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[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

This thread is for all the Mumsnetters that having been trying out Quaker Oat So Simple Kids chocolate flavour porridge with their DCs. Below are some questions for you to answer but please feel free to add any other comments you may have too.

Everyone who adds their feedback will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win £250 of Amazon vouchers.

Questions

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw,
MNHQ

Hi. Thanks for choosing us.

I'm afraid the porridge didn't go down well here. We all liked the packaging and felt it gave a good impression. It looked warm and comforting like porridge. :)

I was impressed at the idea of using the sachet to measure the milk. How convenient.

At first try using the sachet was difficult and I ended up using a measuring jug. They should perhaps be sturdier and easier to hold open.

The porridge itself looked like ordinary porridge with a bit of powder sprinkled on it. I thought it might have chocolate chips or something that would melt in.

It came out of the microwave nice and hot but very runny. It did go a light shade of brown after stiring but it was still quite runny.

On first taste dd (8) said it was yummy but wasn't chocolaty. She ate on enthusiastically for a few more mouthfuls before declaring that it was too sweet and she didn't like it. She wouldn't have anymore and had toast instead.

Ds (3) had a small taste because he loves chocolate but he looked like I'd tricked him and said it wasn't chocolate flavoured and he wasn't eating it. He had another cereal instead.

Myself and dh both thought it wasn't chocolaty and was far too sweet.

We were a bit disappointed really as I try to get a hot, filling breakfast into my dcs on a winter morning and the convenience would have been great. Unfortunately I wont be buying this.

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

DS1 is 7 and DS2 is 5. Day 1 they liked it initially but halfway through said it tasted funny and thought it was too runny, I agreed. Day 2 they asked for it again and I used less milk, they said it was better for not being runny but not chocolatey enough and more like caramel or toffee. Day 3 they both declined to have it again, day 4 is tomorrow and thye might have it biut they want me to add cocoa to make it taste like chocolate - I do this from time to time and add to regular porridge oats to make what they know as 'chocolate porridge'.

1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

I wouldn't buy it. I much prefer to add my own flavourings to loose porridge oats. There are no benefits for me or the DC - we usually make porridge in the microwave form a large box of oats, milk and a tiny bit of sugar and sometimes flavourings like cocoa, banana etc. Doing that only takes 2 minutes and tastes less artificial.

1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

They were very much uninterested in the box and it didn't hold great appeal to be honest - 7 year old said it was a bit babyish and 5 year old said that it was OK. The sachet idea I thought was good for people taking them to work but not so ideal for children - a bit of a pain for mums to be honest, when a large box of oats and a carton of milk then 2 mins in the microwave is less hassle and far less waste.

1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Instead of a sachet with everything in it I'd rather they sold boxes of fresher ingredients that could be added to loose porridge oats - then the children could open a pot or sachet themselves and sprinkle it on top of their porridge - but not if it tastes like the chocolate porridge sachets - says DS1

Mine is stilll unopened.

The packaging is lovely- really attractive and I can imagine children encouraging thir mothers to buy it on that basis alone.

However, my DCs were freaked out at the idea of chocolate porridge, and reading some of the other comments about the flavour and texture, I didn't perservere.

I can imagine that the sachet/ measuring jug idea could be fantastic if tweaked a little. Perhaps add milk powder to the mixture, so it just needs water adding and making the sachets more sturdy?

As I said the idea of chocolate porridge was unappealing- perhaps apple and cinnamon, maple syrup would be better.

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

DD1 ran off screaming when offered the porridge. Don't take it personally, Quakers, this is her normal reaction when offered new food. I pointed out that it was chocolate, and that Abney and Teal ate porridge all the time but she shouted 'noooooo' and refused to touch it. She says thank you for the opportunity though.

So I tried it instead. I found it a bit weird tasting, like artificial chocolate. Also the texture wasn't great, I followed the instructions but by the time I'd eaten half the porridge it had gone really solid. Overall I was not that impressed but I think if I was 6 I would have loved it.

2. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

I suppose it's easier to make up than regular porridge, so convenience.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

The sachets were a bit tricky to fill with milk because they were a bit flimsy. Other than that, no complaints. I like the design of the box.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

More facts on the box? Animal trivia or photos, something like that would grab DD1's attention.

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance

The first thing was that there wasn't an awful lot in the sachet, once cooked and tasted Dd hated it, and Ds (who eats anything wolfed it down) said it was 'ok'. To me it didn't look or smell particularly chocolatey. We worked out after the first disaster in the microwave that pouring 3/4 of the milk in and cooking for 2 mins and thenn adding the rest once cooked cooled it down quicker and made less mess, :)

1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

The idea of slow release energy is great, however a growing 11 year old wouldn't last on one sachet from 6.30am until 12.30pm, perhaps 2 would work :o I would only buy it if it was on offer as I think other brands are cheaper.

1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

Dd liked the bear but nothing else, (although she did get excited when she saw the boxes on the shelf in Tesco) Ds said the box wasn't easy to get into, he had to rip it open, sachets were good, 'tore' in the right place and held the milk well without making a mess.

1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

I'm not really sure they can, they have done a good job, although it doesnt taste like it should. Perhaps adding more flavour would be a good start.

From Coffee's Son Thank you for letting us try this cereal, I like it and am going to eat it all. J

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?
We did an experiment, two bowls of porridge - one the Quaker oat so simple kids chocolate and one of Quaker oat so simple original with a spoonful of chocolate spread in it. The latter is her usual breakfast of choice.

The kids version looked paler, smelt of nothing and was quite unappetising compared to the original with chocolate spread. It was also a lot sweeter but without much of a chocolate taste. Dd2 didn't like the kids chocolate version, couldn't finish the bowl and has refused any offers of it since.
I reduced the amount of milk used for both versions and cooked them for 2 minutes but I've always done that as we like a thick porridge not the runny paste that quaker's instructions produce.

2. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

The main benefits are ease of use, single portions in a family that all like something different for breakfast are ideal. I wouldn't buy this product though, I will stick to buying the original version and adding chocolate myself.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

The packaging is really cute, the bear is a nice touch and I like the individual packets. The milk measuring is easy enough but the amount specified is too much for the length of time given for cooking.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
It could taste better, that was the biggest let down. Dd2 would also like something to collect in the box, a sticker or similar.

We won't be buying it again, and I am still trying to find someone who wants to take the rest of the sachets off my hands because lots of my friends aren't keen. Thanks for letting us try it.

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?
Dd2 (2yo) refused to try it, but tbh that didn't surprise me as she's rather stubborn. Dd1 really wanted to try it as she'd had porridge at school the week before and liked it. Also the chocolate factor was appealing. She thought it was hot, as someone else said it stayed hot for ages which doesn't make it a very quick breakfast. She didn't really like it. Said she liked it at first but then mumbled that she didn't like it. She's refused to have any more.

I didn't like the look of the texture, it was too sloppy and lumpy. Also it ended up all over the microwave so we had to clean that so wasn't hugely convenient either.

2. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?
I think the sachets were a real benefit as they save the need for measuring the milk into a jug. That really appealed to me. The main benefits I can think of are saving me time from measuring my own porridge out.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
I think they liked the packaging. The bear was a good idea and I liked the colours. I liked the sachets as it made measuring the milk easier.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
I would have liked to see a better texture. Maybe they could add chocolate sprinkles or have a chocolate 'sauce' they cold stir in to get the kids involved in making the porridge.

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

Liked the smell at first, but managed three mouthfuls and said it didn't taste nice. dH described it as like weak drinking chocolate in porridge.

1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

Would not buy it!

1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

Loved the box and the bear. I like the sachet for measuring the milk.

1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

Not worried about it being interesting - more an issue of taste!

1. dd screwed up her nose when presented with the porridge and said she didn't like it without tasting. To be that has been her response to all porridge this winter. I managed to get a spoon in her mouth and then left her to it, she ate about 3/4. However after asking for it a couple of days later she wouldn't even put it in her mouth.

2. I won't be buying this one. I have tge plain, which I add maple too and dh occasionally has other flavours. It is convenient (lazy!) and quick and tge milk measure is very useful. Dd certainly enjoyed making it ready for me to put into the microwave, which is why I think she asked for it the second time tbh.

3. loved the bear, a nod to the three bears? Dd loved tge box and making tge porridge. I have always loved tge milk measure!

4. as you've probably gathered most of us were not very impressed with the taste. Think I would prefer a plain porridge with a choc sauce or sprinkles for dd to put over tge top when she gets it at the table, well if it would make her eat it of course

Still no sign of my porridge!! Harrumph. Kids now doubting my promises having declared they would be spending half term noshing on chocolate for breakfast.

Seriously though, should I give up waiting for it now?

I shared a bowl with ds (21 months) He's not talking yet, but he ate all that was given. I thought the taste was ok, I imagined a choc porridge to be sickly, so no complaints here really :)
Sorry, but I can't see me buying it. I still prefer unflavoured porridge.
I thought the sachet for the milk was a tad awkward.
Also, as dinosaurs said, I think it would be a better idea to have seperate sachets so you can add your own ingredients.
Anyhow, thankyou Quaker for giving us the opportunity to try this :)

1.My DS is 33 month old.To be honest he isn't keen on porridge and only eat Quaker Oat so simple with apple and raisins/sultanas, raisins,cranberry and apple.I enjoy this porrige too, it is tasty and easy to make. that's why I thought that Quaker Oat so simple kids porridge would be great especially with chocolate flavour because my little one loves chocolate.And who doesn't?
My son ate full bowl of porridge and told that it is so yummy in his tummy.Next time when we tried porridge he eated only half of bowl and third time only couple of spoons and that was it. He told me that this porridge is feeeeh. and showed funny face like he is throwing it back.and asked other one, his favourite Quaker apple and raisins.
To be honest I completely agree with my son, first pack I tried wasn't so good but wasn't so bad either, but next ones. It was so hard to get them down. It isn't so chocolaty at all.before I microwaved porridge it was oats and some sprinkles of cacao powder.I was expecting small chocolate pieces.When it was ready it doesn't look very tasty, and don't taste as well. This porridge isn't sweet enough and don't taste like chocolate porridge.

1. I like Quaker so simple porridge because it is easy to make, and there is right quantity, one sachet for son and two for me if I'm extra hungry. No leftovers as usually when you make your own porridge. The main reason to buy product for us is taste if it tastes good we will buy it. I doubt that we will buy this chocolate porridge, because it wasn't delicious.
2. My son liked the bear on the pack, pack design is really attractive.I like individual sachets because it is easy to make.idea to pour milk into sachet is quite good and I used it at the beginning now i know how much milk I need to ad and don't pour milk in sachet but straight in a bowl.I like that i can microwave it that means that i don't need to use saucepan and after breakfast there are only bowls and spoons which I need to wash.( I don't have dishwasher, and cook mainly from scratch and I love that some of the mornings with Quaker so simple are really simple and mess free)
3. Please make it tastier!!! It will help a lot, otherwise even stickers or fridge magnets or collectibles toys will not work.

I would definitely buy it if chocolate porridge would contain chocolate pieces not cocoa dust. If these chocolate pieces would look like bear paws it would be so interesting. 10 Stickers would be great idea too, each sticker as reward for finished bowl of porridge!Everyone would like to be strong as bear and with finished bowl of morning porridge it is possible!

kasbah72 don't worry your porridge is still coming, unfortunately there have been a few delays - sorry!
We are sending Quaker a list of those who still haven't received their porridge on Monday so you will have soon.

KatieBMumsnet can you add me to the list? Our post comes at different times every day, not sure if it has arrived today yet though

add me to the list. It's sill not here

KatieBMumsnet can you add my name to list, I did mention to Helen that I hadn't received anything last week and she mentioned to just wait.

No post today though, so think I might have been forgotten.

Thanks

1. DD almost 5 - loves it. Has asked for it every morning before school. Luckily the portion size is just enough that I can take a scoopful out to make it go two ways, as my 1yo DD also likes it, but doesnt have a large breakfast yet.
2. Benefits being that one sachet goes two ways (at the moment at least), DD feels that she is getting a special treat, as I have never bought chocolate flavoured cereals for her in the past. Its quick, it always gets eaten. Good job! 3)I like the packaging, it has a 'natural' element to it. Not garish colours which scream SUGAR COLOURINGS SUGAR. I like the sachets, the milk measuring is so easy, I can never be bothered to faff with measuring milk into a jug first and adding to my washing up, so usually I 'guestimate' and then it's hit and miss whether I get it right. The only things with the picture of the bear on this box, is that every time I glimpse it I think the red bowl with porridge dripping down the side is in fact a large scary red mouth with two teeth at the top. It just looks like a snarling bear at first glance.
3. For my two, it is everything they want it to be. The chocolate flavour is fine, as DD has never had strongly flavoured cereals to compare it to. I think perhaps if she was accustomed to Cocoasnaps or what have you, she might find the flavour a little lacking. I am keen to try the fudge flavour sachets, so yes, I would buy these again. Price depending, obviously.

Thanks Katie. Will look forward to receiving it next week.

Still no porridge here either :(

PurpleKittyKnitting
mawbroon
poppy1973
You are all on my list. If anyone else still hasn't received their porridge yet please PM me and I'll let Quaker know.
Thanks

still not received any yet!

Thanks Mumsnet & Quaker for the opportunity to gobble free porridge. Here's my twopenneth worth...

1. Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Did they make any comments about the texture, smell, taste or appearance?

DD (4) used to LOVE porridge. She ate it regularly with honey, or banana, or a little brown sugar. But then she turned 3 and decided that she didn't like it and wouldn't try anything new. Ever So, I saw this as an opportunity to 'get her back into' porridge. And, as she is a real chocoholic I thought I was on to a winner.

I bigged it up - Ooh, the postman is bringing it! The Quaker people really want to know what you think! It's CHOCOLATE! Ooh, look at the bear! It's CHOCOLATE flavour! It's like Goldilocks! You can stir it! Oooh, it's CHOCOLATE! Goddamn CHOCOLATE, I tell you!

....so, she wouldn't go near it with a barge pole (understandably, as it had turned her mother into a raving lunatic).

But DH & I ate it. DH liked it but he often eats the Golden Syrup flavour so no surprise there. I didn't expect to like it (I'm not a huge porridge lover) but I did. Pleasantly surprised and would possibly try the other flavours now. Texture was good and lumpy (not horribly smooth like Ready Brek). Nice and runny - I like my porridge with lots of milk. Smell was a bit odd - rather like vanilla-cherry - and not at all chocolatey. Ditto the taste, nice, but not really very chocolatey. And the colour was a little too light, insipid-looking.

Portions sizes were okay too.

I didn't give it to DD2 (12 months) as I'd rather she remains ignorant about chocolate cereals! But, I can guarantee that she would've eaten it. She's a gannet.

1. What would you say are the main benefits of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids porridge, for you and/or for your DCs? What would be the key reason for you to buy the product?

Main benefit is convenience. I hate cleaning the gunky porridge pan after DH has made porridge. The individual sachets made less washing up and were very quick and easy. I'd love DD1 to eat porridge again - quick, easy, oats, low(er) sugar - so I'd potentially try this again in a few months.

Regarding the ingredients - they were a bit wishy-washy. 'Natural ingredients' doesn't really narrow it down much, does it? What natural ingredients? But the low sugar is admirable, I guess.

1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?

The box design was great. Eye-catching and modern. Different and instantly recognisable.

The milk measuring sachet was a great idea. Although the first time I tried it was a bit messy, it was easy to get the hang of. However, I imagine that a couple of unsupervised children would have a few spillages.

Individual sachets aren't particularly environmentally-friendly, but such is the sacrifice for convenience...

1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?

I know DD would be very taken with bear stickers. Also, the suggestions of separate packets of additions (oaty crunchy bits, raisins, berries, chocolate sprinkles) would probably go down well with DD.

Just had a thought for Quaker...

Following on from the three bears theme here...
Chocolate could be daddy bear,
Apple and cinnamon mummy bear
and banana flavour for baby bear??
See i really do have too much time on my hands

yes I am mad