personal rant from me

More feedback later from ds's

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 all of them (not keen on sweet chilli but that's coz I dont like anything remotely spicey but husband really lked them). They had a different texture which was a change and they didnt taste unhealthy, iysim, so I enjoyed them more.

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

I'd say that they're a healthier sort of crisp and nice and tasty.

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 cheddar and after that the sour cream. A 'chicken & thyme' type flavour would probably 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?

I think it's probabaly the wholegrain that makes them more crunchy and so a bit 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 recommend them. Someone upthread said they're 3 weightwatchers points I think. When I compare them to WW own crisps which are 2 points then these are a much better alternative. I would recommend to my friends on diets/healthy eating plans.

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

Very nice packaging, liked the colours but agree that the picture on the front made me think of frazzles. We enjoyed eating them very much. They were tested by dh (43), me (40), dd (2.4), and stolen by ds (9 months). Everyone liked them and dd ate the entire packet of sour cream ones bar one which I managed to grab. Big hit with her.

They reminded me very much of doritos once you had crunched them up. I noticed a sweet taste to them, but it certainly didn't put me off.

I'd like to see some big family sized sharing bags for picnics etc.

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

A healthier snack with good flavours, nicely different to crisps and wholemeal.

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

The salted were my least favourite, and I think it's a tie between the chilli ones and the rosemary ones as my personal favourite. More testing is required. Dh liked the chilli ones, and without question dd preferred the sour cream.

Something like worcester sauce, beef and horseradish, chicken, marmite (yum!), ooh wasabi would be good... I can think of lots

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

Being wholemeal, although I know you can get at least one other. Like the fact they are lower fat.

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 wouldn't mind the children having them instead of ordinary crisps, and they'll be better for me with dieting too. I shall be buying them in future.

Q1 We?ve all had a go at eating them - DD aged 2 didn?t like them but DD aged 4 asked for more! DH who is the real crisp eater of the family wasn?t that impressed (he thought they were poor substitutes, except for the chilli one which he did like) and I like them all. I liked the packaging, if felt a bit more grown up than normal crisps.

Q2 Crunchy Doritos in better flavours that don?t leave a mess on your fingers!

Q3 The onion and rosemary one was a real surprise ? wasn?t sure that I was going to like it from the name, but it is my favourite one. The sour cream one didn?t really have a nice taste although I still managed to finish the bag!

Q4 Not greasy, don?t leave salt on your fingers. I would definitely buy them in the pub (where I buy my crisps ? we only have them at home occasionally or DH would turn into a crisp!).

Q5 Yes, if you wanted a crisp style snack but with less fat and wholegrain.

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

Really liked them, more interesting flavour than your normal crisp and they looked healthy too. Very crunchy and satisfying, but could do with more in a packet. My 2 girls loved them too (8 and 4)

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

A delicious healthy wholegrain crisp.

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

DD(8) loved sea salt.
The Chilli needs to be hotter - more like the flavour of sensations.
I liked the 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?

The fact they are wholegrain and low in fat.

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 - in fact they are perfect for the childrens lunchboxes. I usually don't put crisps in.

Testing panel were me, dh and ds1 (aged 4)

Q1 Liked the restrained packaging and enjoyed the taste and texture of the Sunbites. I liked the sweetness of them but am disappointed that this taste comes from added sugar.

Q2 Wholegrain crisps.

Q3 Dh and I liked the sweet chilli best, followed by the sour cream and then the rosemary. I didn't particularly like the salted ones as the sweet/salty contest was odd. Dh would like a marmite flavour. Ds disn't like the cheese or the sour cream and then refused to try the others.

Q4 The wholegrain aspect, although I'd be wary of these being marketed as 'healthy' as they contain as many calories and as much saturated fat as a bag of Frazzles or Hoola Hoops.

Q5 I'd say that I'd tried them and liked them but wouldn't go out of my way to recommend them for fear of misleading over the 'healthy/lower fat' appearance.

Thanks for chance to taste them for free. I'll be keeping an eye out for the sweet chilli ones in the supermarket .

adding myself as doing a family taste test tomorrow!!

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

Better taste than they look! At first I thought they'd be a bit thin to be tasty but they are very more-ish. They are less filling than a regular packet of crisps.

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

Light wholemeal crisps which have lots of flavour.

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

The sour cream flavour was everyone's favourite (but I'd buy any of them again apart from the plain salted ones) Paprika or salt&vinegar flavours would also 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?

Lighter and less greasy than other snacks available.

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 it to my more health conscious friends as a tasty light alternative to crisps (but a few would still prefer full fat crisps!)