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Doobydoo · 18/02/2012 09:47

1...Ds2 (nearly 5) no comment just scoffed it.Ds2 (12) didn't like the look of it and would not try it.He is very picky and easily put off trying anything new.

2...Benefits are that it is quick too make.Not having to make sure porridge isn't burning at 07.30.Also Ds2 an do it himself(nearly)

3...DS 2 likes the individual sachets as do dp and IWe think the right amount in them.Packaging ok,not in your face.

4...For fussier children maybe the colour of this one could be more appealing.Having said that I don't think it should be brightened up artificially maybe a more chocolatey colour.

HJisthinkingofanewname · 18/02/2012 10:08

Overall, what did your DC(s) think of Quaker Oat So Simple Kids Porridge? Dd1(12) not enough chocolate dd2 - urgh dd3(18m) wouldn't touch it. Didn't go down well here at all.

The benefits would be that they would eat breakfast as dd1 has a tendency to avoid it.

3.packets quite difficult to use for less dexterous children(as in my 12 year old dd1)

More flavour

awhistlingwoman · 18/02/2012 10:41

Questions

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 (3.5) didn't have much to say about the porridge but she did eat it all up! In fact when she'd finished she looked down at her empty bowl with satisfaction and said, "I ate it ALL up!" It looked a bit paler than I had imagined and I even thought about adding a bit of cocoa powder to make it look a bit more chocolate-y as I'd big-ed it up by saying 'CHOCOLATE porridge, it's going to be really YUMMY' and then it didn't look, taste or smell that much like chocolate! It smelled pleasant and I quite liked the taste when I had a spoonful. Just not chocolatey!

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 was very keen to try this product as I am a big fan of porridge myself! My DD2 struggles to put weight on and is a very energetic child so I feel the slow release energy of oats is great for her. I also want to fill her up in the morning before she goes off to nursery or preschool as she is quite picky about food in general and often refuses her mid-morning snack. I worry about her feeling hungry during the morning.

DD2 used to love porridge and would wolf down a big bowlful. However, this winter, it has fallen from favour which upset me as I really liked to feel I had 'set her up for the day' as it were with a bowl of porridge. She is obsessed with chocolate, talks about it all the time and often requests it for breakfast (a request which is never granted) so I thought that the idea of chocolate porridge was a pretty fantastic one to try and coax her back into eating it. Just a good way to 'sell' a fairly healthy breakfast really.

I was a bit uneasy about giving her a 'chocolate' breakfast but then I thought about how much brown sugar I usually put on her plain porridge and it didn't seem so bad in the light of that!

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

I loved the box, especially as DD2 is a big Winnie the Pooh fan, and we could talk about the bear and what bears like to eat. Winnie the Pooh likes honey, the Quaker bears like chocolate! The sachets are convenient but I think the portions are a little small. My DD2 ate the whole bowl fairly sharpish and would probably have had a little more if offered. However, as I said, she does struggle to keep weight on so I do tend to feed her a big portion when I find something she likes.

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

Perhaps a stronger colour or flavour. Just something to make it stand out as chocolate-y rather than just a slightly different coloured / smelling normal porridge. I don't know what the logistics of putting actual chocolate pieces in are but I think that would be nice. I think that would probably make it a bit more appealing.

Overall it's a fab idea and it has inspired me to try and tempt DD2 by adding something nice to standard porridge. Interested in trying the blueberry version and I'm sure the rest of the chocolate flavour will be eaten but I don't think I would buy this particular flavour again. Thanks for letting us try it and for persuading DD2 that porridge is back on the menu!

beep · 18/02/2012 10:44

1, they liked it, nice flavour not too sweet or chocolatey .

easy too make they can do it themselves
cute package they found it appealing

4 dd said free toy!

RedBerryJoyTown · 18/02/2012 11:04

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?

My DD and DS tried the porridge. They were excited to try something chocolatey. They both really like ReadyBrek, made in the microwave, which they have with a little sugar, golden syrup or maple syrup. They sometimes have porridge when we have time (as I like to make it on the hob).

DS really liked it, he said it didn't really taste of anything but still really liked it. DD wanted it to taste more chocolatey. She said she didn't really like it but still finished it up.

They didn't comment on the smell, texture or appearance.

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 that it is made from oats, which are nutritious and filling. However, I don't think I would buy this product. I will stick to ReadyBrek for convenience and use porridge oats to make porridge. We always have these in the house anyway for baking.

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

This children liked the bear on the box, but DS said he would prefer Doctor Who. The packets sounded a good idea but were fiddly to use. When making breakfast for more than one person I would prefer to use from a large box and decide how much to use myself. The only time I could see the packets being a good idea is if I took one to work to make for my breakfast.

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

DD said more chocolate, maybe some extra to sprinkle on top or chunks. DS said have quizzes and mazes on the box.

newlark · 18/02/2012 11:27

I've already posted my feedback but had a couple more comments.

First, I didn't think it was that clear that it is aimed at kids and what the difference is between this and the other Oat So Simple products - I think the portion sizes are the same? So is it just the outer packaging? I think it looked a bit confusing on Tesco's shelf. Given that the parent normally makes the porridge away from the table the packaging isn't so relevant though it might be a way of persuading the child to try it in the first place.

Second, it would be good to have variety packs available with the full range of flavours - I think dd would like to try some of the other flavours as she loves regular porridge with honey and might like cinnamon,honey and almond, golden syrup, fruit flavours etc but I'm not going to buy a whole box of 10 sachets for her to reject it after the first spoonful. 2 sachets each of 5 flavours would be good.

Housemum · 18/02/2012 11:44

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?

No comments from the kids about texture (looked pretty much same texture as the plain Oat So Simple they have had before so no surprises there), DD2 (8 years old) didn't like the taste, "It's weird". DD3 (4 years old) wouldn't eat it, "it smells funny". Gave some to DD1 (18 years old) - she said it was OK but not great. They all eat porridge and chocolate cereals, but this particular combination didn't appeal
I thought it looked a bit sloppy, and strange streaks of chocolate powder flavouring to stir in when cooked

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?

convenience of sachets, quick to sort out in the morning.
Nice to have a hot breakfast on a cold morning.

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

the sachets are fine, but I feel a little uncomfortable about the extra packaging. I do buy the plain Oat so Simple, but feel that I should really just buy porridge oats (but I am a bit of a lazy mare in the mornings so the simplicity of the packet to give a measured portion and to measure the milk was great).
Kids liked the bear, but thought the box a bit brown and dull.

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

Stickers in the box. Not toys - I hate getting more plastic tat, but stickers are always fun. Plain Oat So Simple with a sachet of sprinkles (fruit/raisins)

Choclatespread · 18/02/2012 12:14

Thanks for the porridge.

Overall DS 1 liked it, DS 2 wasn't too keen, DS 1 loves the smell of it.
The first time I made it, measured how it stated on the package, however it was very thick, and in our family we like it slightly less thick. So I have been using more milk, however when you use more milk, it gets less sweeter.

As DS2 is not allowed cows milk, I made it with rice milk, but needed to use a small amount of oats from the sachet, I found the top part didn't have any chocolate flavour on it, all the powder was at the bottom of the sachet, so the oats were not coated in chocolate as I had expected.
There was just some chocolate powder at the bottom. I suppose that's why they were in sachets, which was good.

The packaging was good as its a small box, that can fit away in the cupboard, and I like the sachet, as the porridge would stay fresh for longer. The boys loved the bear on the package, which encouraged DS2 to try some.

I would buy it again, if it's reasonably priced as DS1 is eating it. I would also like to taste the other varieties.
Maybe a chocolate chips porridge would be tasty.
Many Thanks for giving us this opportunity to try Quaker Oats Porridge.

TheEpilator · 18/02/2012 13:25

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?

All DCs are regular porridge eaters and enjoy it with a variety of toppings including sugar, syrup, chocolate spread, banana and stewed apples.

DD (5yo) didn't like the look of it and wouldn't even try it.
DS (7yo) said it didn't look chocolatey, but it did look nice. He said it smelled like marshmallows.
DS (11yo) said it looked a bit weird but tried it.
I thought it smelled like cheap hot chocolate and wasn't too optimistic.

DSs both ate it but said it wasn't very sweet or chocolatey. Texture was as I make it normally, but I didn't quite fill to the line with milk (I'd read some of the comments on here and didn't want to serve them slop that they wouldn't eat.) Glad I did, as it would have been too runny filling to the line as instructed and they like to pour a 'moat' of cold milk around the edge.

Didn't like the vague ingredients list - no mention of cocoa or chocolate anywhere.

We all ate it, but found it much nicer after adding a chunk of dark chocolate each to help it live up to our chocolatey expectations!

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 only benefit would be if only one person wanted porridge. At 2 mins each, it took 6+ minutes to make 3 bowls, which is no quicker than normal porridge in a pan, but it saves on washing a pan I suppose.

If they all wanted different flavours it would be a way to do that, but then I usually offer banana or chocolate as required and just stir it into each bowl.

Don't think I would buy this, except maybe for holidays to save taking a whole big box.

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

Little ones like the bear - eldest not so keen! Box was a bit big for 10 sachets and I dislike overly packaged products. Assume I can compost the paper sachets which helps.

I find pouring milk into paper sachets fiddly and messy and the portions were a little small for me & oldest DS. Certainly couldn't let the DCs pour their own milk and bowl was too hot for them to take out of microwave too, so doesn't help them to make their own brekky (they usually pour their own cereal) = more work for me in the morning!

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

I don't think porridge needs to be interesting as such - just tasty! Normal big boxes of porridge with a portion sized measuring scoop (one for the oats and one for the milk) would be a better idea. Then there could be sachets of sprinkles sold separately - chocolate, raisins/dried fruit pieces, nuts & seeds, fudge etc

TheEpilator · 18/02/2012 13:28

Oh and they all said "mmm fudge flavour!" when they saw the flyer enclosed, so maybe I will try that one and hope it is more flavourful than the chocolate one.

welliesandpyjamas · 18/02/2012 13:38

Epilator, we said that too...might need to try that one, hopefully it isn't too sickly sweet!

FourThousandHoles · 18/02/2012 13:48

Still no porridge here

stressheaderic · 18/02/2012 15:09

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

DD is only 2 so, no

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 would buy it to encourage my DC to eat breakfast and have a warm filling meal before school.

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

We loved the packaging and thought the bear was quite Gruffalo-like. It was really eye catching. The sachets were a bit pointless and I personally don't think big enough. The precise amount of milk advised was too much and 2 mins in the micro made it burning hot. 1 min was all we needed (old microwave too).

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

Make it taste nicer. It was really really horrible - synthetic and sweet, and powdery and lumpy. DD hated it and I couldn't stand it either. We love porridge but this was really not nice. Sorry.

Silverlace · 18/02/2012 16:35

Both DC didn't like it at all. I ended up having to make another breakfast for them. DS 1 said "Not the best porridge I have ever tasted. I would really like normal porridge. It tastes like wheat."

I would not buy the product as I thought it was too runny, had a very artificial taste and wasn't very chocolaty at all. On the positive side it was quick and easy to make and I liked the packet milk measure as it saves washing up!

We liked the packaging and thought it looked fun but not too overdone. I didn't like the vague term "natural flavourings" on the ingredients.

Make it more chocolaty, use real chocolate not just flavourings and use less milk to prevent it being so runny.

Thanks for the opportunity to try it. Sorry we didn't like it, we will stick to plain oats with a teaspoon of honey for now.

littlemisssarcastic · 18/02/2012 16:37

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 enjoyed the porridge. She said it looked 'delicious'.

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 like the simplicity to it, easy to make up, in handy portion sizes. Porridge is a good breakfast imo.

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

I found the outer packaging rather dull to be honest. I don't think I would notice this on the supermarket shelf unless I was specifically looking for it. I'm not convinced 2 minutes is enough to cook the porridge though, was still quite watery after 2 minutes. Portion sizes were just right though imo.

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

No.

MummyEmu · 18/02/2012 16:41

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?

Sadly, both did not like the look of it, dd said it looked like sludge and smelt horrid and would not even try it, ds tried it but would only eat one spoonful and said he was full, then to ask for toast 5 mins later

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?

Like the individual sachets as have to do one with soya and one with milk

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

Packaging was fine, would neither encourage or discourage me from being

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

Mine both love normal oat so, so may be you are trying to hard.

Back to our favourite golden syrup one instead :)

PurpleKittyKnitting · 18/02/2012 18:37

No porridge here for me either

katz · 18/02/2012 18:58

Questions

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 thought it looked quite pale and didn't taste of chocolate. She still liked it and has eaten a couple now.

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?

Being single portion means i can have a couple of flavours in the cupboard to cater to different tastes in the family.

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

They liked the packaging and commented on trying the other flavours available.

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

Fridge magnets in the box but just nice tasting non additive full works for us.

MrsKitty · 18/02/2012 19:07

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?

They (DD 2.5 & DS 5) were not impressed, I'm afraid. TBH they have been porridge refusers in the past (although love mushy weetabix, which I don't think is that different) but I thought the lure of 'chocolate' at breakfast would be a winner (especially with DD).

DS said it looked "too mushy and brown" DD said "Why's it stickyyyyy?" DS agreed to have some, and was quite excited about it, especially when I told him we needed to write something on the computer about it afterwards, but when it arrived in front of him he said "sorry, Mummy. I don't like chocolate porridge".

All of their comments are based purely on looks, as I couldn't get them to taste it!

I've had it myself for a few mornings now, and have to say, without 'improvements' it's not something I'd buy again. The flavour is lacking (where's the chocolate?!), the texture is hit and miss, give or take a few seconds on my ancient and cheap non-digital microwave. I tried improving it by adding a spoon of cocoa (better), or a few squares of quality dark chocolate (even better), but I could do that with 'normal' porridge and not have to suffer the aftertaste of this product (or the mystery of the 'natural flavourings'...

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?

Love the packet being used as a milk measurer - makes things much easier. This would be why I'd pay over the odds for a product like this, rather than a big box of oats, although I wouldn't buy this particular product for the reasons listed above.

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

The DC and I really loved the packaging. Thought the bear design was quirky, distinctive and appealing. So different to other 'kids' branded cereal. DD (2) spotted it in the supermarket earlier this week and shouted "Look! Chocolate porridge" then I asked her if we should buy it and she said "no iss yucky." I also noticed new 'adult' oats so simple in various chocolate brownie/caramel etc flavours. Would like to know what the difference is between the two, and why Quaker feel there is a need to differentiate (because I think the bear packaging is appealing to adults as well as children).

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

Unless the taste & texture is improved I think you're on to a loser here, unfortunately. Sorry!

As a parent, I really would like to know what the 'natural flavourings' are that are listed on the ingredients, and why this isn't clearer on the packaging. Rang a little alarm bell as soon as I read it.

Thanks so much for letting us try it. I really wanted to like it, and I do love the packaging. Shame about the actual porridge.

BetterTogether · 18/02/2012 19:15

Hmmm, mixed response from my lot. DS (2) decided he didn't like it after a couple of tastes - which is rare for him, he eats anything! DD (5) likes it though - I think she likes having a cereal just for her! She's had it a couple of times but hasn't requested it since the start of the week. I finished off the rest of DS's the first day so as not to waste it but I tried it as is initially and couldn't eat it like that...it was ok with a square of dark chocolate and some peanut butter stirred in, but I will stick to making my own chocolate porridge with oats, cocoa powder, sugar and milk in future.

Onto the actual questions...

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 commented that it was more like ready brek than porridge, and that it wasn't as chocolatey as I normally make it. She did quite like it, but asked for toppings (banana and chocolate chips) the 2nd time she ate it. We all thought that it didn't smell like chocolate at all, disappointing.

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 benefit, I suppose, is that it's quick to make. However, if I'm making porridge for all of us then I mix up the oats and milk (and sometimes cocoa) the night before and leave it, covered, in the fridge. That way the cooking time is just as quick as OSS. The only benefit is that if I'm not making porridge for myself, this can be made quickly just for DD in her own bowl. And DD liked having a cereal just for her, but that was more because noone else would consider eating it!

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

DS liked the bear on front of the box - he's very into animals at the moment! I found the box difficult to open - I ended up ripping it at the opening rather than it being a neat tear. I quite like the idea of the individual sachets, but they are actually quite difficult to fill with milk - I had to be very careful not to spill any as they bulge when you're pouring...definitely not something I could do one-handed whilst holding DS as I would if pouring milk into a cereal bowl.

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

I think having actual things in the porridge would be more intersting - dried fruit etc. Admittedly I haven't checked all the packs, but I saw the fudge variety in Tesco the other day and looked at it, expecting it to have actual fudge chunks in... but it seems to be just flavouring? It would also be nice if there was more "bite" to it - more porridge rather than sloppy Ready Brek texture, but I suppose that is the key to the quick cooking time.

Overall, I won't be buying these again. A nice idea, but not chocolatey enough and too baby-food like. I'll stick to making my own porridge and adding cocoa powder or fruit etc.

Thanks for letting me try some though! :) DD will still eat the rest of the sachets - she prefers it to Ready Brek (which DS loves, so I don't understand why he wouldn't eat this!) but it's not the new favourite cereal she was expecting it to be.

sleepdodger · 18/02/2012 20:41

sorry for delay -here are our comments!

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?

- He ate it, but as he likes anything warm or sweet I wasnt suprised!! No comments as he doesnt talk yet

my observations though were that it smelled odd, not chocolaty just a bit 'sweet' but artificially so really, I felt like I was giving him a pudding, and wont buy it to give him again I may keep it in thr cupboard as a back up dessert though!

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 like that porridge is a good healthy filler for breakfast or supper (post nursery), its cost effective & can be a nice winter warmer, plus can be as lumpy or smooth as required!

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

not the strongest, whilst the bear makes it more child friendly, there is alot to take in from the box

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

How about sprinkle packages -so plain pounches as usual and then sprinkles to stir in -I think the chocolate would have worked better as stir in sprinkles that melted in, would have been honest chocolate and easy to match about to size /age etc of child, could do other things like dried fruits, etc -I know this isnt difficult anyway, but neither is it hard to stir in golden syrup etc and plenty of people by the pre flavoured sachets!

Wigeon · 18/02/2012 21:20

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 main testers were DD1 (3yrs 8 months), me and DH. Overall DD liked it. She always enjoys regular plain porridge (both instant redy brek type and porridge made with real oats) so I think she enjoyed trying a variation on that. She didn?t comment on specifics, and given she ate lots of it, I assume that she liked the texture, smell, taste and appearance!

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 benefit is the speed of making the porridge, and the fact that you can microwave it in the same bowl that you eat it, so no need to get a saucepan dirty. I think this would be the main reason for me to buy it. I liked it, although I didn?t love it.

I think the main problem with this product for us as a family is that we all really like porridge fairly plain (or with just a sprinkling of sugar, or banana, or a little dollop of golden syrup or honey), so we don?t need the inducement of chocolate flavour in order to eat porridge. And although Quaker has said this is lower sugar than other similar cereals, which is a plus for me, it?s not as low sugar as porridge with something like fresh banana!

I also have a slight irrational dislike of chocolate for breakfast (although I eat chocolate at other times of day, and allow my DD to eat chocolate as a treat) ? it doesn?t seem right somehow. I think perhaps because I tell my DD that chocolate is a treat, so to have it routinely at breakfast seems wrong. In fact, the first time we tried this, we had it for pudding after lunch, when a chocolatey, milky pudding seems more appropriate.

I think I would prefer other, healthier sounding flavours.

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

DD liked the bear on the packaging. I liked that you could measure the milk in the sachet, and I was impressed about how easy I could pour it without it spilling everywhere.

The portion size was a little bit wrong for us ? a bit too big for a 3 year old, and a bit too small for me (I like lots of porridge!). But I would assume that 3yrs was on the younger end of the target market.

It was a little bit too runny for me, so I just put it back in the microwave for another 30 seconds to get a better texture.

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

I think my DD was perfectly happy with it and found it plenty interesting enough. I have mentioned my reservations about it above.

Thank you for including me in the product test .

Ivytheterrible · 18/02/2012 22:10

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 is only 1 but lots of "yum yum" and ate a whole portion despite having only just eaten a slice of toast - so I would say a success there. DH and I not so keen. We buy the other flavours you do but thought this not so good. Didn't mind the sweetness - apple & cinnaman is a fave normally. Not enough chocolate flavour - very bland. Smelt ok though and looked better than it tasted.

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?

Convenience and good for portion control. DH like the sachets so he doesn't have to think in the morning when up early with DD. Don't really see it as a healthy option - it is easy to have plain oats with no added sugar and add fruit etc if this aspect is important.

I don't think they are so convenient mainly due to the molton temperature they come out out of the microwave at and then having to wait for it to cool while pacifying a hungry child.

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

Sachets good - see above. Box was hard to open for some reason???

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

Maybe someway you could do them an easy plain porridge but then they add the toppings/flavourings themself? Like a shaker with 4 sides to it (like you can buy for cake decorating) but with say choc powder/strawberry powder/dried fruit/syrup or other combinations...

snice · 18/02/2012 22:53

DD10 and DS7 tested this-they were so excited to be doing the product test and I had high hopes of getting them to eat porridge. They currently eat things like Cheerios/Crunchy Nut Cornflakes/Rice Krispies. I am afraid to say that it did not go well:

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?

They hated it I'm afraid. I hoped the fact it was chocolate would make them eat it but it was so un-chocolately they weren't fooled. They hated the texture saying it was slimy-my daughter actually had to spit it out. I expect if you're used to eating porridge the texture might have been fine but my two found it very unappetising. It was a lot paler than we were expecting. The smell wasn't bad-while cooking it gave off an aroma of chocolate.
They enjoyed helping me to make it but it overflowed in the microwave-I think you would have to use a giant bowl to stop this happening. We had to let it cool down before they could try it by which time it seemed to have virtually solidified.

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 wanted to like it-it struck me as a good wholesome breakfast with oats/milk. Unfortunately we wouldnt buy it.

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

My daughter wants me to say that she thought the packaging was very good and I agree-it was very attractive and the bear motif is good. It looks slightly old fashioned. The use of the sachets to measure the milk seemed a good idea but I agree with others who said its very difficult to use these with a 4 or 6 pint container of milk-I don't think the children could have managed it without significant spillage.

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

It would have to be very much more chocolately for them to consider trying it again. In fact I think this might have killed off the whole idea of porridge for them!

Thanks for the opportunity to try the product but its a big No from us

SoupDragon · 19/02/2012 08:21

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?

They were rather excited about it at first. However, DD (6) did like the taste or the flavour and refused to finish it. DS2 (11) claimed to like it but then decided that actually he didn't like the texture and did not, in fact, like porridge at all . DS1 (13) wolfed it down, said "that was delicious mummy" and vanished back upstairs to his laptop.

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?

Speed of preparation. However, as only one of the three enjoyed it, and the portion was really far too small for him, I would be better off just microwaving ordinary porridge.

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

Everyone like the packaging and thought the bear was good (or, in the words of DS2, "epic". He liked the way the bear's paw was on the bit you had to open - which begs the question: why did he then rip it open at the top ignoring both bear paw and large "open here" sign?) I liked the way you measured the milk with the sachet - although I put less in to microwave and then added cold to bring down the nuclear temperature.

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

From DS1's point of view, he needs a bigger portion.