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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

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?

My 3 year old refused point blank to eat it - even though I said it had chocolate in. My 22 month old who will eat anything messed around with it.
In the order of fairness I did try it, and I was quite disappointed with the flavour, I was expecting something quite chocolatey but a more accurate description should have been porridge with a hint of chocolate. Don't get me wrong the flavour wasn't unpleasant - but it wasn't chocolate. If I bought a cereal based on the fact it was a chocolate version - I would expect it to taste of chocolate.

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 sachets are good for getting the right amount and making it convenient to measure the milk and not having to hunt around for something to measure out the right amount. This however doesn't seem enough reason to buy the product as we currently buy a huge box of store brand instant porridge, which is much much cheaper.

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

My 3 year old liked the bear on the box - but even that wouldn't temp her to eat it. I liked the design of the box. I think the individual sachets are a great reason to charge astronomic amounts in the name of convenience

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

No - sorry - short of adding more chocolate but then that probably would remove the ability to have claims on the packet about it having reduced sugar.

Thanks though!

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?

9y DD likes the porridge, as does DH.
DH thinks it isn't very pleasant in appearance, doesn't look particularly appetising.
It smells nice though and both DH and DD says it tastes very nice, and the consistency is good too.
The packages are not very big though and DD did comment on there not being very much in each bowl. However, despite it not looking like much both DD and DH syas it is filling, so the amount is obviously deceiving.

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?

It is very easy to make and nice and quick. I made it using the microwave. It can be a bit fiddly to fill the packet with milk though so I am not sure I'd get DD to make her own as we'd end up with milk everywhere, and our bowls get very hot.

The main benefit at the moment is that DD likes it and asks for it. She is not a fussy eater in general but we find breakfast very hard as she isn't keen on milk and doesn't really enjoy most cereals, so these have been a hit which is great.

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

Packaging is fine. Not too big, easy to store.
Sachets are also fine, but see above re using them for the milk.

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

Would like to try the other flavours. DD is particularly interested in trying the blueberry, so may try and get her that one.

Thanks MN and Quaker Oats

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?

DS rejected it after one spoonful unfortunately. I thought the chocolate taste would get him more interested than that, but it doesn't really taste of chocolate, so it didn't work!

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 would buy it if Ds enjoyed it, as it's quick and easy to make

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

The packaging is great. Loved the box and the bear. The packets make it easy and I love being able to use the packaging to measure 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)?

Make it taste of chocolate. Also, be honest about the ingredients. We are not stupid enough to think that "natural ingredients" is necessarily a good thing.

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 (aged 2.6) said "don't like it" and refused to try it, which wasn't a huge surprise as she can be quite fussy and isn't keen on normal porridge either. DD1 (aged 4) was really looking forward to trying it though and started off very enthusiastically, but gave up after only a few mouthfuls and said she'd had enough. She said it was "too oaty" and "too sweet". I ate the rest of the bowl myself and would agree that it has a very sweet and artificial taste. I'm not sure why it tastes so sweet as it has a similar level of sugar to our normal cereals like Raisin Wheats / Shreddies. DD1 loves porridge and loves chocolate, so I expected it to be a winning combination but it doesn't actually taste very chocolatey, and the texture if made according to the instructions is quite sloppy and smooth. I usually buy jumbo rolled oats to make porridge, and make it thicker as well.

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?

My main reasons for buying it would be as a relatively healthy treat which is quicker and easier to make than normal porridge, which I always make in a pan as it seems to boil over in the microwave. However the artificial taste (and the fact that the DCs didn't like it) would put me off getting it again.

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

The front of the packet says "Chocolate flavour" which immediately makes me think it doesn't actually have any chocolate in it. Looking at the ingredients I was surprised to see "natural flavouring" instead of something more specific. Even Coco Pops has 4% chocolate and cocoa powder in the ingredients (I just googled it!) so I would have expected something more like that. It's good it has no salt, but I would normally expect added vitamins and minerals in a kids cereal too (though it doesn't really bother me either way). The individual sachets made measuring out the cereal and milk quick and easy, but meant I couldn't do different portion sizes for different members of the family, and the amount of milk seemed too much. The DCs aren't too interested in pack design yet to be honest!

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

Just make it taste nicer and more natural, and perhaps with chocolate chunks / chips? I think it needs real chocolate and/or or cocoa powder to improve the flavour. I'm going to use all the remaining sachets for my own breakfasts, as DD1 is really not keen.

Thanks Quaker and Mumsnet for the opportunity to try it, and I will definitely look out for the other flavours and hope to see some chunks of real fruit / chocolate in future!

I also meant to say, I found the outer packet quite hard to open without tearing it, and it seems weird having to open it along a long edge rather than at the top like other kinds of cereal - can't really see the point in this.

1. They were very enthusiastic but were expecting something similar to what they usually get (regular porridge). One of them ate most of it, the other wasn't impressed because it wasn't my usual porridge. They are 2 and 3yrs old. My baby happily finished it for them!

1. We were abroad on holiday, self catering, so they were perfect to take with for a quick and easy breakfast. This would be the main/only reason I would buy individual portions rather than a big bag of porridge. I'm happy to continue buying a large bag of plain oats because we get through so much, so value for money is the biggest issue for us. The size and milk measure guide was perfect. When I first started eating porridge it took a lot of trial and error to work out how much milk to use so this was very helpful.

1. They liked the idea that it was chocolate flavour and were impressed with the packaging because it was new and different. It was what I was expecting and the images were not like the usual cartoon characters on other over processed cereal which I avoid.

1. I like the idea mentioned above about adding dried fruit pieces. I usually add raisins at home.

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

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 (aged 3.5) often eats plain porridge & coco pops (not at the same time) so was excited to try it. Didn't comment on the appearance. The first time she tried it out she took once small taste and said 'I don't like it'. This is quite standard for her so tried it again the next day. Got the same response. I tried it and it wasn't very chocolately. I added bananas to it and ate it up. Texture was fine.

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?

Quick to make and easy to measure out. A filling breakfast option compared to coco pops.

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

Box was understated so I liked it and not so easy for DD to pick out on a supermarket shelf (maybe not what you want to here from a marketing perspective).

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

Less sweet but more chocolate taste. Slightly darker colour or chocolate pieces.

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?

Yummy, they both enjoyed it, dd felt it could be more chocolatey. They were horrified at my suggestion of adding banana even although they have it all the time on plain porridge. They did ask for a little cold milk to cool it down - they always do. Normally they only get porridge for breakfast but requested it before bed - that might have been the novelty though.

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 like the dcs to have porridge, particularly on school mornings in winter, because I think it's warm and filling and sets them up well until they next eat at school. I generally don't find the time to offer them cereal and toast/bagel/muffins on a school morning. I don't find making ordinary porridge that complicated, but on those mornings where every minute counts, and I haven't set it up the night before it would certainly come in handy - I'd buy it to have on hand but not for every day. I'm also Scottish, so it feels 'right' to give them porridge .

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

The children liked the packaging, were intrigued by the fact that it was sent for them. My dd was interested in the way it had been measured and the milk mark, plus the composition of the sachet - felt papery, but could hold milk without leaking. I thought the packaging was fine, the no need for a separate jug for milk was handy. I liked the tab closure on the box, I hate boxes lying open! Ds liked the bear.

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

Plain sachets with separate flavours or toppings to swirl in themselves? Fridge magnets/stickers.

i filled this in at the beginning as two of my boys tried it, there have NO requests for chocolate porridge since then, which speaks for itself i think!

tomorrow i shall give them some more just to get a second opinion on it.

My DS has had 2 packets now and not requested anymore - he's reverted to Weetabix which he hadn't eaten in months.

The taste testers in my house were ds (3), niece (9) and nephew (11)

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?

Texture - too smooth, you wouldn't know it was oats.
Smell - very chocolatey.
Taste - not at all chocolatey, just sweet.

It needed longer in the microwave than stated.

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 benefits - my 9yo niece was able to measure and make the porridge herself. It is a filling breakfast, unlike most other cereals.

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

I liked the package design. Non fussy and a bit retro. The kids couldn't care what the packaging looks like, for them it's all about taste.

The portion size was too big for ds (3), and he has a good appetite.

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

It needs to taste like chocolate rather than just smell like it.
The texture is a bit wallpaper paste like for me, but then again dh likes that about it!
The colour is insipid. It needs to at least be the colour of chocolate.

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?
Testers here were myself, DH, DS age 9 and DD age 7. We all ate it however DCs did not like it and would not try any more. Our main barrier was that they do not usually eat porridge anyway and I hoped that the addition of chocolate would be exciting enough for them to enjoy it. Sadly I was wrong, DD called it 'mud' her words not mine. I did think it could have been more chocolatey and a better taste.

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 benefits are that it is so simple to make. An older child would be able to make this independantly. Loved the milk measure (genius!)
Very disappointed that my DCs were not keen, but I will try again with a different flavour soon.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
We all liked the bear and the box however it is aimed at younger children. I would personally prefer a large box of porridge and a scoop to measure, it would save waste and be just as quick to do.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
Well, a better taste and the addition of real chocolate pieces/chunks for a start. Stickers are always a winner favourite for any age group and fun facts/amazing animal facts written on the box would be nice.

Thank you Quaker and MNHQ

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?

I was really looking forward to trying this with my two, I like the idea of them having porridge in the morning, as it's warm and filling. And I'm half Scottish, I feel genetically programmed for porridge! My 9yo was very keen to try it, and the 7yo wasn't very keen. Once it was made, the 7yo would not even try it. The 9yo had a little bit (a few spoonfuls) and then would not eat any more. The 9yo said it did not taste or smell of chocolate. I agree, it smells very artificial and I thought had a peculiar aftertaste. Not pleasant. It looks fine, and I liked the texture - fairly runny - but the flavour really let it down.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 have bought porridge sachets before, but for me - I used to take them to work when I was pregnant and have one in my morning break, and I think this 'format' of sachet is ideal for that. If you were just making one for one child in the morning it would be fine, but if several people were having porridge it would be easier to make a bigger batch in a bowl or in a pan on the hob. I do think the main benefits of porridge in general is that it is warm and filling and provides slow released energy, ideal for breakfast. In sachet form it is quick and easy to prepare if you are only making one bowl. These are all good reasons to buy. Unfortunately the flavouring really let this one down. It smelled and tasted really artificial. I would rather give them something with real chocolate in, or with a different flavour altogether.

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

I really love the packaging. I love the bear (we all loved the bear) and the style of the artwork and that it is not pinky pastely or bright primary colours or disneyfied. The instructions were clear and I really like the fact that you can use the sachet itself to measure the milk and you don't need a jug. These factors also make sachet porridge ideal for an adult lunchbox.

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

It has to taste better. We don't normally have cereal so my children are not used to the tat free gift thing, that would not influence me to buy. I suppose maze/quiz/colouring/comp or something on the box - but not really needed in my view.

I am really sorry to be so negative about the porridge, I wanted to like it and I wanted my children to like it. I might try them on some other flavours (golden syrup or cinnamon for example) sometime, but not 'chocolate flavour', sorry. Thank you for the opportunity to test 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?

Neither DD1 nor DD2 liked the porridge. DD2 did say it was okay but neither will have it since the first try of it and they didn't eat it all. DD1 normally would eat a huge bowl of porridge (ready brek). I though it was a bit runny and didn't mix very well.

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?

Wouldn't buy the product im afraid.

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

I quite liked being able to use the sachet as a measuring guide for the milk. DD's liked the box and the individual portions because they could put their own in a bowl ready for me to do 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)?

Would need to taste better, more like chocolate than it does.

I'm sorry my DC didn't enjoy the product but thank you for letting us trial it.

DD(6) loved this porridge. She said it was delicious and gave it a score of 1001 out of 10. We usually have porridge for breakfast and I don't buy chocolate cereals. My DS(3) ate it but not very enthusiastically. I quite liked it-not chocolatey but pleasant.

I might buy this product as an ocassional treat or to take on holiday. However, I could not afford to buy it regularly. A 70p bag of oats lasts us two weeks. This box at £2.30ish wouldn't even feed us for a week. Was surprised that the porridge wasn't fortified with vits and mins like most children's cereals are.

Box was nice. Fun but not garish. Sachets handy to take away. Not convinced by using the sachets to measure milk: tried it on day1 but seemed too wobbly.

The sprinkles idea would go down well with my DC.

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?

Both DCs were excited when the box was delivered and asked to try some after dinner as they couldn't wait until breakfast. When I made the porridge my DS age 6 ( a porridge lover) said eurgh that looks disgusting!. DD age 3 then immediately declared that she didn't want it.

Persuaded DS to try some and asked him what he thought. He said it tasted nice but couldn't taste any chocolate so was disappointed. DD agreed to try one tiny bit but immediately spat in out.

Had really hoped that the chocolate flavour would encourage my DD to try porridge but she was not interested once she saw what it looked like.

DS asked to have some again for breakfast the next day but asked my DH if he could have some drinking chocolate in it to make it taste of chocolate!

I have offered it to him since and he has declined.

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 would like my DCs to have porridge but my DH who prepares their breakfast hates it and hates making it. I thought this would be an easy and convenient way for him to make it for them.

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

Kids didn't really comment on the packaging . DH liked the fact that the milk was measured in the sachet.

1. 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 of chocolate! I tasted it and it just tasted sweet. I think I would be more likely to buy a plain porridge in sachet form for the convenience of it and let the kids add honey or a little sugar or a square of good dark chocolate.

Thanks very much for sending the porridge through! I wrote a review earlier, but I think my internet connection timed out and ate it. Anyway, here it is again.

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?

DSD (6) likes it! No verbal comments, besides "yes" to "do you like it", but she eats the whole bowl, which is pretty darn impressive given that she is reluctant to finish meals on any given day. She will pass the porridge up if she's offered something sweeter (Weetos, toast with jam), but will finish the lot if it's the only thing given to her. It seems to be the perfect portion size for her too, which makes serving a bit easier on us. DH and I also like the taste. I think it tastes like very milky chocolate milk, but I'm not always looking for a strong candy bar flavor first thing in the morning.

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 really do like that it has less sugar than her other favorite cereals. We compared it to our Weetos last weekend and the "half the amount" claim did pan out, even with milk. This product has gone down much better with DSD than chocolate Weetabix did, which also advertises lower sugar content.

I also like that it is something she will finish. Besides cutting down on food waste, I feel better when I can see that she's eaten a decent breakfast - feel a bit more assured that she will be better prepared for school and all that. Our whole household tries to get out the door by 7:30 am on weekdays; at that time, there's really no time to stand over DSD and persuade her to eat more, so she needs to down what she's given and get moving.

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

DSD likes the bear and can spot it in the store. It's pretty easy to pick out amongst the other porridges, so I think Quaker marketing department have done their job there. I am used to pouring milk into porridge sachets myself - I bring them into work to make my own breakfast at the office, so no complaints there. Less dishes to do is always a good thing, and the milk line is a handy suggestion (although a bit runny for my taste, it lines right up with DSD's and DH's).

I would be interested to see some more specific ingredients listed besides "natural flavorings". Surely, you could list some specifics like cocoa powder, vanilla powder and milk powder without compromising commercial secrets?

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

I've seen some reviews saying the chocolate taste isn't stong enough for several people. Maybe you could offer some dark chocolate syrup packets for folks to top up the chocolate flavoring? I added some Hershey syrup to mine this morning to do that and it tasted nice. It would allow the sweet tooths to add more chocolate flavoring in, but not change the sugar content of the packaged porridge itself (and thus keep us health-conscious control freaks sweet ).

Maybe a few different milk lines on the packet for different consistencies too - fill to here for thicker porridge, fill to here for thinner porridge, etc.

Sorry I'm late adding my/our feedback - I've been waiting for everyone to try some .

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 texture was fine - a normal porridge consistency. DS2 was disappointed that the porridge didn't actually smell of chocolate & both DSs said that it really didn't taste of chocolate. The taste is not unpleasant but does just taste milky with more of a "berry" hint than a chocolate one. No-one was impressed with the appearance but then, porridge is not a pretty dish.

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 found the individually measured portions helpful & convenient. I would not buy this flavour again because nobody really liked it but might well try the original version.

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

DS2 liked the bear on the box. We are not sure why the box is so big though as all 10 sachets were in the bottom half when we opened it! A few trees could be saved by reducing the box size. We found measuring the milk in the packet very fiddly - especially for older DC wanting to make their own porridge. So much easier to spill than using a measuring jug. We found the sachets easy to open & the portion size seems about right for an adult or teenager but rather large for a younger child.

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

I'm sure they would have been more interested if the porridge smelt like or tasted of chocolate.

Hope that helps.

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?

My DS (14) said that it smelt a bit odd and didn't taste much of chocolate. Boyrfriend's DS1 (15) said it didn't taste nasty but he wouldn't have it again and said the same about the flavour. Boyfriend's DS2 (8) said it tasted all right but he wouldn't like to eat it again, liked the smell I think the taste was a bit disappointing. My DS felt that the appearance was unappealing. I haven't tasted it myself but it did look strange, the powdered flavouring was seperate to the oats and smelt odd, I did wonder what the flavouring consisted of. The boys all like porridge, and definitely prefer the plain Oat So Simple or "proper" porridge made with oats

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?

It is very quick and convenient and I often use the plain Oat so Simple for a quick breakfast on weekdays, I like the fact that you can measure out the right amount of milk in the sachet without having to get a jug out. I think the portion control is good, as without that they would all eat a lot more!! Boyfriend and his DS's dont' live with us, so at weekends if all of us are around better to just make a pan of porridge.

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

They liked the bear, colourful and cheery looking, sachets sometimes don't rip cleanly which makes measuring the milk harder

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

I think the packaging and product were fine for older children, as the flavour isn't very strong, I agree with previous posters that it would be nice to have chocolate chunks or something to add more flavour.

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 (aged 3 1/2) was very exciting by getting the parcel in the post and by the idea of chocolate cereal (well, anything with chocolate is usually a hit). She didn't understand why it looked like normal oats, but thought it was quite cool when the milk went brown. After one mouthful, she said it was "quite yummy", but then refused to eat any more. When we made it a second time, she also refused to eat it. DS (19 months) ate a bit, but preferred his plain [Quaker] oats, sweetened with a bit of sugar. I didn't like the smell or the look of the porridge.

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?
None really, I'm quite happy using the ordinary oats and flavouring it myself. (The family favourite is candied peel). I thought the chocolate flavour might appeal to DD, but it didn't.

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. I didn't really think the individual sachets were very helpful - it doesn't allow for different portion sizes.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
Maybe a game on the packaging would appeal.

Overall, despite the initial excitement, this product failed to impress in our household for several reasons:

• No-one really liked it :(
• The sugar content is still almost 15% - we generally use less when we add it ourselves.
• We didn't like the generic "flavouring" listed in the ingredients - if I wanted chocolate porridge I'd probably make it myself with cocoa and sugar.
• It didn't taste very chocolatey.
• It's probably more expensive than ordinary oats.

Bottom line: won't be buying again and don't recommend. Stick the the ordinary oats.

DH, incidentally, is quite relieved as he was not at all keen at the idea of introducing chocolate breakfast cereals into the house, regardless of how much sugar they contain... :)

Just to add to previous feedback. DH has tried it and says it's quite nice but a bit bland. I still haven't. DD loves it though and has gobbled most of it up already. She begs for a bowl all the time so that's good. That said, I'd probably prefer to just make her chocolate porridge by making normal porridge and adding a small spoonful of Nutella. Cheaper, more tasty and easy to do since I have porridge most mornings anyway.

"Too runny" was the first comment, when I followed the packet instructions. Slightly more successful on the second attempt, even then their main comment was "It doesn't taste of anything".

I like the portion size, and the individual packets make it ideal for children that like different breakfasts.

Can't say that I dislike anything about the packaging, although the ingredients seem vague.

I would say the only way to improve it for my children would be to make it taste better! They are really not bothered about the packaging, neither am I.

Sorry for the slight delay in providing feedback - as well as half term, we've been moving house....

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?

My dcs were unbelievably excited when the package arrived and couldn't wait to try the porridge the next morning.

I must admit that I totally ignored the guidelines, as I was making porridge for 3 dcs, so poured 3 sachets into a jug, added what looked like the right amount of milk and blasted away.

First impressions:
a) I didn't like the smell or appearance of the dry porridge - it looked like plain oats with some brownish powder. It didn't smell of chocolate, more like fake vanilla.

b) The sachets look (and are) a lot smaller than the portions I normally feed my dcs (and the Oatso Simple sachets I use at work). I appreciate that these are 'childrens' portions, but they are just too small. I had to use 4 sachets to feed 3 dcs (and they are all under 6, and have toast after their cereal....)

c) The porridge looked more chocolatey after cooking but was much runnier/more gloopy (not in a good way) than regular Quaker Oats. I didn't think it tasted at all chocolatey...

d) The dcs ate all of it on Day 1. They asked for it again on Day 2, but dd2 (19 months) wouldn't touch it after the first day, and dd1 (4) didn't enjoy it the second time. DS (6) enjoyed it more, but said he would prefer to have normal porridge as he didn't like the texture or the flavour - in his words "You can't really taste the oats, which is a shame, but it doesn't taste of chocolate. I think I would prefer to have normal porridge or chocolate Shreddies"

e) None of the dcs want to use the remaining 2 sachets - dh and I don't fancy them much either....

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?

In theory, the benefits should be ease (right size portions on demand) and flavour. In practise, the portions were too small and the chocolate flavour....wasn't.

In 'Real Life' I wouldn't buy a product which didn't list all the ingredients fully - 'natural flavourings' isn't enough information, even from a trusted brand like Quaker. I liked the idea of this, as my dcs are only allowed chocolate cereal on Saturday mornings, and this seemed like a 'cheats' way of giving them something much healthier than the coco pops etc they normally choose, but they really didn't like it enough for me to invest in more.

I pretty much lived on Quaker Oats Apple & Cinammon sachets when I was travelling on my gap year, many years ago when they weren't available in the UK, so have a very strong attachment to the brand and to the idea of flavoured porridge! So with more ingredient info, I would consider buying some alternate flavours for the dcs to buy, but it would be a 'luxury' purchase for fun, as they're pretty happy with plain porridge.

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

We all loved the packaging - its really fun and distinctive and clearly branded. Compared to the much more 'adult' feel of the classic Quaker Oats packaging, this is well pitched.

As above, we felt the portion sizes were much too small.

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

a) Better flavours - I would try it again if the Chocolate flavour actually tasted of chocolate
b) Bigger range of flavours - and a mixed flavour box to try different options
c) Some 'porridge' or bear related facts/jokes etc on the side of each sachet
d) Collectible cards
e) Some suggestions for art & craft creations that can be made using the Bear Box once the sachets have been finished

Overall, this wasn't the biggest hit and I wouldn't recommend it....but it has reminded the dcs how much they like regular porridge, and we buy Quaker Oats anyway, so has reinforced brand awareness in our household! Thanks for the opportunity.

Still no paw-ridge here! Baby bear is sitting with an empty bowl and I am blaming that thieving Goldilocks...