NOW CLOSED Add your chocolate porridge feedback and win a £250 Amazon voucher

[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

I have some spare packs that we will not eat, so if any of the families who didn't get theirs still want to try it, PM me.

I have 9 packs left I think, so would be happy to send out 3/4 lots.

1 the packaging looks great, dd liked the bear. As for the porridge the texture didn't appeal to her, she prefers the smooth texture of the ready break. As for the taste, we were really disappointed it doesn't taste of chocolate at all, dh said it taste more like vanilla porridge.

2 the dosage sachets are great it helps not over feeding ourselves, also if going away on a week end the sachets are easier to take with us compared to a box of porridge

3 we liked the design of the box, quite small too so doesn't take much space in our kitchen

4 maybe a smooth version of it, dd didn't like the lumps,

Thanks for making us try the product. Sorry about the delay in my feedback

Ours turned up this week; many 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?

None of the DC's were over enamoured by it. DD1 did eat it but after two mornings refused any more. DD2 and DS1 tried one spoonful and refused anymore.

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 packs as this aids portion control and ease of use, however, I imagine this makes it expensive.

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

The packaging was great!

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

Agree with other posters, a more true chocolate flavour is needed. We used the remainder to make flapjacks and they were yummy!

I have 8 sachets left too if anyone is interested, just pm me :)

1. Both kids were very excited about the chocolate porridge.They are used to texture and appearence of porridge so didnt comment know that specifically. They liked it very much, especially as it was sweeter theyd have normally. The

1. Its very easy to prepare, my 6 year old really enjoyed making it herself. I like the kids to have a hot breakfast in the winter months. Its nutrious and filling, keeps them going all morning.

1. The packaging was cute, but not really that remarkable.

1. My kids would enjoy adding the chocolate themselves, as in adding a topping to plain porridge, like choc chips or fruit and nuts for example. I think that would really hold their interest..

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?

DD didnt like it, she found the texture odd. She didnt think it tasted very chocolatey either. DP, however, loved it.

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?

Wouldnt buy this product at all, in any flavour as it was the texture DD objected to most.

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

DD was excited by the packaging and was really looking forward to trying it. We ended up having it for lunch on the day we collected it from the PO as she couldnt wait!

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

I dont think theres anything Quaker could do to make my daughter like this product, she just doesnt like 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?

They didn't think it looked or tasted very chocolatey.

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?

DD2 likes to help make the porridge, the sachets make it easy for her to do this.

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

Packaging was fine, nothing special

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

DD2 likes porridge, but we normally just buy the normal Oat So Simple rather than having two lots on the go.

The packaging was fine, the kids liked it. The portions are a good size and easy to make up, the kids have made it up themselves with no problem and DH has been taking some to work for his breakfast. The only issue the 3 of them had was that it didn't taste chocolately enough for their tastes.

Finally it arrived !

DS spotted the box contained something chocolatey before we even got to the kitchen side. Liked the bear too.

Having read others' feedback earlier we made the porridge with much less milk than instructed. DS & DH both thought it did taste of chocolate. DH thought it was a bit on the sweet side. DS was just happy to be having a chocolate breakfast.

The sachets are a good way of ensuring portion control and would be handy to take on holidays. Having checked the price of a box against the price of a normal box of porridge oats the difference is too great for regular purchase.

Ours never turned up so we are unable to comment.

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?

They like the packaging and thought it looks cool. Unfortunately the taste is not to their liking as it taste like synthetic vanila. Texture wise seems to be creamier than normal, but the taste seems to put them off.

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 like it being simple to prepare, 2 mins in microwave and breakfast ready. Also it seems to 'last' longer in the tummy and a definite for a cold winter morning.

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

I like the sachet with a line to indicate how much milk to pour in, thought that is very ingenious and also to get bits out the sachet.

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

We love the 'normal' Oat So Simple like raspberry/golden syrup/etc, how about a separate sachet of 'sprinkle' on top of the cooked porridge? Like granola, chocolate shaves, cheerio?

Thank you for considering me for your sample tasting :)

1. My 4yr old thought it was ok, but he didn't finish it all. My 11yr old had to be persuaded to even try it, but then it's a struggle to get her to eat anything in the morning. She tends to sniff food before tasting it, and I'm afraid it didn't smell very chocolatey at all.

1. If the 11yr old had liked it, then I would buy it, as I've previously said, it's a struggle to get her to eat breakfast at all.

1. I like the package design. It looked traditional. The DC's liked the sachet design, as it promised to be very sweet and chocolatey, unfortunately it didn't taste it!

1. I think if you are to appeal to kids then it needs to be more chocolatey. Unfortunately, they don't buy the shopping, as that might put parents off! I'd also like to know what the natural flavourings are as listed in the ingredients. The sachets are a good idea, so you don't waste a whole box once it's opened.

Thanks for letting us try it.

I wanted to add that I like the idea of using the pack to measure out the milk. Good idea for the bleary-eyed (especially when everyone has something different for breakfast).

I find it needs more liquid and longer to hob cook. You cannae make proper porridge in two minutres!

I may try to make it with water to see if it is less gloopy. I never use milk to make normal porrridge.

1. Not good news. My DC are anti-porridge. I am not sure why, but I think I blame my mother. I thought chocolate porridge might persuade them, but I was wrong. They sniffed it suspiciously, declared it "yuk" and when forced persuaded to try a small bit, did not change that view.

1. I would very much have liked them to have liked it, because it would be hot and filling and set them up for the day, in my view (this could be down to a childhood filled with Ready Brek glow brainwashing). It would also mean an end to explaining to YR teacher that yes, DD did brush her teeth, but then she decided to eat stinky cheese and garlic sausage for breakfast.

1. I like the packaging (cool bear) and actually find the individual packets good as well - I am all in favour of anything which means less chaos left behind as we all tumble out of the house in the morning. I actually already buy the plain version of Oat so Simple for myself.

1. Nope. Sorry. I am out of ideas and have (to the intense relief of my DC) given up on my pro-porridge campaign for the moment.

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(6) refused to try it because he said it smelt funnny. DD (13) thought it was average - not as nice as normal prridge with a bit of jam! Not chocolatey enough for something that calls itself chocolate flavoured.

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? Sachets are handy.

1. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? DS liked the box - DD isn't fussed about packaging a much as content!

1. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)? More chocolatey. They were expecting something chocolatey but were disappointed. Other than that, I wouldn't normally buy something like this - a normal product that has been pre-flavoured. I would prbably be more inclined to just make porridge and add realy chocolate for a change.

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?

Overall my children liked the porridge but didn't love it. We still have some sachets left. We also thought it didn't taste like 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? Its easy to prepare in the morning.

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

The flavour.

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

More flavour maybe chocolate chips added to the mix.

well what can i say, as soon as my children tried this they loved it. they liked it so much they started to want it as a snack as well.

they were not happy when it was all gone, they even asked me to buy some more.

i will defin ately buy this again, and i will be recommending it to my family and friends.

the only down side is measuring the milk in the empty packet, but after the first time we used a jug.

thank you quaker oats for making my kids happy, and thats what this is all about.

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?

only one out of three children liked it, two said it wasn't chocolately enough

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 liked the individual sachets and measuring the milk in the sachet

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

they liked the box and the bear on the box, generally good packaging

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

larger pieces of chocolate rather the powdery chocolate flavouring

Ds3 is still ploughing through the packet.
Like the mixed flavours idea

I liked this product, but my kids were not convinced. We all liked the box, the bear, and the sachets. I liked how easy it was to measure the milk. I liked that I could make it in a cereal. Bowl in the microwave meaning no saucepan to wash.
We received our porridge in the afternoon and my kids were desperate to try it straight away, so we all had some as an afternoon snack. It was not too sweet and we all liked it, but a sachet was far too much for my 2 YR old. The next morning however, they wanted shreddies as usual, so the very mild chocolate flavour was not enough to convert them to porridge.
I will finish the box, but I would not choose it over normal or fruit flavoured porridge.

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 didn't really find it 'chocolately' enough - while used to occasional cocopops etc they didn't think this tasted much different o 'normal porridge' They would prefer normal porridge with a big spoon of nutella.

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?

gets fibre down them. very convienient.

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

LOVe the packaging - like the bear :) love individual sachets for convienience, but concerned about environmental impact (DS12)

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

You really need a good, memorable catchphrase. We remember coco pops because it's so chocolately it turns the milk brown', would you use teh bear in an advertising campaign?

Overall, I'm sorry - not that impressed. My DCs are 12,13 & 16, so your product might be aimed at younger children - alternatively you could market to women along the lines of 'filling, fibre-ful, chocolate fix.' I'd eat mos things if I thought they would fill me up and not make me (too) fat whilst
still tasting of chocolate... I'm sorry I couldn't be more positive. :)

My DD did not eat the porridge unfortunately. She is not talking yet so I can not comment why. I also tried it but I felt it tasted artificial. She is not a huge fan of porridge and prefers cereal and fruit, but I thought it would offer variety for her. As she is still a messy eater I would tend to avoid it as it is mEssier than cereal.
I would try it again but I think I would opt for the non chic flavours maybe fruit flavours would be more suited to her tastes. I had no issues with the packaging but I think it is silly to suggest you can measure the milk in the sachet surely it depends how full /wide the sachet is. I think you should sell a variety pack with different flavours as kids get bored of flavours quickly. To be honest though I think I would buy regular porridge and add jam or fruit or honey or sugar myself.

I was given some sachets from another mumsnetter for DD(2) to try. I have long said that she will eat anything, and I wasn't proven wrong. She even asked for more. In DD's words, it is apparently tasty but it doesn't taste like "toc wot". I, however, thought it tasted pretty foul, sorry.

The main benefits are exactly the same as those for normal porridge, it's filling, and keeps DD charged up for a while. I would probably buy it again if we were going away for a few days, but otherwise it's just as quick and easy to make real porridge for both me and DD.

The packagibg was neither here nor there. DD was quite happy to tel me there was a bear on the box. I didn't like using the sachet for measuring the milk tho, 1st time it wasn't enough milk, 2nd time it was too much. Maybe it would work better if it came in a longer tube shaped sachet, then there would be less variance.

To make it more interesting for DD, I would suggest leaving the chocolate(??) powder out, and maybe adding an extra sachet of chocolate sprinkles/small choc chips. She would love to be able to pour them on and mix them in herself.

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 liked the porridge. Me and DH didn't like the tast but enjoy the normal porridge so had no problems with the texture.

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?

Key reason to buy it would be simply to make and quick but we measured the milk using a jug not in the packet which seemed a bit of a faff!

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

The box was fine not really exciting or new thou. The sachets are handy but DH had to have two for his breakfast as "one wasnt't enough"

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

Agree with other posters adding chunks of "proper" chochlate rather than the powder. Also maybe try a variety pack as I think I would get bored of one type of porridge every day.