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Tweetinat · 29/02/2012 15:30

DS is only 2 so didn't really 'comment' about texture/smell but he only took a mouthful and wouldn't eat any more. He's not a porridge fan anyway and was hoping the promise of 'chocolate' would tempt him, but clearly it wasn't enough. DH on the other hand thought that it smelt artificial, tasted 'ok', but thought that it didn't have enough chocolately bits in and it wasn't very 'mixed' (i.e. pockets of chocolately bits but not elsewhere).

Packets make it easy to control portion size. But tbh I prefer just buying the big packets. For some reason though, DH refuses to make it if it's not in a sachet (we buy the normal oats so simple).

Box and packaging OK. DH felt that the instructions should tell you to shake the packet or stir after pouring into the bowl to distribute the chocolate properly. He also thought you had to pour the milk in and cook it in the packet (!!!) and felt the instructions weren't clear enough. (The microwave wasn't a pretty sight after that one!)

No really.

MumToTiny · 29/02/2012 17:04

Eek! Forgot to add my feedback, sorry!

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 is only 9 months so hasn't made any comments, but he happily ate the small amount that I gave him to try!
I thought that the colour was a bit pale, and I wouldn't have guessed that the product was chocolate flavour by its appearance. It didn't taste chocolatey, or smell like chocolate. However, it didn't taste unpleasant.

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 ability to measure the milk using the packet is convenient, but that's about it - for a product aimed at children, the portion size seems a bit big.

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

Ability to measure milk is good, as mentioned above, outer box makes it obvious that the product is chocolate flavour, and the bright cartoony design looks child friendly.

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 more chocolatey - although I don't buy chocolate cereals for DS, I would buy it for me if it tasted better!

WitchOfEndor · 29/02/2012 17:31

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?

Was less keen on it than his usual porridge (which has banana or fruit puree in), having tasted it myself (as 21 mo DS isn't great with wordy feedback!) I would say it was less chocolatey than I expected, I'm not sure if I blind taste tested it I would really have picked up on the chocolate but there was a strange soapy aftertaste which was disappointing, also didn't look very chocolatey but I suppose if you are trying to go for the healthy breakfast option you don't want to load it up with lots. Just a bit disappointing and I wouldn't buy it again

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?

easy and quick to make, that would be the main reason why I would pick it over normal porridge

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

the packaging was attractive, more geared towards appealing to children than the normal porridge I would buy. The packs seemed small - ok for a young childs breakfast but too small for a teenager

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

More chocolatey/unhealthy unfortunately!

2gorgeousboys · 29/02/2012 17:42

DS2 loves porridge so the idea of chocolate porridge really appealed to him, unfortunately he was not impressed with the texture as it was too runny even though I measured it carefully with the packet as per the instructions. He had 1 mouthful and declared it "deelicious" but had 2 more mouthfulls and decided it was "horrid". I have to say that I thought the serving was small and DS2 (7) would have needed 2 for a decent, filling breakfast. I also thought the chocolate smell was artificial and not tempting at all.

I think that the ease of adding milk and throwing in the microwave would make me buy something like this again and I have actually since purchased the golden syrup version which has gone down very well with both boys. It is good to be able to send them off with a warm, filling slow realease energy breakfast (especially as DS1 is at Secondary school so eats goodness, knows what for lunch!)

I liked the use of the packaging to measure the milk, although I found it too sloppy using the line on the package and had to reduce the amount of milk. DS2 thought the bear was cute but not sure how it fitted in with the porridge?

Both boys like fruity or fruit containing cereals so perhaps porridge oats with fruit would go down well.

Thanks for the opportunity to try and although the chocolate version was not a hit, it has encouraged us to try other flavours and the syrup one is being devoured.

beckyboo232 · 29/02/2012 18:22

My son 4 tested this, we made it on the hob.

I have to say my son was very keen to try this but as son as i Opened the packet he asked what that smell was, I too thought it smelt artificial. The texture seemed kind of gloppy and I had to add some more milk to cool it as it was far too hot. He tried it said it was ok but by the time he was about 1/4 of the way through he didn't want it anymore, too sweet he said and he said it didn't taste of chocolate. He asked for normal porridge instead.
None really. We eat porridge anyway just made with basic oats and milk, sometimes I add dried fruit.
Packaging was great fun and easy to find. Bear very cute :) the sachet idea was impractical with a family size bottle of milk, maybe if you only had a small carton but even then fiddly I gave up and used a jug.
On the whole this was a disaster taste wise, maybe dried fruit etc would be more popular. It needs to taste like chocolate more. Package wise this was great and I will look to see if there are other flavours as ds likes the bear but I would not buy this again and won't use the remaining sachets.

Thanks for letting us sample though.

givemeadvice · 29/02/2012 18:41

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?

DSs both very keen to try. One thought it smelt funny (DS2 - strong sense of smell) the other made lots of yummy sounds! Once made both liked the look of it nd keen to eat. As soon as DS2 took a spoonful he spat it out. He likes his cereal plain (weetabix). DS1 ate it all up and continued to eat it throughout the week. He thinks it is yummy.

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? They don't eat porridge so thought it would be a good way to get them to try. It works for DS1 - the chocolate effect.

What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? Didn't like the pouring into satchet as couldn't leave DS1 to do on his own when milk carton full due to spillages. Too much flaffling around!

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

Add more chocolate bits and it can be a sweet but filling breakfast as opposed to chocolate cereals which they never eat.

Coca · 29/02/2012 19:22

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 was looking forward to trying this but said it tasted too milky and not chocolatey enough. I added extra cocoa next time and she seemed to prefer it.

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

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? The sachets are a good idea. The packaging was too babyish for dd2 (7)

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
Collectable puzzle cards inside the packs. (the dds love anything they can fight over )

notcitrus · 29/02/2012 19:41

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?

Ds (3.5) - it doesn't taste of chocolate. WAAAAH!!!! Dn (3.10) - sniffed at the appearance, ate a couple spoons and didn't want any more. Suspect they were both unnerved by the overwhelming sweetness.

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. Would only buy sachets for using on holiday or something, so this would have to win us over on taste. which it didn't.

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

Liked the little bags, but just as well the 3yos didn't like the porridge as there was about half a bowl of cereal for them in the bags!

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

Make it actually taste of chocolate! They love choco shreddies and choc chip weetabix. and ditch at least half the sugar - it's 14% sugar and about 1% 'flavour' - I note not 'flavoured' with real chocolate. Have since microwaved porridge oats, milk, and leftover Christmas chocolate - much more appreciated and just as simple.

FlamingGallah · 29/02/2012 20:15

Overall- DS (22 months) wouldn't eat more than one spoonful alas. I'd been hoping it would coax him into eating breakfast again as he's gone off it recently. It doesn't taste chocolatey at all to me, and I wasn't impressed initially, but it has kinda grown on me over the week

Benefits- quick, easy, variety; porridge so presumably healthy

Packaging- I'm clearly a lazy moo as I really liked the idea and ease of the sachets. DS loved the bear, it was the best part of the process as far as he was concerned!

Improvements- as almost everyone else has said, make it taste like chocolate!

mamaduckbone · 29/02/2012 21:42

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

DS1 - 6.3yrs declared it delicious but he never really eats sugary / chocolatey cereal so there was definitely a novelty factor. DS2 - 2.7yrs wanted it the first time and said he liked the choccy porridge, but hasn't been bothered about it since.
I had a try and have to say I wasn't impressed at all - the chocolate flavour is quite synthetic and the texture is quite strange - the milk becomes sludgy with the oats suspended in it - obviously the oats have been ground quite fine to make them cook quicker, but I would much rather cook proper porridge even though it takes longer.

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 I suppose - but for the price, and the fact that my ds could easily eat 2 or 3 of the sachets, (he ate 2 weetabix straight after!) I wouldn't bother, even for a treat.

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

The graphics and design of the packaging are quite appealing, but I'm not generally persuaded by such things and my dcs are not yet at an age to be influenced. The idea of pouring the milk into the sachet doesn't really work - easy to spill and hard to judge how much milk needed. And the sachets are too small for my hungry 6 year old.

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

I'm not sure they can! Sorry! Thank you for letting us try to product, but we prefer our 'proper' porridge!

CJMommy · 29/02/2012 21:45

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 (4) was excited to try it! Although he did comment 'chocloate for breakfast mommy?' I think he had 2 spoons before he decided that he didn't like it - mainly because he said it tasted 'funny'. DD (1) ate more but even she didn't eat all I gave her which is unusual for her. DS said he much prefered my porridge (OSS flavoured).
I thought it smelled funny when I opened the box and it apperared a little slimy when I made i up.

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?

Not sure really? I agree with whay some others have said that it's good for them to have something warm to start the day with but tbh, it really didn't taste that nice.

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

The packaging looked 'chocolatey' and is child friendly. The sachets are handy to take away, overnight breaks etc and i like the idea of being able to measure the milk in the sachet.

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. It tasted very artifical and not nice

Thanks for letting us try them. We will probably trythe other flavours too!

Jayteemum · 29/02/2012 22:29

Initially when I opened a packet I saw it was more like proper porridge rather than the mush that is ready brek I thought there was no way my DS who is 7 will want to eat this. However, to my amazement, he said it was dee-licious and even asked for it the next day. He said that even though it didn't look as chocolatey as he thought (not as brown as coco pops for example), it was very tasty When the weather got warmer, he wasn't so keen but I am delighted that he will actually eat porridge now. As for appearance - it looks like the proper porridge that his dad eats so he felt very grown up. My DS who is 9 refused point blank to try but that's because he hates milk even more than he loves chocolate.

I really liked the individual sachets - I can never be bothered to measure properly so this was really idiot-proof. I know that there is a lot of snobbery around breakfast but the fact that this has turned my DS 7 on to porridge far outweighs any concerns about it containing chocolate. I compared the nutritional info against the other cereals (not chocolatey ones!) and was amazed to see that it actually was lower in salt and sugar. I would buy it because it was quick, tasty, healthier and convenient.

My DCs liked the packaging but weren't too fussed. The bear thing is very similar to another brand that I once tried (paw ridge I think) which might cause a bit of confusion but overall, it stood out and was appealing. I have already talked about liking the sachets -after a while though, I reckon that despite being useless in the kitchen, I could work out how much milk to put in and could do half measures for example if I wanted to add fruit, eggs etc to breakfast that day.

Of course - add some gimicky toy to collect, collaborate with George Lucas or Lego or get Jedward to advertise it. It wouldn't make it popular with parents though which might defeat the purpose. Selling it to parents is better because most children won't voluntarily ask for porridge.

Thanks for including us in the trial - I cannot believe that DC 7 now happily eats porridge. I think I'll try the blueberry next although a bit worried about what that would taste like. maybe a mix of flavours in one box?

rosie17 · 01/03/2012 10:45

Well,we've finished the box now. Thumbs up from our older child but our youngest did not like it at all. I had a little taste myself and did not like it. I might consider buying it as a occasional cereal if the porridge grains were bigger and if it was less artificial tasting.

Mrsfluff · 01/03/2012 17:26

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 didn't think it was chocolatey enough. The little bit I tried was rather nondescript. Portion wasn't very generous.

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 benefit is -that it's quick & easy to make - simple enough for older children to do by themselves. I wouldn't buy it though, as I don't think it would be value for money.

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

Design ok, but very big box for the contents.

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 and slightly larger portions.

ScorpionQueen · 01/03/2012 20:25

I've bought some of the other flavours to try. DD1 loves it and was very excited at the thought of golden syrup flavour. I think I'd prefer blueberry...

CarpeJugulum · 02/03/2012 11:21

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?
Sadly, my DS hated it. He's too young to talk and tell me about it, but he tried it (and I gave it to him about 4-5 times, just to check it wasn't a "screw your nose up at everything" day) and each time just spat it straight back out. I also tried it, and I didn't like it much either. Each time I made it, I always needed to add more milk than stated on the packet otherwise it was just stodge. Texture, once more milk was added, was okay, and it smelt and looked fine, but it tasted terrible - the chocolate seemed to be very poor quality and it just didn't work for us as a family.

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 wanted to like this product, but I just can't. The portion size was huge for me - let alone my child, and it was (after looking in the supermarket) more expensive than just buying porridge oats. It only takes me a few more minutes to make a normal bowl of porridge, so really there would be no reason to buy the product.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
The sachets were too big and it was a faff to try to measure the milk into the little sachet. I much prefer being able to judge quantity myself so that DS & I get the correct amount with no waste.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
DS was happy enough to look at the box, but at 17 months, he's a little small for things to be interesting - he just wants to eat it. As stated above, for what the product is - outer packaging is attractive and I would look at it in the supermarket; but having tried it a few times, I wouldn't be buying it.

UpAbovetheStreetsandHouses · 02/03/2012 11:36

dd really did not like the chocolate porridge, she said it was slimy,smelt funny and did not taste of chocolate. She tried it once and refused to try it again. I agree with her to be honest it was'nt very nice.
I really liked the idea of her having a hot nutritious breakfast. I would'nt buy the choc porridge but would try and buy other varieties/flavours.
dd liked the packaging and found measuring the milk in the empty packet easy to use.
The chocolate flavour needs to actually taste of chocolate! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to test this product. The idea of it is great but the product imo does need refining.

Dee007 · 02/03/2012 13:38

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?
On opening i liked the fact that there were more oats than 'chocolate' however the smell was very unappealling. Both DC eat Ready Brek Ds1(13) more than Ds2(5). Ds1 commented on how creamy it looked and tasted. Chocoholic Ds2 thought it was yummy although didn't finish the bowl and hasn't wanted it again. I tasted it and thought it was very sweet.

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 my DC to have something hot before school especially in the winter. The sachets would be a great idea to pack when going on holiday.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why? The sachets are so easy that my Ds1 can make and wants to make this himself so must be a bonus! Although he wasn't impressed with the teddy bear but he is 13. Ds2 on the other hand didn't seem that fussed but notices it on the shelf in the supermarket.

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)? It would make me happier if it didn't have that smell.

Thank you for letting us try this product.

Frontpaw · 02/03/2012 13:40

Shouldn't the ad on site be 'click here for morrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr' not 'mmmmmmmmmore'. It is a bear after all.

curlywurl · 03/03/2012 16:32

My three year old was very excited when chocolate porridge arrived! I don't think he was that thrilled with the taste but has eaten a few bowls just because its chocolate porridge and he is a fussy eater generally. I like the nutritional profile but wouldn't eat it myself though some of the other varieties are nice.

I like the packaging as its all paper and easy to recycle and I do like the measure milk in the packet idea because I would never have a measuring jug that small to hand and wouldn't want to wash it up.

aimingforthesky · 03/03/2012 20:23

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 did not like the taste or appearance-16y old refused to try, 12 yr old
didn'tlike

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?

Natural flavour, easy to make-no extra washing up.I like it!

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

Like the milk measure and recyclable stuff. Picture ok

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

No

kenhallroad · 04/03/2012 08:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Huffpot · 04/03/2012 12:35

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 think my two little boys (18 months and 2.5) must be the exception to the rule as they really like it. They call it bear porridge (after the picture on the box) and demolish it in the morning. The first mouthful they had they said mmmm chocolate and were delighted. The eldest one says "yummy" when he sees me making it in the morning. We've had no problem with texture or anything.

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 fact it gives them something more exciting than bog standard porridge and it is still a good breakfast for them. I would buy the porridge after the test for variety. For me I love the fact that its so quick and easy to make and has turned out perfectly every time I've made it.
I would buy it to take away with us when we are staying at other people's houses as all I need then is milk

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

My boys loved the packaging and were very excited about the bear...they couldn't wait to try it.
I like the individual sachets - the only thing I don't like about them is that the sachet doesn't have a flat bottom so can be difficult to hold it and pour if you have a big bottle of milk and also makes you wonder about the accuracy of measuring the milk as the level changes depending on how the bag is held.

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

Maybe something for them to add after its cooked - such as sprinkles or even dried fruit?

Overall am really impressed with this product. I have tried similar ones before and they were always gloopy and gluggy no matter how I cooked them and my babies refused to eat them - I ended up throwing them away. This one has always come out perfectly and although hot when cooked I make it while they're eating their toast and the temperature is fine by then.

Thank you for the opportunity to test and showing me that not all sachet porridges (after our last encounter) are horrible.

Kittykatzen · 04/03/2012 14:30

15 months old, so too young to comment, but enjoyed touching it and smearing it on his face! Enjoyed taste very much.

Convenience, with good packaging; chocolatey cereal without as much sugar as others

Well designed, liked line to add milk to

Not sure - maybe more texture?

zipzap · 05/03/2012 13:43

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?
Not much sorry - ds1 (6) is a fussy eater and I couldn't even get him to sniff it, despite it being chocolate flavoured - the look of it from a distance put him off. DS2 (3) was so excited about trying it (including helping me to make it) until he got the first spoonful and then wouldn't eat any more . He is usually a pretty unfussy eater - he'll eat semolina or tapioca for pudding at nursery which is more than I would do but couldn't persuade him on this!

I think they were expecting something more chocolatey - it looked more like slightly dirty porridge and it didn't smell very chocolatey hence I think ds2's disappointment. If there had been choc chunks in it, it would have been an easier sell as at least there would have been something that was definitely chocolatey tasting to eat - and if they picked them out they would have had a bit of the porridge on them - and you could have got them to eat bigger and bigger spoonfuls of the porridge with the choc chunks.

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?
Would have said to have a reasonably low gi, long lasting warm breakfast cerea plus uses milk for calcium boost.

Sachets useful for holidays - but more fuss than they are worth for normal days - it's quicker to measure out normal porridge when you are used to doing it and have a little pot that's the right size for a scoop of oats and a couple of refills of water or milk.

3. What did you and your DC(s) like/dislike about the packaging (including the box and the individual sachets)? Why?
Thought the packaging design was nice - appealed to my dc, especially the bear face on the end to ds2 as he could see it peering at him from the worksurface which he liked.

Getting sachets out of the box was a pain - didn't rip very easily to make the hole that I think it was trying to for pulling sachets out (was worried they would rip as they came out). Just a standard opening at the top would be better so I could stick the box in the cupboard without it taking up loads of space as it would if you opened the side and then you ended up with a bigger hole than intended...

Filling the sachets with milk was a fiddle - not least because the band you needed to fill up to was only on one side - holding it up towards me I actually found that it was easier to hold it to see with the line away from you as you could see into the packet to see how much milk was in there and there was enough light behind it that I could still see through the bag to see the line. It was a pain turning the bag around when I was pouring - if the line went all the way around it would be much easier!

4. Do you have any ideas about how Quaker could make the Oat So Simple Kids Porridge more interesting for your DC(s)?
Chocolate chunks to stir into it rather than vague chocolatey flavour throughout.
Stickers (one per sachet?) to have as a reward for eating it - I'm always amazed by the persuasion power of a sticker - with or without some sort of reward chart printed on the box!